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Kevzara Coupon - Kevzara 2 syringes of 200mg/1.14ml carton

Kevzara

sarilumab
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Kevzara (sarilumab) is a medication that's used for inflammatory problems called rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). It's an injection under the skin (subcutaneous or subQ) that can be given at home after you receive instructions from your healthcare provider on how to properly administer the medication. The dose is typically given once every 2 weeks. Side effects include pain and itchiness at the injection site.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 10, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Kevzara (sarilumab)?

What is Kevzara (sarilumab) used for?

How Kevzara (sarilumab) works

Kevzara (sarilumab) is a monoclonal antibody that's called an interleukin-6 inhibitor. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a protein in your body that plays a key role in causing inflammation in your joints, leading to symptoms like joint swelling and pain. By blocking IL-6, Kevzara (sarilumab) lowers inflammation and helps relieve symptoms.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsKevzara
Drug ClassIL-6 inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Kevzara (sarilumab) essentials

Kevzara: Kevzara product on red background CourtesyofRegeneron 2400

How Long Does Kevzara Take to Work? Plus, Answers to 6 Other Kevzara FAQs

Written by Mandeep Sohal, PharmD
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Kevzara (sarilumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
  • Low white blood cell count (7-10%)
  • 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 (7-15%)
  • Constipation (7%)
  • Muscle pain (7%)
  • Itching at injection site (5%)
Note: Side effects were reported for people with RA taking Kevzara (sarilumab) with other RA medications.

Other Side Effects

  • Fatigue
  • Itchy rash
  • High triglycerides (fats)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious infections: fever, difficulty breathing, cough, weakness, sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, burning when you urinate, urinating more frequently
  • Tears in the stomach (perforation): fever, chills, stomach pain that won't go away, sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach swelling or bloating
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Kevzara (sarilumab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Given once every 2 weeks

Can inject the medication at home yourself after you get trained on how to use it properly

Good option if you haven't had improvement with other RA medications or with steroids for PMR

thumbs-down

Cons

Needs to be given as an injection under the skin

Raises the risk of infection

Requires occasional lab testing

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Kevzara (sarilumab)

pharmacist

  • Kevzara (sarilumab) can raise your risk of getting a serious or life-threatening infection. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of an infection (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, chills) while you're taking Kevzara (sarilumab). You might have to stop taking Kevzara (sarilumab) so your body can fight and fully recover from the infection.

    • Avoid getting live vaccines while you're taking Kevzara (sarilumab) since it's not known how your body will respond to it during treatment. Before getting any vaccines, let your provider or pharmacist know that you're taking Kevzara (sarilumab). Talk to them if you're not sure whether you can receive the vaccine.

      Tips on how to use Kevzara (sarilumab):

      • You should receive training from your provider or pharmacist on how to inject Kevzara (sarilumab) safely and properly. Carefully review the instructions for use for the prefilled pen or syringe (whichever one you have). Contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

        • Keep Kevzara (sarilumab) in the original carton to protect it from light. Place the cartons in the refrigerator. If you're traveling and don't have access to a refrigerator, you can keep the medication at room temperature for up to 14 days. Once it's been out at room temperature, don't place the medication back in the refrigerator.

          • Before it's time for your dose, take the medication out of the refrigerator, and lay it on a flat surface to warm up. This will take about 30 minutes for the prefilled syringe and 60 minutes for the prefilled pen. Don't try to warm up the medication any other way.

            • Look at the liquid inside the syringe or pen to make sure it's clear to a slightly yellow color. It also might have some air bubbles in it, which is normal. But it shouldn't have any particles (solid chunks) floating around in it. Don't use the medication if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has particles. Instead, call your provider or pharmacist for a replacement.

              • Inject Kevzara (sarilumab) into the fatty part of the skin either on top of your thigh or at your stomach (at least 2 inches away from the belly button). You can also ask someone to help inject the medication into the fatty part of the skin at the back of your upper arm. Don't inject into skin that's scarred, tender, bruised, or damaged. Be sure to switch between injection areas to avoid pain.

                • After injecting the medication, throw away the Kevzara (sarilumab) syringe or pen in a sharps container or something made of heavy-duty plastic, such as an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. This helps lower the risk of needle-stick injuries. Don't throw away needles or syringes in your trash can. For guidance on how to throw away your sharps container safely for your specific state, visit the FDA's website.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Kevzara (sarilumab)

                  Does Kevzara (sarilumab) cause hair loss?
                  Hair loss wasn't a side effect reported by people using Kevzara (sarilumab) in clinical trials. This is unlike some other medications that are used for RA. Keep in mind that hair loss can be a symptom of RA too. Speak with your provider if you notice hair loss while you're taking Kevzara (sarilumab) so they can examine possible causes.
                  Does Kevzara (sarilumab) cause weight gain?
                  Kevzara (sarilumab) doesn't appear to cause weight changes. In clinical studies, people taking Kevzara (sarilumab) didn't report weight gain or weight loss. Speak with your provider if you experience unusual weight changes while you're taking Kevzara (sarilumab).
                  How long does it take for Kevzara (sarilumab) to work?
                  Studies show that some people with RA can feel pain relief within 2 weeks of starting Kevzara (sarilumab) treatment with methotrexate, but it can take up to 3 months for other people. Keep in mind that everyone's experience with the medication can be different, depending on your condition.
                  How is Kevzara (sarilumab) administered?
                  Kevzara (sarilumab) is given as an injection under the skin into the fat tissue between your skin and muscle. You can inject the medication under the skin of your upper thighs or stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button). You can also have someone help inject the medication into the fatty area at the back of your upper arm. Never inject the medication into your muscle or vein. To lower the risk of bruising and skin irritation, choose a different area to inject than the last time you used the medication. Don't inject into an area of skin that's tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred.
                  Is Kevzara (sarilumab) a biologic?
                  Yes, Kevzara (sarilumab) is considered a biologic medication. Biologics are medications that are made from living sources, like cells, in the lab. Kevzara (sarilumab) is a protein that's made from cells. This lab-made protein helps block inflammation in your body to relieve symptoms of RA and PMR.
                  How long can Kevzara (sarilumab) be out of the fridge?
                  Kevzara (sarilumab) can be out of the fridge for up to 14 days. Once the medication has been out at room temperature, don't place it back in the refrigerator. After 14 days at room temperature, throw the medication away.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Kevzara (sarilumab)?

