Drug Reference

Anakinra

Interleukin inhibitors

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Fact box

Therapeutic class
Interleukin inhibitors
Action class
Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist
Mechanism
Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonists
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Kineret

Available as

0.67 ML · Prefilled Syringe

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE KINERET is an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist indicated for: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) 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) ( 1.1 ) Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) Treatment of Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID) ( 1.2 ) Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) Treatment of Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Active Rheumatoid Arthritis KINERET is indicated for the reduction in signs and symptoms and slowing the progression of structural damage in moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 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 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. 1.2 Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) KINERET is indicated for the treatment of Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID). 1.3 Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) KINERET is indicated for the treatment of Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA)
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action KINERET blocks the biologic activity of IL-1 alpha and beta by competitively inhibiting IL-1 binding to the interleukin-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI), which is expressed in a wide variety of tissues and organs. IL-1 production is induced in response to inflammatory stimuli and mediates various physiologic responses including inflammatory and immunological responses. IL-1 has a broad range of activities including cartilage degradation by its induction of the rapid loss of proteoglycans, as well as stimulation of bone resorption. The levels of the naturally occurring IL-1Ra in synovium and synovial fluid from RA patients are not sufficient to compete with the elevated amount of locally produced IL-1. Spontaneous mutations in the CIAS1/NLRP3 gene have been identified in a majority of patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes such as NOMID. CIAS1/NLRP3 encodes for cryopyrin, a component of the inflammasome. The activated inflammasome results in proteolytic maturation and secretion of IL-1β, which has an important role in the systemic inflammation and manifestations of NOMID. DIRA is an autosomal recessive monogenic autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the IL1RN gene leading to loss of secretion of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). The deficiency of IL-1Ra results in unopposed IL-1α and IL-1β pro-inflammatory signaling causing systemic inflammation with skin and bone involvement.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) The recommended dose of KINERET for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is 100 mg/day administered daily by subcutaneous injection. The dose should be administered at approximately the same time every day ( 2.1 ) Physicians should consider a dose of 100 mg of KINERET administered every other day for RA patients who have severe renal insufficiency or end stage renal disease (defined as creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, as estimated from serum creatinine levels) ( 2.4 ) Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) The recommended starting dose of KINERET is 1-2 mg/kg daily for NOMID patients. The dose can be individually adjusted to a maximum of 8 mg/kg daily to control active inflammation. ( 2.2 ) Physicians should consider administration of the prescribed KINERET dose every other day for NOMID patients who have severe renal insufficiency or end stage renal disease (defined as creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, as estimated from serum creatinine levels) ( 2.4 ) Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) The recommended starting dose of KINERET is 1-2 mg/kg daily for patients with DIRA. The dose can be individually adjusted to a maximum of 8 mg/kg daily to control active inflammation. ( 2.3 ) Physicians should consider administration of the prescribed KINERET dose every other day for patients with DIRA who have severe renal insufficiency or end stage renal disease (defined as creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, as estimated from serum creatinine levels) ( 2.4 ) See full prescribing information for administration instructions ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Active Rheumatoid Arthritis The recommended dose of KINERET for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is 100 mg/day administered daily by subcutaneous injection. Higher doses did not result in a higher response. The dose should be administered at approximately the same time every day. 2.2 Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) The recommended starting dose of KINERET is 1-2 mg/kg for NOMID patients. The dose can be individually adjusted to a maximum of 8 mg/kg daily to control active inflammation. Adjust doses in 0.5 to 1 mg/kg increments. Once daily administration is generally recommended, but the dose may be split into twice daily administrations. Each syringe is intended for a single use. A new syringe must be used for each dose. Any unused portion after each dose should be discarded. 2.3 Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) The recommended starting dose of KINERET is 1-2 mg/kg daily for patients with DIRA. The dose can be individually adjusted to a maximum of 8 mg/kg daily to control active inflammation. Adjust doses in 0.5 to 1 mg/kg increments. Each syringe is intended for a single use. A new syringe must be used for each dose. Any unused portion after each dose should be discarded. 2.4 Renal Impairment Physicians should consider administration of the prescribed dose of KINERET every other day for patients who have severe renal insufficiency or end stage renal disease (defined as creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, as estimated from serum creatinine levels) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 2.5 Administration Instructions on appropriate use should be given by the healthcare provider to the patient or caregiver. Patients or caregivers should not be allowed to administer KINERET until the patient or caregiver has demonstrated a thorough understanding of procedures and an ability to inject the product correctly. The prescribed dose of KINERET should be administered according to the instructions for use and any unused portions discarded. After administration of KINERET it is essential to follow the proper procedure for disposal of syringes and any residual drug. Recommend patients to rotate their injection sites to reduce the risk of injection site reactions and injection site amyloid deposits [see Warnings and precautions ( 5.5 )] .
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) are injection site reaction, worsening of rheumatoid arthritis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, nausea, diarrhea, sinusitis, arthralgia, flu like-symptoms, and abdominal pain ( 6.1 ) NOMID The most common AEs during the first 6 months of treatment (incidence > 10%) are injection site reaction, headache, vomiting, arthralgia, pyrexia, and nasopharyngitis ( 6.2 ) DIRA The most common AEs are upper respiratory tract infections, rash, pyrexia, influenza like illness, and gastroenteritis ( 6.3 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Swedish Orphan Biovitrum at 1-866-547-0644 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience in RA The most serious adverse reactions were: Serious Infections – [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Neutropenia, particularly when used in combination with TNF blocking agents The most common adverse reaction with KINERET is injection-site reactions. These reactions were the most common reason for withdrawing from studies. The data described herein reflect exposure to KINERET in 3025 patients, including 2124 exposed for at least 6 months and 884 exposed for at least one year. Studies 1 and 4 used the recommended dose of 100 mg per day. The patients studied were representative of the general population of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Injection-site Reactions The most common and consistently reported treatment-related adverse event associated with KINERET is injection-site reaction (ISR). In Studies 1 and 4, 71% of patients developed an ISR, which was typically reported within the first 4 weeks of therapy. The majority of ISRs were reported as mild (72.6% mild, 24.1% moderate and 3.2% severe). The ISRs typically lasted for 14 to 28 days and were characterized by 1 or more of the following: erythema, ecchymosis, inflammation, and pain. Injection-site Reactions The most common and consistently reported treatment-related adverse event associated with KINERET is injection-site reaction (ISR). In Studies 1 and 4, 71% of patients developed an ISR, which was typically reported within the first 4 weeks of therapy. The majority of ISRs were reported as mild (72.6% mild, 24.1% moderate and 3.2% severe). The ISRs typically lasted for 14 to 28 days and were characterized by 1 or more of the following: erythema, ecchymosis, inflammation, and pain. Injection-site Reactions The most common and consistently reported treatment-related adverse event associated with KINERET is injection-site reaction (ISR). In Studies 1 and 4, 71% of patients developed an ISR, which was typically reported within the first 4 weeks of therapy. The majority of ISRs were reported as mild (72.6% mild, 24.1% moderate and 3.2% severe). The ISRs typically lasted for 14 to 28 days and were characterized by 1 or more of the following: erythema, ecchymosis, inflammation, and pain. Infections In Studies 1 and 4 combined, the incidence of infection was 39% in the KINERET-treated patients and 37% in placebo-treated patients during the first 6 months of blinded treatment. The incidence of serious infections in Studies 1 and 4 was 2% in KINERET-treated patients and 1% in patients receiving placebo over 6 months. The incidence of serious infection over 1 year was 3% in KINERET-treated patients and 2% in patients receiving placebo. These infections consisted primarily of bacterial events such as cellulitis, pneumonia, and bone and joint infections. Majority of patients (73%) continued on study drug after the infection resolved. No serious opportunistic infections were reported. Patients with asthma appeared to be at higher risk of developing

