All medications
Biologics
Anakinra
Brand names: Kineret
A short-acting IL-1 blocker used for autoinflammatory diseases and difficult gout.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Adult-onset Still’s disease, recurrent pericarditis, periodic fever syndromes and, off-label, gout or pseudogout flares.
How it works
It blocks the IL-1 receptor, shutting down one of the most powerful fever and inflammation signals.
How it’s taken
A daily injection under the skin.
Side effects
Injection-site reactions are common early on. Also infections and low white counts.
Monitoring
Blood counts and kidney function.
Good to know
Its short action means it clears quickly if it needs to be stopped.
At a glance
Class
Biologics
Brand names
Kineret
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.