                  Kevzara (sarilumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Serious infections

                  • Risk factors: Active, chronic, or recurrent infection | Age 65 years and older | Having other conditions that raise your risk of infection | Living in or traveling to places with high rates of TB or fungal infections | Taking medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., steroids, methotrexate)

                    Kevzara (sarilumab) can affect your body's ability to fight off infections. This raises your risk of serious and sometimes life-threatening bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Treatment with Kevzara (sarilumab) can also cause new or old tuberculosis (TB) infections to come back. Similarly, the medication can reactivate (wake up) the hepatitis B virus (HBV) if you're a carrier of the virus. For these reasons, you'll need to get tested for both TB and HBV before starting Kevzara (sarilumab) and get treatment if you test positive (meaning you're infected with TB or HBV).

                    Tell your provider about your medical conditions and medications so they can make sure Kevzara (sarilumab) is safe for you. Go to the hospital right away to get examined for an infection if you develop fever, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, or chills while taking Kevzara (sarilumab). You might have to stop taking Kevzara (sarilumab) so your body can fight the infection.

                    risk-warning

                    Abnormal blood test results

                    People taking Kevzara (sarilumab) have reported having low blood cell counts. This can raise the risk of serious infections, bleeding, and anemia. If your blood counts drop too low, you'll probably need to stop taking Kevzara (sarilumab). Contact your provider right away if you develop any signs of infection (e.g., fever, tiredness, chills, cough, trouble breathing). Also call your provider if you notice signs of blood problems (pale skin, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, blood in your urine or stool).

                    Kevzara (sarilumab) can also raise your cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver function tests.

                    Your provider will order blood tests for you every so often throughout treatment to monitor your lab values. This makes sure Kevzara (sarilumab) isn't harming you.

                    risk-warning

                    Stomach tears and bowel problems

                    • Risk factors: History of stomach problems | Taking oral (by mouth) steroids or NSAIDs

                      In clinical studies, some people taking Kevzara (sarilumab) had stomach problems, including infection, inflammation, or a tear in the wall of the gut. Some of these problems can be dangerous and can require hospitalization. Before starting Kevzara (sarilumab), let your provider know if you have a history of bowel or gut-related problems. Some symptoms to notify your provider about right away include sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach swelling or bloating, fever, and chills.

                      risk-warning

                      Allergic reactions

                      Allergic reactions to Kevzara (sarilumab) are possible. Most common reactions reported were rash at the injection site, a general rash, and hives. But allergic reactions can also include life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice rash, hives, dizziness, a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, swelling around your eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue after using Kevzara (sarilumab).

                      risk-warning

                      Avoid getting live vaccines during treatment

                      A good way to avoid certain infections is to make sure that you're up to date on your vaccinations. Talk to your provider about what vaccines you need before starting Kevzara (sarilumab). Once you start treatment with Kevzara (sarilumab), you'll need to avoid live vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine, nasal spray version of the flu vaccine, and the Varivax (varicella) vaccine. It's not clear how safe it is to get live vaccines while you're taking Kevzara (sarilumab).

                      dosage

                      Kevzara (sarilumab) dosage forms

                      Typical dosing for Kevzara (sarilumab)

                      The typical dose is 200 mg injected under the skin once every 2 weeks.

                      Your provider might lower your dose based on your lab test results (e.g., blood cell counts, liver tests) and whether you're having side effects (e.g., infections).

                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Kevzara (sarilumab)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Kevzara (sarilumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Kevzara (sarilumab)
                      Used for:
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                      Enbrel (etanercept)
                      Used for:

                      • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

                      • Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

                      • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

                      • Childhood arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)

                      $7207.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
                      Used for:
                      $6243.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                      Kevzara (sarilumab) images

                      yellow - KEVZARA 200mg / 1.14mL Prefilled Syringe Solution for Injection
                      This medicine is Yellow Carton.yellow - KEVZARA 200mg / 1.14mL Prefilled Syringe Solution for Injection
                      yellow - KEVZARA 200mg / 1.14mL Pre-Filled Pen Solution for Injection
                      This medicine is Yellow Carton.yellow - KEVZARA 200mg / 1.14mL Pre-Filled Pen Solution for Injection

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Arthritis medications and hair loss.

                      Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Polymyalgia rheumatica.

                      Chan, K. (2023). Polymyalgia rheumatica. American College of Rheumatology.

                      View All References (6)

                      Genovese, M. C., et al. (2015). Sarilumab plus methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response to methotrexate: Results of a phase III study. Arthritis and Rheumatology.

                      Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). How-tos and tips for injecting Kevzara.

                      Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). You’ve just started Kevzara. So what’s ahead?

                      sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. (2023). Kevzara- sarilumab injection, solution [package insert].  DailyMed.

                      U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Safely using sharps (needles and syringes) at home, at work and on travel.

                      Yip, R.M.L., et al. (2021). Role of interleukin 6 inhibitors in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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