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from retrospective studies and case reports on KINERET use in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or maternal and fetal adverse events. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with active rheumatoid arthritis or Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS). In animal reproduction studies, subcutaneous administration of anakinra to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis demonstrated no evidence of fetal harm at doses up to 25 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Published data suggest the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis or CAPS is associated with increased disease activity. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (<2500 grams), and small for gestational age at birth. Data Human Data The available data from retrospective studies and case reports of anakinra-exposed pregnancies have not identified an increased frequency or pattern of birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. An international multi-center retrospective study of pregnancy outcomes with interleukin-1 inhibitors reported on 23 anakinra-exposed pregnancies. There were 21 live births of healthy infants, 1 miscarriage, and 1 infant with left renal agenesis. The estimated background rate of detected renal malformations is 0.2-2% of all newborns. Another retrospective study reported on 10 anakinra-exposed pregnancies in women with CAPS. There were 9 live births, 1 miscarriage, and 1 fetal demise in a twin pregnancy. The surviving twin was born healthy. Overall, these data cannot definitively establish or exclude any anakinra-associated risks during pregnancy. Methodological limitations of these data include small sample size and the inability to control for confounders such as the timing of drug exposure, underlying maternal disease, and concomitant medication use. Animal Data Animal reproduction stu
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of anakinra in either human or animal milk or the effects on milk production.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyConsult your doctor
…KINERET administered every other day for RA patients who have severe renal insufficiency or end stage renal disease (defined as creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, as estimated from serum creatinine levels) ( 2.4 ) Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) The…
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS In RA, discontinue use if serious infection develops. In KINERET-treated NOMID or DIRA patients, the risk of a disease flare when discontinuing KINERET treatment should be weighed against the potential risk of continued treatment. Do not initiate KINERET in patients with active infections. ( 5.1 ) Use in combination with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocking agents is not recommended ( 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema, and serious cutaneous reactions including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) can occur; discontinue KINERET, treat promptly, and monitor until reaction resolves. Patients with DIRA may have an increased risk of allergic reactions, particularly in the first several weeks after starting KINERET treatment ( 5.3 ) The impact of treatment with KINERET on active and/or chronic infections and the development of malignancies is not known ( 5.4 ) Recommend patients to rotate injection sites to reduce the risk of injection site amyloid deposits ( 5.5 ) Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with KINERET ( 5.6 ) Neutrophil counts should be assessed prior to initiating KINERET treatment, and while receiving KINERET, monthly for 3 months, and thereafter quarterly for a period up to 1 year ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Serious Infections KINERET has been associated with an increased incidence of serious infections (2%) vs. Placebo (< 1%) in clinical trials in RA. Administration of KINERET in RA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection. In KINERET treated NOMID and DIRA patients the risk of a disease flare when discontinuing KINERET treatment should be weighed against the potential risk of continued treatment. Treatment with KINERET should not be initiated in patients with active infections. The safety and efficacy of KINERET in immunosuppressed patients or in patients with chronic infections have not been evaluated. Drugs that affect the immune system by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been associated with an increased risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis (TB). It is possible that taking drugs such as KINERET that blocks IL-1 increases the risk of TB or other atypical or opportunistic infections. Health care providers should follow current CDC guidelines both to evaluate for and to treat possible latent tuberculosis infections before initiating therapy with KINERET. 5.2 Use with TNF Blocking Agents In a 24-week study of concurrent KINERET and etanercept therapy in RA patients, the rate of serious infections in the combination arm (7%) was higher than with etanercept alone (0%). The combination of KINERET and etanercept did not result in higher ACR response rates compared to etanercept alone [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Use of KINERET in combination with TNF blocking agents is not recommended. 5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema, have been reported with KINERET. Serious cutaneous reactions, including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), have been reported in patients with autoinflammatory conditions treated with KINERET. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately discontinue KINERET; treat promptly and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. KINERET is the recombinant form of IL-1Ra that DIRA patients are lacking. Patients with DIRA may have an increased risk of allergic reactions, particularly in the first several weeks after starting KINERET treatment. Patients should be closely monitored during this time period. If a severe allergic reaction occurs, appropriate treatment should be initiated and discontinuation of KINERET should be considered. 5.4 Immunosuppression The impact of treatment with KINERET on active and/or chronic infections and the development of malignancies is not known [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . 5.5 Amyloidosis Post-marketing cases of injection site amyloid d
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS KINERET is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to E coli -derived proteins, KINERET, or any components of the product [see Hypersensitivity Reactions ( 5.3 )] . Known hypersensitivity to E coli -derived proteins, Kineret, or to any component of the product. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID) The NOMID study included 36 pediatric patients: 13 below 2 years, 18 between 2 and 11 years, and 5 between 12 and 17 years of age. A subcutaneous KINERET starting dose of 1–2 mg/kg/day was administered in all age groups. An average maintenance dose of 3–4 mg/kg/day was adequate to maintain clinical response throughout the study irrespective of age but a higher dose was, on occasion, required in severely affected patients. The prefilled syringe does not allow doses lower than 20 mg to be administered. Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) The study in DIRA patients included 9 pediatric patients (ages 1 month to 9 years at start of KINERET treatment). Most patients received a starting dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Doses up to 7.5 mg/kg/day were given. The prefilled syringe does not allow doses lower than 20 mg to be administered. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) The safety and effectiveness of KINERET in the treatment of pediatric patients with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) have not been established. KINERET was studied in a single randomized, blinded multi-center trial in 86 patients with polyarticular course JRA; ages 2-17 years receiving a dose of 1 mg/kg subcutaneously daily, up to a maximum dose of 100 mg. The 50 patients who achieved a clinical response after a 12-week open-label run-in were randomized to KINERET (25 patients) or placebo (25 patients), administered daily for an additional 16 weeks. A subset of these patients continued open-label treatment with KINERET for up to 1 year in a companion extension study. An adverse event profile similar to that seen in adult RA patients was observed in these studies. These study data are insufficient to demonstrate efficacy and, therefore, KINERET is not recommended for pediatric use in JRA.

Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID) The NOMID study included 36 pediatric patients: 13 below 2 years, 18 between 2 and 11 years, and 5 between 12 and 17 years of age. A subcutaneous KINERET starting dose of 1–2 mg/kg/day was administered in all age groups. An average maintenance dose of 3–4 mg/kg/day was adequate to maintain clinical response throughout the study irrespective of age but a higher dose was, on occasion, required in severely affected patients. The prefilled syringe does not allow doses lower than 20 mg to be administered.

Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) The study in DIRA patients included 9 pediatric patients (ages 1 month to 9 years at start of KINERET treatment). Most patients received a starting dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Doses up to 7.5 mg/kg/day were given. The prefilled syringe does not allow doses lower than 20 mg to be administered.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) The safety and effectiveness of KINERET in the treatment of pediatric patients with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) have not been established. KINERET was studied in a single random

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No drug-drug interaction studies in human subjects have been conducted. Toxicologic and toxicokinetic studies in rats did not demonstrate any alterations in the clearance or toxicologic profile of either methotrexate or KINERET when the two agents were administered together. A higher rate of serious infections has been observed in RA patients treated with concurrent KINERET and etanercept therapy than in patients treated with etanercept alone. Use of KINERET in combination with TNF blocking agents is not recommended ( 7 ) 7.1 TNF Blocking Agents A higher rate of serious infections has been observed in patients treated with concurrent KINERET and etanercept therapy than in patients treated with etanercept alone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Two percent of patients treated concurrently with KINERET and etanercept developed neutropenia (ANC < 1 x 10 9 /L). Use of KINERET in combination with TNF blocking agents is not recommended.
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE There have been no cases of overdose reported with KINERET in clinical trials of RA or NOMID. In sepsis trials no serious toxicities attributed to KINERET were seen when administered at mean calculated doses of up to 35 times those given patients with RA over a 72-hour treatment period.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

2 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.