Kineret® (anakinra) is indicated for the reduction in signs and
symptoms and slowing the progression of structural damage in moderately to severely
active rheumatoid arthritis, in patients 18 years of age or older who have failed 1
or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Kineret® can
be used alone or in combination with DMARDs other than tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking agents.
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 a patient develops
an infection, however most patients can continue taking Kineret® after their infection resolves.
Kineret® should not be used with TNF-blocking agents such as etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab.
A 7% rate of serious infections was observed in a 24-week study of concurrent administration of Kineret®
and etanercept. Kineret® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to E coli-derived
proteins, Kineret®, or any components of the product. The most common side effect in clinical trials
was injection site reaction, which was usually mild and characterized by redness, swelling, and pain.
