Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Actemra vs. Kevzara

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Actemra (tocilizumab)
    Kevzara (sarilumab)
  • Actemra (tocilizumab)
    Kevzara (sarilumab)

  • Summary of Actemra vs. Kevzara

    Summary for IL-6 receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for IL-6 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Actemra vs. Kevzara

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •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

  • Pros and Cons of Actemra vs. Kevzara

    Pros and Const for IL-6 receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Typically given every 1 to 4 weeks
    •Can be used in children age 2 years and older (for some conditions)
    •Comes as a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy at-home injections under the skin
    Cons
    •Needs to be given by an injection only
    •Can cause liver problems
    •Raises your risk for infections because it weakens your immune system
    Pros and Const for IL-6 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Given once every 2 weeks
    •Can inject the medication at home after your care team shows you how to do it yourself
    •An option for adults who haven't gotten better with other RA medications
    •An option for adults with PMR who've already tried steroids
    Cons
    •Must inject the medication under the skin
    •Raises the risk of infection
    •Will need occasional lab testing to check for some side effects
    •Not recommended for people with liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Actemra vs. Kevzara

    Common Side Effects for
    •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.

    Common Side Effects for

    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

  • Warnings of Actemra vs. Kevzara

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Actemra vs. Kevzara

    Learn more about Actemra
    Learn more about Kevzara

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Orencia vs ActemraRinvoq vs ActemraRituxan vs ActemraEntyvio vs RinvoqEticovo vs RinvoqOlumiant vs RinvoqOrencia vs EnbrelOrencia vs HumiraOrencia vs RemicadeOrencia vs RinvoqOrencia vs RituxanOrencia vs XeljanzRemicade vs RinvoqRinvoq vs CibinqoRinvoq vs CimziaRinvoq vs CosentyxRinvoq vs DupixentRinvoq vs EnbrelRinvoq vs HumiraRinvoq vs OtezlaRinvoq vs SimponiRinvoq vs SkyriziRinvoq vs XeljanzRinvoq vs ZeposiaRituxan vs CytoxanRituxan vs LeukeranRituxan vs RemicadeRituxan vs TysabriStelara vs RinvoqVelsipity vs Rinvoq
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.