Actemra vs. Kevzara for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Actemra

(tocilizumab)

Kevzara

(sarilumab)

Summary for Actemra

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.

Indications for Actemra

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

Pros and Cons for Actemra

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

Common Side Effects for Actemra

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.

Warnings for Actemra

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

Summary for Kevzara

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 for Kevzara

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 for Kevzara

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 for Kevzara

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 for Kevzara

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

Actemra1 vial / 4ml of 20mg/ml

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Kevzara1 carton / 2 syringes of 200mg/1.14ml

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Actemra vs. Kevzara

Actemra

Kevzara

Summary for Actemra

Indications for Actemra

Pros and Cons for Actemra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Actemra

Warnings for Actemra

Summary for Kevzara

Indications for Kevzara

Pros and Cons for Kevzara

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kevzara

Warnings for Kevzara

Prices with our coupons for Actemra vs. Kevzara

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

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Actemra

Kevzara

Summary for Actemra

Indications for Actemra

Pros and Cons for Actemra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Actemra

Warnings for Actemra

Summary for Kevzara

Indications for Kevzara

Pros and Cons for Kevzara

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kevzara

Warnings for Kevzara