We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Anakinra?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,959
Share

Anakinra is a drug prescribed to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Although it helps alleviate pain, inflammation, and redness, it is not a cure for this disease. This type of medication is called an interleukin antagonist, and works by interfering with a protein, called interleukin, that leads to damage of the joints. Patients inject it using prefilled syringes, as it is not available in pill form.

This arthritis drug is typically given once daily, at the same time each day, injected into either the stomach or the outer thigh. If another person is administering it, he may inject it into the buttocks or the back of the arms. Before administering anakinra, the patient should examine the syringe. If the contents appear foamy, he should allow the syringe to sit until it clears. Medication in syringes that appears cloudy, discolored, or as if something is floating within it should never be used.

The doctor should demonstrate how to properly inject the anakinra. First, the patient must cleanse the area of skin with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry. The cover of the needle may be removed by twisting and pulling it. It is essential that the patient not touch the needle or allow it to touch anything else.

To inject anakinra, the patient should grasp the syringe with one hand and pinch up the cleansed area of skin. This section of skin should be away from any visible veins. The needle should be inserted nto the skin at least halfway, at about a 45 to 90 degree angle and should be administered with a quick motion.

After inserting the needle, the patient may release the fold of skin, keeping the needle inserted. He must then push down on the plunger to completely empty the contents of the syringe. After removing the needle, he may then apply a square of dry gauze to the skin, followed by a bandage. The syringe must be disposed of in a puncture-proof container.

Patients may expect some side effects from the use of anakinra, which may include stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Headache and a runny nose may also occur. In addition, redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site have been reported. Serious side effects from anakinra warrant a doctor's immediate attention. Symptoms such as a rash, fever, and chills are rare. Flu-like symptoms, chest pain, and coughing may occur infrequently.

Before using anakinra, patients should inform the prescribing physician about any other medication they take. This includes over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbal supplements. They should also disclose any other medical conditions they have. While using this drug, patients should not receive live vaccinations, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-anakinra.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.