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Anakinra (Kineret)
Available:
100 mg pre-filled syringe
Dose:
100 mg daily subcutaneous injection
Cost: 28
syringes = $1,105.97
Side
effects: Injection site reactions
are the most common side effect. This medication may also
suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible
to infection. Rarely, decreases in white blood cell counts
have been observed.
Monitoring:
Blood counts every 1-3 months while starting therapy, then
periodically thereafter
Important
points to know: This medication has been studied in
combination with TNF antagonists and resulted in an increased
rate of infections and no benefit compared to either drug
alone. Notify your provider if any fever or other signs of
infection occur. This drug may require up to 3 months to take
effect. Injection site reactions can be managed with steroid
ointments or antihistamines and typically decrease in severity
with continued use of this medication.
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