EDU: BRM's - Kineret

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http://www.kineretrx.com/patient/kineret_ra/how_kineret_works.jsp

This is the official web site for Kineret. Please click on the link above for

more details and information on this drug.

Kineret® is a medicine that is prescribed by a doctor to help manage the

pain and swelling symptoms associated with moderate to severely active

rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a kind of medicine known as a biological

response modifier (BRM) and is usually prescribed after treatment with one or

more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have failed to effectively

manage the signs and symptoms.

A specific protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1) is produced by the body when part

of it becomes inflamed and the immune system responds. Because RA is an

inflammatory disease, production of IL-1 along with other mediators can be

increased. Too much IL-1 can lead to additional pain, swelling, and stiffness of

the joints. Kineret® is a synthetic form of a protein that naturally occurs in

the body called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Kineret® can help

manage the excess levels of IL-1 in the body.

Only the patient and doctor can determine how well Kineret® is working for each

case of RA. The time it takes to see improvement in symptoms varies from person

to person. In clinical studies, most patients saw their arthritis symptoms

improve in about 12 weeks after starting Kineret® treatment.

Kineret® is supplied in single-use, prefilled glass syringes that are designed

to be used with the SimpleJect® Auto-Injector System. Each syringe contains 100

mg of the medication, and it should be stored in the refrigerator at 36° to

46°F. It should not be shaken, frozen, or exposed to sunlight for extended

periods of time. During travel, it is crucial to store Kineret® at the correct

temperature. A complimentary travel cooler can be obtained by calling

1-866-KINERET (1-).

Kineret® is designed to be injected by the patient or caregiver every day. It is

important to receive appropriate instruction from your health care provider. It

is best if the injection occurs at the same time of day every day (every 24

hours). It is important not to use Kineret® if it has passed the expiration date

printed on the carton. Each dose should be checked for discoloration or

contamination (particles in the solution) before being used. Only one dose

should be administered per day. If only a partial dose is administered, the

unused portion should be discarded and a new dose should be injected the next

day. The Kineret® needle cover contain latex. Patients allergic to latex should

talk to their health care provider before using Kineret®.

http://arthritis.about.com/cs/druggen/a/arthdrugoptions_2.htm

Biologic Response Modifiers (BRMs) stimulate or restore the ability of the

immune system to fight disease or infection. BRMs are drugs derived from living

sources as opposed to being synthesized chemicals.

http://www.remedyfind.com/newsletter_archives/Feb_05_Arthritis%20Rheumatoid.html

Prescription Medications : Kineret (Anakinra)Kineret (Anakinra) is a newly

approved (U.S. FDA November 2001) biological response modifier medication (also

known as BRM or biologic agent) for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Anakinra works by

targeting immune system chemicals known as cytokines, which are proteins similar

to hormones and which cause the inflammation and joint destruction seen in RA.

Anakinra blocks a specific type of cytokine called Interleukin-1 or IL-1 (other

BRM’s like Etanercept and Infliximab target another cytokine called “tumor

necrosis factor” or “TNF”).

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a cell protein that acts as a " chemical messenger "

causing inflammation and tissue damage. Usually, IL-1 is a natural part of the

immune system’s attempt to fight off infections. However, in RA patients, there

is a persistent activation of the immune system, which leads to an overabundance

of proteins like IL-1 that create structural damage and inflammation. In

controlled clinical trials, Anakinra provided significant clinical improvement

and slowed radiographic disease progression in patients with active RA.

Moreover, addition of Anakinra to existing Methotrexate treatment significantly

reduced signs and symptoms of active disease.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19440 & rd=1

This is big news in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. You see, anakinra

(Kineret) is a new type of biological response modifier (BRM) for treating this

disease. Thus, anakinra (Kineret) acts by blocking the biological effects of the

chemical messenger, Interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 is a protein that is produced by

many cells in the body. It is found, however, in increased amounts within joints

that are inflamed by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, IL-1 promotes the

inflammation and destruction of cartilage and bone in rheumatoid arthritis.

Accordingly, this BRM, like the traditional DMARDS, can prevent progressive

joint destruction. This link also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of

Kineret versus other drugs.

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sails.

May you have enough happiness to make you kind, enough trials to make you

strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.

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