anakinra at a glance
Medicine class
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist
Administration
Injection under the skin using a single-use pre-filled syringe; training is required before home use
Storage
Keep refrigerated and protected from light; do not freeze or return to the refrigerator after room-temperature storage
Important precaution
It can increase susceptibility to serious infection and reduce neutrophil counts
What is anakinra used for?
UK-licensed uses represented by the selected product include:
Rheumatoid arthritis in adults, combined with methotrexate when methotrexate alone has not controlled symptoms adequately
Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, including NOMID/CINCA, Muckle–Wells syndrome and familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome
Familial Mediterranean fever, with colchicine where appropriate
Still’s disease, including systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still’s disease, in eligible adults and children
How does anakinra work?
Anakinra is a recombinant form of the body’s interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. It competes for the interleukin-1 receptor, reducing signals from interleukin-1 alpha and beta that drive fever, joint inflammation and other inflammatory features.
anakinra preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 mg
How to take anakinra
Anakinra is injected under the skin using the supplied graduated pre-filled syringe. Use it exactly as prescribed and do not self-inject until a healthcare professional has provided training.
Keep the syringe refrigerated, protected from light and never frozen.
Allow it to reach room temperature naturally before injection; do not shake, microwave or place it in hot water.
Check that the solution is clear and colourless to white. Small translucent-to-white protein particles can be acceptable, but do not use a cloudy or discoloured solution.
Rotate between suitable injection areas to reduce soreness.
Use each syringe once and safely discard the syringe and any unused solution.
anakinra side effects
Common or expected effects
- Redness, swelling, bruising, pain or itching at the injection site
- Headache
- Raised blood cholesterol on testing
- Reduced neutrophil or platelet counts
- Infections
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious infection, including pneumonia or skin infection
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis or angioedema
- A widespread rash with fever or enlarged lymph nodes, which may indicate DRESS
- Liver inflammation or significant liver injury
- Severe reduction in blood cells
anakinra in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited, and the product information advises avoiding anakinra as a precaution. UK rheumatology guidance states that it may be considered when no pregnancy-compatible alternative can control severe disease. Planning or confirmed pregnancy should be discussed promptly with the specialist team rather than stopping treatment without advice.
anakinra while breastfeeding
The product information advises stopping breastfeeding because transfer into human milk and risk to the infant are uncertain. UK rheumatology guidance considers anakinra compatible with breastfeeding when clinically required. A specialist should assess the treatment need and the infant’s circumstances before a decision is made.
anakinra interactions
Tell the specialist team about all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products. Important considerations include:
TNF-alpha inhibitors, including etanercept
Concurrent use is not recommended because it increases serious infection and neutropenia without demonstrated added benefit.
Live vaccines
Live vaccines should not be given during anakinra treatment because safety and transmission risks have not been established.
Narrow-therapeutic-index CYP450 substrates, including warfarin and phenytoin
Control of inflammation may alter their metabolism, so clinical effect or blood concentrations may need monitoring when anakinra is started or stopped.
Common questions about anakinra
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is anakinra a biologic medicine?
Yes. It is a recombinant protein that acts like the body’s natural interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
Which conditions is anakinra licensed to treat in the UK?
The selected product is licensed for specified cases of rheumatoid arthritis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, familial Mediterranean fever and Still’s disease.
Can I inject anakinra myself?
Self-injection may be possible after a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has provided practical training. Do not attempt it without training.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.