Taking anakinra can make it more difficult for your body to fight infection. Therefore, people with active infections should not take anakinra. If you have a fever, think you have an infection or have been prescribed an antibiotic, contact your health-care provider. People who have had frequent infections in the past or a history of tuberculosis should discuss the use of anakinra with their health-care provider.
Also contact your health-care provider if you are having surgery as you may need to stop anakinra until you are healed and there is no sign of infection.
Anakinra has not been studied in pregnant women or nursing mothers so its effect(s) on pregnant women or nursing babies are unknown. Anakinra should not be administered to pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the potential risks. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made with your health-care provider on whether or not to discontinue nursing or the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Anyone who has had a previous allergic reaction to anakinra should avoid the medication.
People with a history of cancer or emphysema should discuss the use of anakinra with their health-care provider.
Ideally, your vaccinations should be up to date prior to starting an anakinra. If you have already started therapy with anakinra, your health-care provider will likely recommend most inactive vaccines (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal). Live vaccines are not recommended due to risk of causing infection. Before receiving any vaccinations while taking anakinra, you should speak with your health-care provider.