Kineret and Pregnancy

While the full risks of using Kineret during pregnancy are unknown, the drug is probably safe. In studies, the medication did not cause any problems when it was given to pregnant rats and rabbits. Since animals don't always respond to drugs the same way that humans do, however, talk to you healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking the drug.

If I'm Pregnant, Can I Take Kineret?

Kineret® (anakinra) is a prescription rheumatoid arthritis medication. It is probably safe for pregnant women, although the full risks are not currently known.
 

Kineret and Pregnancy Category B

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
 
In studies, high Kineret doses were given to pregnant rats and rabbits, without causing any problems. However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Kineret during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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