Products
Anakinra is marketed as a solution for injection in a prefilled syringe (Kineret). The drug has not yet been approved in many countries.
Structure and properties
Anakinra is a recombinant, nonglycosylated human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. It differs from natural IL-1Ra in having an additional methionine at the N terminus. Anakinra consists of 153 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 17.3 kDa.
Effects
Anakinra (ATC L04AC03) is selectively immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory. The effects are due to competitive inhibition of interleukin-1 (IL-1) binding to the interleukin-1 type I receptor.
Indications
For the treatment of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methotrexate. Other indications:
- Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes.
- Still syndrome
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily at approximately the same time of day.
Contraindications
Anakinra is contraindicated in hypersensitivity and severe renal impairment. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Anakinra should not be administered with TNF-alpha inhibitors because it increases the risk for serious infectious diseases.
Adverse Effects
The most common potential adverse effects include headache and injection site reactions. Anakinra may increase the risk of developing infectious diseases and cause serious infections.
