What you need to know about the Anakinra vaccine

Your body's immune system is like an army that protects a country. The army's job is to protect us by fighting off foreign germs and diseases. But sometimes this system gets a little confused and can't recognize who the foreign enemies are or what parts of your own body are. Then it starts attacking your own body's cells. That's when diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, which cause swollen, stiff, and unbearable pain, develop. So, today we're talking about a special medicine that calms down and controls an overactive immune system. That's the Anakinra vaccine.

Simply put, what is this Anakinra?

Anakinra is a vaccine that you can inject yourself under the skin. It is most commonly sold under the name `Kineret`.

This medicine is mainly used for:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: A condition that causes swelling and pain in the joints in adults.
• Other Inflammatory Conditions: For example, this medicine is also given to control rare but serious conditions that occur in newborns, such as ``Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID)`` and ``Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA)``.

Simply put, this medicine works by slightly controlling the overactivity of your immune system and reducing the damage it causes to the body.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is a very important part. Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have asthma .
• If you have or have had cancer .
• If there are other problems with the immune system .
• If you have an untreated infection , for example, tuberculosis (TB), fungal, bacterial, or viral infection.
• If you have kidney disease .
• If your blood tests show low white blood cell levels .
• If you have recently received a vaccine or are planning to receive one soon.
• If you have an allergic reaction to Anakinra, other medications, foods, or dyes.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.

How should I use the medicine?

This is an injection that is injected under the skin. Your doctor or nurse will usually show you how to inject it yourself. It is very important to take the correct dose, at the correct time, and at the same time every day. You should continue to use it until your doctor tells you to stop.

What if the dosage of the medicine increases?

If you think you may have taken more medicine than prescribed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Because Anakinra is a drug that affects the immune system, it can be dangerous to take it with certain other medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all vitamins, herbal products, and other medications you are taking.

Things to consider when taking the medicine

• Regular monitoring: Your doctor will check you regularly while you are taking this medicine. He or she may also order blood work . Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before starting this medication. If you are prescribed medication for it, you must start taking it before starting Anakinra and take it for the full prescribed period.
• Risk of infection: This medicine reduces the activity of the immune system, so you are at a higher risk of developing infections. Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, wounds that do not heal, or pain when urinating, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. It is also a good idea to avoid places where people are sick.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Anakinra can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.

How to store the medicine?

• Store in the refrigerator , but never in the freezer.
• Do not shake the medicine.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep the vaccine in its original packaging away from light until it is time to receive it.
• Throw away expired medications. Ask your doctor how to dispose of them safely.

Anakinra, Kineret, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, immune system, medicine side effects, Sinhala medical article