Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis
		In order to properly treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is first necessary to identify that something is wrong. Potential patients must recognize that if one or more joints are painful or not functioning properly, they should consult a physician so then can begin the process of correctly diagnosing the condition. Medical History. Accurate and careful communication between patient and doctor regarding symptoms is crucial to help obtain a useful medical history. The doctor will use this information to help create a preliminary evaluation of the condition. Physical Examination. The doctor may perform a thorough and complete examination, which may include the patient's reflexes, muscle strength, joints, and skin. Laboratory Tests. A common test is for the presence of the rheumatoid factor (RF), an antibody that is often present in the blood of RA patients. Additional tests may include a measure of the patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to determine the amount of inflammation in the body. Red blood cell and platelet count may also be taken to help determine if the patient is suffering from anemia. X-Rays. X-rays are helpful for identifying the progression of joint damage.   RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS KINERET® AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DIET & EXERCISE REIMBURSEMENT IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION
	Kineret® is a medicine that is used to reduce the pain and swelling associated with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis. Kineret® is a man-made protein that is similar to a naturally occurring protein called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) found in the body. Kineret® is for use by patients eighteen years of age or older and for patients who have not responded to treatment with other agents called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDS. Kineret® can be used by itself or in combination with DMARDS. Kineret® should not be used with medicines called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocking agents such as ENBREL® (etanercept), Humira™ (adalimumab), or Remicade® (infliximab). In clinical trials there was a risk of serious infections (2% in Kineret® patients vs. less than 1% in placebo patients). Kineret® should be discontinued if you develop an infection, however most often you can continue taking Kineret® after your infection resolves. You should not use Kineret® if you are taking TNF-blocking agents, such as etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab, unless your doctor has told you to do so. If you use Kineret® with etanercept, adalimumab, or infliximab you may increase your risk of getting a serious infection. Kineret® should not be used if you know you are hypersensitive to E coli-derived proteins, Kineret®, or any ingredient of the product. The most common side effect in clinical trials was a reaction at the site of injection, which was usually mild and characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. Amgen.com | Site Map © 2008 Amgen. All rights reserved. This site is intended for U.S. audiences only.