Kevzara
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.
What is Kevzara (sarilumab)?
What is Kevzara (sarilumab) used 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
How Kevzara (sarilumab) works
Kevzara (sarilumab) is a type of monoclonal antibody called an interleukin antagonist. It works by blocking a protein in your immune system called interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 plays a key role in causing inflammation in your joints.
By blocking IL-6, Kevzara (sarilumab) helps lower inflammation and relieve symptoms like joint swelling and pain.
Drug facts
More on Kevzara (sarilumab) essentials
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): 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
Less Common Side Effects
RA:
- Itchiness at injection site
- High triglyceride levels
PMR:
- High cholesterol levels
- High triglyceride levels
- Low platelet count
Kevzara (sarilumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infection: fever, trouble breathing, cough, weakness, sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, burning when you urinate, urinating more often
- Gut damage (perforation): fever, chills, stomach pain that won't go away, sudden and severe stomach pain, stomach swelling or bloating, nausea, vomiting
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
The following Kevzara (sarilumab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
- Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Pros and cons of Kevzara (sarilumab)
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
Pharmacist tips for Kevzara (sarilumab)
- Inject Kevzara (sarilumab) once every 2 weeks. Put reminders on your calendar or phone to help you remember when your injections are.
- The area might get sore, red, or itchy within a couple hours after each injection. This local reaction usually goes away in a day or so. But you can hold an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the area for a few minutes to help. Tell your care team if the reaction doesn't go away or gets worse.
- Kevzara (sarilumab) can raise your risk of a serious or life-threatening infection. Get medical help right away if you notice signs of infection. This can includefever, chills, weakness, sweating, cough, or trouble breathing. Your care team can make sure you get treated for an infection. If it's serious, you might have to stop Kevzara (sarilumab) so your body can fully recover from it.
- Before getting any vaccines, tell the healthcare professional that you're taking Kevzara (sarilumab). They can make sure the vaccine is safe for you. Avoid live vaccines during treatment. This medication can raise your risk of getting sick with the infection the vaccine is meant to prevent.
Tips on how to use Kevzara (sarilumab):
- Your care team will show you how to use and inject Kevzara (sarilumab) before you can do it by yourself at home. Carefully review the instructions for use. Adults can use either the prefilled syringe or pen. Children can only use the prefilled syringe. If you have any questions, ask your care team or pharmacist.
- How to store Kevzara (sarilumab): Keep the medication in its original carton to protect it from light. Put the cartons in the refrigerator, but don't let the medication freeze. You can keep the medication at room temperature (up to 77ºF) for up to 14 days if needed (like for short trips). Once it's at room temperature, don't put it back in the refrigerator.
- Before each Kevzara (sarilumab) injection: Take the medication out of the refrigerator and lay it on a flat surface to warm up to room temperature. This takes at least 30 minutes for prefilled syringes and 60 minutes for prefilled pens. Don't try to warm it up any other way. Make sure the liquid medication is clear and colorless to pale yellow before using. It also might have some air bubbles in it, which is normal.
- Where to inject Kevzara (sarilumab): Inject the medication under the skin into the fatty tissue between your skin and muscle. Inject into either the top of your thigh or at your stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button). You can also ask someone to help inject the medication into the back of your upper arm. Avoid areas that are scarred, tender, bruised, or damaged. Switch between injection areas each time to avoid skin irritation.
- How to inject Kevzara (sarilumab) using the prefilled syringe: Pull off the needle cap (don't put it back on). Gently pinch a fold of skin where you'll inject. With your other hand, insert the needle into the skin at a 45-degree angle. Slowly push the plunger all the way down until the syringe is empty. Then, pull the needle out at the same angle you inserted it.
- How to inject Kevzara (sarilumab) using the prefilled pen (adults only): Take off the orange cap when you're ready to inject. Place the yellow needle cover flat on your skin at a 90-degree angle with the pen window facing you. Press down and hold the pen firmly against your skin. You'll hear a click when the injection starts and another when it's done (about 15 seconds in between). Make sure the window is fully yellow before lifting the pen off your skin.
- After each Kevzara (sarilumab) injection: Throw away used syringes or pens in a sharps container. You can also use a heavy-duty plastic container, like an empty laundry detergent bottle. Don't throw away syringes or pens in the regular trash. These tips help keep you and others safe from getting stuck by a needle.
Common questions about Kevzara (sarilumab)
How long it takes for Kevzara (sarilumab) to work depends on what condition you're using it to treat. Some adults with RA can have symptom improvement within 2 weeks when taking Kevzara (sarilumab) with methotrexate. But in general, it can take up to 3 months or longer for those with RA or PMR to see full benefits. Everyone's experience with the medication can be different. Keep taking Kevzara (sarilumab) even if you don't feel better right away. Follow up with your prescriber about your symptoms and how the medication is working for you.
There isn't a set amount of time you need to take Kevzara (sarilumab) for PMR. You'll probably keep taking it as long as it helps your symptoms and you don't have serious side effects. In studies, people took the medication for up to a year. Ask your prescriber if you have questions about how long you need to take Kevzara (sarilumab).
