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Actemra vs. Kevzara

Actemra (tocilizumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. It treats several inflammatory conditions in children and adults, including rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking IL-6, a chemical released by the immune system that causes inflammation and fever. Actemra (tocilizumab) is given as an injection (either through the veins or under the skin), typically weekly or every few weeks, depending on the condition you're taking it treat. Side effects include a higher risk of infections and headache.

• Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults
• Giant cell arteritis (GCA) - adults
• Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) - adults
• Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) - adults and children 2 years and older
• Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) - adults and children 2 years and older
• Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) - adults and children 2 years and older
• COVID-19 infection - adults and children 2 years and older

• Upper respiratory tract infections (up to 7%)
• Headache (up to 7%)
• High blood pressure (up to 6%)
• Higher liver enzymes (up to 6%)

Note: The side effects you experience might differ depending on why you're taking Actemra (tocilizumab) and whether you're receive it IV or SC.

• Risk of serious infections
• Stomach tears and blockage
• Worsening liver problems and risk of liver failure
• Severe allergic reactions
• Lower white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts
• High cholesterol
• Vaccines

Kevzara (sarilumab) treats certain adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). It can also help treat children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). This medication is a biologic called an interleukin antagonist. It works to lessen inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Kevzara (sarilumab) is an injection that you give under the skin every 2 weeks. Side effects include pain and itchiness at the injection site.

• Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
• Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in adults
• Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children weighing 139 lbs or more

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): When used with a conventional DMARD

• Low white blood cell count (up to 10%)
• High liver enzyme levels (5%)
• Redness at injection site (4-5%)
• Upper respiratory tract infection (3-4%)
• Urinary tract infection (3%)

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR):

• Low white blood cell count (up to 15%)
• Constipation (7%)
• Muscle pain (7%)
• Tiredness (5%)
• Itchy rash (5%)
• Itching at injection site (5%)

Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA):

• Common cold
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Redness at injection site
• Low white blood cell count

• Risk of serious infections
• Abnormal blood test results
• Gut damage
• Allergic reactions
• Avoid getting live vaccines during treatment