Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Kineret. It is given as an injection under the skin. Before using it at home, you should demonstrate an injection to your health care provider, so you feel confident. If you still have questions, your doctor or pharmacist can help. Remember to store Kineret in the refrigerator. 

Kineret treats rheumatoid arthritis. It can reduce joint pain and swelling, and may slow down damage to your joints. Kineret also treats symptoms of a condition called NOMID, like fever, rash and joint pain. 

About 1 in 4 patients have a reaction at the injection site, like redness, itching or stinging. To reduce this, let each syringe sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before each dose. Also, place an ice pack on the skin for a few minutes before and after each dose. 

Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, runny nose, or feeling like you have the flu. These are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If these effects become reasons you want to stop taking Kineret, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects can occur. With Kineret, this can include an allergic reaction. You should read the 'Patient Package Insert' for full information. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. 

Kineret can lower your ability to fight infections, so tell your doctor right away if you think you have an infection. This includes small infections, like open cuts and sores, to whole body infections like the flu. 

You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines or getting vaccines. 

For best results with Kineret, work with your doctor on setting your treatment goals.