Managing Side Effects of Kineret: A Guide
Kineret, a brand-name prescription medication, is commonly used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in adults and children, and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID) in adults and children. The active ingredient in Kineret is anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor blocker.
While Kineret can provide significant relief for RA symptoms, it's essential to be aware of its potential long-term risks and side effects.
One of the main concerns with long-term Kineret use is the increased risk of serious infections. Patients on long-term anakinra may develop serious infections, and treatment should be discontinued if such infections occur. Approximately 3% of patients in clinical studies developed neutropenia, a condition characterised by a low white blood cell count, which can further increase infection risk.
Another potential long-term risk is neutropenia. Dose adjustments are recommended for patients with severe renal impairment, as anakinra is renally eliminated. Studies up to 24 weeks did not show unexpected accumulation, but longer-term data, particularly in NOMID patients treated for years, show stable drug levels at steady state.
As it blocks interleukin-1, long-term use may affect immune function overall, increasing susceptibility to infections. Caution is advised when using Kineret with other biologics, as combining it with agents like TNF blockers increases infection risk without added benefit and is generally not recommended.
Children may be at higher risk of infection while taking Kineret. Common side effects of Kineret in people with deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include upper respiratory infection, skin rash, fever, flu-like symptoms, and stomach flu.
If you develop an open sore or symptoms of an infection while you're taking Kineret, contact your doctor immediately. Serious infections such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia have been reported in clinical trials of Kineret.
It's important to avoid receiving a live vaccine while taking Kineret. Examples of live vaccines include the MMR vaccine and yellow fever vaccine.
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If you have questions about Kineret and pregnancy, talk with your doctor. It's not known whether it's safe to take Kineret while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Reactions at the injection site are a common side effect of Kineret, and they are usually mild. Kineret is administered as a prefilled syringe for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
In conclusion, the main potential long-term risks of Kineret (anakinra) in rheumatoid arthritis patients are serious infections and neutropenia due to its immunosuppressive effects, especially when combined with other immunosuppressive drugs. Monitoring for infection signs, blood cell counts, and renal function is important in long-term anakinra therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Always consult with your doctor for personalised advice and guidance.
- Deciders should be aware that long-term use of Kineret, a medication for treating active rheumatoid arthritis, increases the risk of serious infections, especially for patients using it alongside other immunosuppressive drugs.
- Frequent blood cell count monitoring is recommended in long-term Kineret therapy, as the drug can potentially lead to a condition called neutropenia, characterized by a low white blood cell count, which might further increase the risk of serious infections.
- As Kineret blocks interleukin-1, prolonged use may impact overall immune function, making the patient more susceptible to various infections.
- Long-term Kineret use may pose higher infection risks for children, and common side effects in such cases can include upper respiratory infection, skin rash, fever, flu-like symptoms, and stomach flu.