In studies, people taking Kevzara (sarilumab) didn't report hair loss as a side effect. Keep in mind that hair loss can be a side effect of other medications you might be taking (like for RA). It can also be a symptom of the autoimmune condition itself (like with RA). Talk to your primary care provider if you notice hair loss while taking this medication. They can help figure out what might be causing this hair loss.
Kevzara (sarilumab) doesn't seem to cause weight gain. In studies, people taking this medication report gaining weight. If you notice unusual weight gain, talk to your primary care provider. They can help figure out what's causing it and share tips on how to manage your weight.
How long Kevzara (sarilumab) stays in your system depends on your dose and how long you've been taking it. After you've been taking the medication for a while, it usually takes about a month or so for most of it to leave your body after a dose. This estimate is based on the medication's half-life. Even though it stays in the body for a good amount of time, it's important to keep injecting your dose every 2 weeks. This helps keep the medication level high enough in your body so it can work well to treat your condition.
No, Kevzara (sarilumab) isn't a steroid. Instead, it's a type of biologic medication called an interleukin antagonist. Both steroids and interleukin antagonists work to lessen inflammation in the body. But they work in different ways to do this.
Some people consider Kevzara (sarilumab) an immunosuppressant. It works by blocking certain proteins in your immune system to lower inflammation. This helps treat certain inflammatory health problems. But by making the immune system less active, it can also put you at risk of infections. Watch for signs of infection, like fever, chills, and weakness. If you notice these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional to see if you have an infection and need treatment.
You can keep Kevzara (sarilumab) out of the fridge for up to 14 days. Be sure the temperature doesn't go above 77ºF though. 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 in a sharps container.
How to save using GoodRx
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 of serious infections
- Risk factors: Active, chronic, or recurrent infection | History of serious infections | 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
Kevzara (sarilumab) can make it harder for your body to fight off germs. This can raise your risk of serious infections, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. It might also make old infections, like tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B, come back.
Before starting Kevzara (sarilumab), tell your prescriber about your medical history and any medications you take. Make sure they know about any current or past infections and conditions that raise your risk of infections. Let them know about any medications that can weaken your immune system. You'll also get tested for TB and hepatitis B and might get treated for these first if needed.
Go to urgent care right away if you notice signs of infection while taking Kevzara (sarilumab). Watch for fever, chills, sweating, weakness, cough, trouble breathing, or unusual diarrhea. If you get a serious infection, you might need to stop Kevzara (sarilumab) so your body can fight it.
Abnormal blood test results
Some people taking Kevzara (sarilumab) have had changes in their blood cell counts, liver enzyme levels, and cholesterol levels. Your prescriber will order blood tests for you every so often while you take this medication. This helps check for side effects and keep you safe.
Some people can have a low white blood cell count. This can put you at risk of serious infections. Although rare, others also had a low platelet count. This could make it easier to bleed, though this didn't happen often in studies. If your blood counts drop too low, you might need to stop taking Kevzara (sarilumab). Call your prescriber right away if you have any signs of infection, like fevers, chills, tiredness, and coughing. To be safe, also tell them if you notice that you start to bleed or bruise more easily.
Kevzara (sarilumab) can temporarily raise your liver enzyme levels. The risk can be higher if you also take other medications that might harm the liver. Kevzara (sarilumab) can also raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Gut damage
- Risk factors: History of stomach problems | Taking steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by mouth
In studies, some people taking Kevzara (sarilumab) had damage to the wall of their gut, usually as a result of other gut problems. The risk might be higher if you also take steroids or NSAIDs.
Before starting Kevzara (sarilumab), tell your prescriber if you've ever had gut problems. During treatment, let your care team know right away if you have new symptoms of stomach problems. Watch for sudden severe stomach pain, swelling or bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to Kevzara (sarilumab) can happen. Most times, people had a rash at the injection site, a general rash, or hives. But some reactions can be life-threatening, like facial swelling, trouble breathing, or anaphylaxis.
Get medical help right away if you notice rash, hives, dizziness, a choking feeling, or trouble breathing after using Kevzara (sarilumab). Also get help right away if you have swelling around your eyes or swollen lips or tongue. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Avoid getting live vaccines during treatment
A good way to avoid certain infections is to make sure you're up to date with your vaccinations. Talk to your care team about which vaccines you should get before starting Kevzara (sarilumab).
Once you begin treatment, avoid getting any live vaccines. These include MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and Varivax (varicella or chickenpox). It also includes FluMist (the nasal spray flu vaccine). Kevzara (sarilumab) affects your immune system. Getting a live vaccine could raise your risk of getting the infection it's meant to prevent.
Kevzara (sarilumab) dosage
Typical dosage for Kevzara (sarilumab)
The typical dose is 200 mg injected under the skin once every 2 weeks.
Your prescriber might lower your dose if you have side effects, like low blood cell counts or high liver enzyme levels.
What are alternatives to Kevzara (sarilumab)?
Moderate-to-severe inflammatory conditions in which other treatments haven't worked:
News about Kevzara (sarilumab)
Kevzara (sarilumab) images
