Interleukin-1
		Cytokines may be an important part of the promotion and perpetuation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis.1,2 When part of the body becomes inflamed the immune system responds by producing cytokines. The cytokine known as interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a specific inflammatory mediator that is produced in areas of inflammation. Because rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes inflammation, production of IL-1 is increased beyond normal levels.3,4 Interleukin-1 is a biological response by the immune system to inflammation, but an overabundance of the chemical in the afflicted area actually perpetuates the inflammation.5 The presence of IL-1 in the area of the pannus induces production of osteclasts that further exacerbate the inflammation.6 Increased levels of IL-1 in synovial tissue have also been associated with greater attrition of bone and cartilage.7,8 In this way, too much IL-1 leads to additional pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints and may play a major role in the destructive process of RA.9,10 References   1 Klippel JH. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 12th ed. Atlanta, Ga: Arthritis Foundation; 2001:213. 2 The Critical Role of IL-1. Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Amgen; 2000:1 3 Klippel JH. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 12th ed. Atlanta, Ga: Arthritis Foundation; 2001:216. 4 Kineret® (anakinra) Prescribing Information, Amgen. 5 Kineret® (anakinra) Prescribing Information, Amgen. 6 The Critical Role of IL-1. Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Amgen; 2000:1 7 Klippel JH. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 12th ed. Atlanta, Ga: Arthritis Foundation; 2001:216. 8 The Critical Role of IL-1. Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Amgen; 2000:1 9 Kineret® (anakinra) Prescribing Information, Amgen. 10 Weinblatt ME. The Arthritis Action Program: An Integrated Plan of Traditional and Complementary Therapies. NY: Simon & Schuster; 2000:157-158;161.   ABOUT KINERET® ABOUT IL-1 PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES REIMBURSEMENT IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION GLOSSARY
	Kineret® (anakinra) is indicated for the reduction in signs and symptoms and slowing the progression of structural damage in moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, in patients 18 years of age or older who have failed 1 or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Kineret® can be used alone or in combination with DMARDs other than tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking agents. 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 a patient develops an infection, however most patients can continue taking Kineret® after their infection resolves. Kineret® should not be used with TNF-blocking agents such as etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab. A 7% rate of serious infections was observed in a 24-week study of concurrent administration of Kineret® and etanercept. Kineret® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to E coli-derived proteins, Kineret®, or any components of the product. The most common side effect in clinical trials was injection site reaction, 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. health care professionals only.