Anakinra
Anakinra is a recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist that blocks the activity of IL-1 alpha and beta, reducing inflammatory responses in the body. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and adult-onset Still's disease.
Anakinra is an IL-1 inhibitor injection used for rheumatoid arthritis, CAPS, and other inflammatory conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AC03
- RxNorm
- 72435
- Generic
- Anakinra
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Kineret
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if clearly needed; consider discontinuation if pregnancy confirmed
routine prenatal care with fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
consider discontinuing before delivery due to potential effects on neonatal immune system
fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal immune function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid anakinra due to unknown excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for signs of infection or immune suppression
pediatric_age
children 2 17 yearsweight-based dosing
approved for CAPS and Still's disease; pediatric dosing is 1-2 mg/kg daily subcutaneously
regular monitoring of blood counts and infection signs
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment
use with caution due to increased infection risk; monitor closely for neutropenia
regular CBC monitoring and infection surveillance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for CrCl 30-80 mL/min
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to alternate day dosing
consider reducing dose for CrCl less than 30 mL/min; monitor drug levels if available
close monitoring of renal function and drug tolerability
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific recommendation
limited data; use with caution
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
not recommended due to limited safety data
close monitoring if use is unavoidable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Anakinra (Kineret)
Drug class
Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
Primary indications
Main therapeutic indications for Anakinra
Route of administration
Method of drug delivery
Treats rheumatoid arthritis (as monotherapy or with DMARDs), cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) including NOMID, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), adult-onset Still's disease, and acute gout flares when conventional therapies are unsuitable.
Recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) that competitively blocks IL-1 alpha and beta from binding to the interleukin-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI), preventing downstream inflammatory signaling cascades.
Administered as daily subcutaneous injection. Increases infection risk; contraindicated with active infection. Common side effects include injection site reactions and headache. May cause neutropenia requiring blood monitoring. Not typically combined with TNF inhibitors due to additive immunosuppression risk.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy