How Kineret® Works
		Kineret® is a medicine that is prescribed by a doctor to help manage the pain and swelling symptoms associated with moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a kind of medicine known as a biological response modifier (BRM) and is usually prescribed after treatment with one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have failed to effectively manage the signs and symptoms. A specific protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1) is produced by the body when part of it becomes inflamed and the immune system responds. Because RA is an inflammatory disease, production of IL-1 along with other mediators can be increased. Too much IL-1 can lead to additional pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. Kineret® is a synthetic form of a protein that naturally occurs in the body called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Kineret® can help manage the excess levels of IL-1 in the body. Only the patient and doctor can determine how well Kineret® is working for each case of RA. The time it takes to see improvement in symptoms varies from person to person. In clinical studies, most patients saw their arthritis symptoms improve in about 12 weeks after starting Kineret® treatment. Kineret® is supplied in single-use, prefilled glass syringes. Each syringe contains 100 mg of the medication, and it should be stored in the refrigerator at 36° to 46°F. It should not be shaken, frozen, or exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. During travel, it is crucial to store Kineret® at the correct temperature. Kineret® is designed to be injected by the patient or caregiver every day. It is important to receive appropriate instruction from your health care provider. It is best if the injection occurs at the same time of day every day (every 24 hours). It is important not to use Kineret® if it has passed the expiration date printed on the carton. Each dose should be checked for discoloration or contamination (particles in the solution) before being used. Only one dose should be administered per day. If only a partial dose is administered, the unused portion should be discarded and a new dose should be injected the next day. The Kineret® needle cover contain latex. Patients allergic to latex should talk to their health care provider before using Kineret®.   RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS KINERET® AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DIET & EXERCISE REIMBURSEMENT IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION
	Kineret® is a medicine that is used to reduce the pain and swelling associated with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis. Kineret® is a man-made protein that is similar to a naturally occurring protein called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) found in the body. Kineret® is for use by patients eighteen years of age or older and for patients who have not responded to treatment with other agents called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDS. Kineret® can be used by itself or in combination with DMARDS. Kineret® should not be used with medicines called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocking agents such as ENBREL® (etanercept), Humira™ (adalimumab), or Remicade® (infliximab). In clinical trials there was a risk of serious infections (2% in Kineret® patients vs. less than 1% in placebo patients). Kineret® should be discontinued if you develop an infection, however most often you can continue taking Kineret® after your infection resolves. You should not use Kineret® if you are taking TNF-blocking agents, such as etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab, unless your doctor has told you to do so. If you use Kineret® with etanercept, adalimumab, or infliximab you may increase your risk of getting a serious infection. Kineret® should not be used if you know you are hypersensitive to E coli-derived proteins, Kineret®, or any ingredient of the product. The most common side effect in clinical trials was a reaction at the site of injection, which was usually mild and characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. Biovitrum.com | Site Map © 2008 Biovitrum AB (publ). All rights reserved. This site is intended for U.S. audiences only.