Kineret May Help Ease the Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis

What the Research Shows

In clinical studies, 38% of patients who received Kineret for six months experienced less swelling and pain, compared with 22% who were given a placebo. The FDA points out that the effects of Kineret are modest. In comparison, 66% of patients given etanercept (Enbrel) or infliximab (Remicade), two drugs presently available for RA patients, showed improvement in their conditions. These two drugs also work by inhibiting protein action, but they block a different protein—tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

Some positive effects occurred within four weeks of beginning Kineret therapy, while most were seen after 13 weeks.

Kineret is given once a day as an injection. The main side effect of this drug is mild redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site. In addition, because Kineret suppresses the immune system, it carries with it a small risk of serious infection. During research trials, 2% of patients taking Kineret and 1% of those given the placebo developed a serious infection.

Not for Everyone

Kineret is not indicated for all people with RA. In the following cases, talk to your doctor about the safety of taking Kineret:

• If you have a fever, or suspect you have an infection
• Do not take Kineret if you are taking etanercept (Enbrel) or infliximab (Remicade); these drugs also increase the risk of infection.
• If you have asthma
• If you are allergic to proteins made from bacteria cells