Uses
What is Kevzara used for?
Kevzara (sarilumab) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- A condition called polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
- A specific type of arthritis that occurs in children, called polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA)
Kevzara may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Kevzara work (mechanism of action)?
Kevzara blocks a substance in the body called interleukin-6 (IL-6) from working. People with certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica, have too much IL-6 activity. This can cause swelling (inflammation) in different parts of the body. Blocking IL-6 from working can decrease the swelling that causes these conditions.
How is Kevzara supplied (dosage forms)?
Kevzara is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).
- 150 mg/1.14 mL solution for injection, pre-filled pen and pre-filled syringe
- 200 mg/1.14 mL solution for injection, pre-filled pen and pre-filled syringe
How should I store Kevzara?
Kevzara should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not shake or freeze the medicine.
Kevzara can be stored at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 14 days, if needed. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it cannot be placed back into the refrigerator. If it is not used within 14 days of being stored at room temperature, it should be thrown away.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Kevzara?
The most common side effects of Kevzara are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- High levels of an enzyme (ALT) that is made by the liver
- Kidney and bladder infection
- Blood disorders (see below)
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
There may be other side effects of Kevzara that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Kevzara?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Kevzara are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Kevzara may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Kevzara and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Blood Disorders. Kevzara can cause blood disorders, such as low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (neutropenia and leukopenia). Keep all appointments so that your healthcare provider can monitor your blood work. Stop using Kevzara and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Wounds that do not heal
Cancer. A small number of people who used Kevzara and other drugs similar to Kevzara have developed cancer. It is not clear if Kevzara increases the risk for cancer. Let your healthcare provider know if you or your family has a history of cancer.
Infection. Kevzara can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. It can also make current infections worse. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Feeling very tired
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
- Weight loss
High Cholesterol Levels. Kevzara can cause changes in your lipid levels, such as high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your lipid levels after you start using Kevzara.
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Kevzara. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after a person recovers from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is a “latent” microbe. Kevzara may increase your risk of reactivating a latent microbe, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Kevzara, let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, or any other serious infections.
Stomach Bleeding. Kevzara can increase your risk of tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of a condition called diverticulitis or if you take certain other medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Black or tarry poop
- Stomach pain that does not go away or is severe
- Fever
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Kevzara?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Kevzara.
- Kevzara
- Sarilumab
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Kevzara.
What should I know about Kevzara before using it?
Do not use Kevzara unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Kevzara with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Kevzara out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Kevzara. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Kevzara?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Kevzara is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Stomach problems, including diverticulitis or ulcers
- HIV/AIDS
- History of a fungal infection, such as histoplasmosis
- History of tuberculosis (TB)
- Liver problems, including a history of hepatitis
- Upcoming surgery
- Weak immune system
Risk for Infection. Before starting Kevzara, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any serious infections you have had in the past as well as any infections you have currently. You should also let your healthcare provider know if you have any of the following issues that might increase your chance of having an infection.
- A current infection
- Get a lot of infections or have infections that come back
- Been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis (TB)
- Living in, have lived in, or traveled to countries where there is a risk for TB
- Living in or traveled to the Ohio or Mississippi River valleys or the Southwest United States
Other Medicines and Supplements. Kevzara should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using Kevzara, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Vaccines. Let your healthcare provider know if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. There are certain vaccines (live vaccines) that you should not receive either right before receiving Kevzara or once you have started using Kevzara. Your healthcare provider will confirm whether any upcoming vaccinations are safe.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Kevzara could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Kevzara while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Kevzara passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Kevzara while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Kevzara?
For more information about Kevzara, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.kevzara.com or call them at 844-KEVZARA (844-538-9272).
Interactions
Does Kevzara interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Kevzara and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Kevzara.
Does Kevzara interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Kevzara.
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
- Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
- Medicines that can affect liver function
- Any other medicines that suppress your immune system that are being used to treat your condition
Kevzara may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Kevzara. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Kevzara?
If you or someone else has used too much Kevzara, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Kevzara?
If you miss a dose, call your healthcare provider to find out when you should use your next dose.