Kevzara

Generic name: sarilumab [ sar-IL-ue-mab ]

Drug class: IL-6 receptor antagonists

Dosage form: Injection

Route of administration: Subcutaneous (SC)

Dose: Typically, 200 mg once every two weeks.

Mechanism of action: Kevzara is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, blocking the IL-6-mediated signaling pathway. This helps reduce inflammation and immune response in autoimmune diseases.

Drug usage cases: Kevzara is used to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Drug contra indications: Kevzara should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to sarilumab or any component of the formulation, or in patients with active infections.

Side effects: Common side effects include neutropenia, elevated liver enzymes, and injection site reactions. Serious side effects may include:

• Serious infections: Increased risk of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
• Gastrointestinal perforation: Risk of bowel perforations, particularly in patients with a history of diverticulitis.
• Hematologic effects: Risk of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
• Hepatotoxicity: Potential for liver enzyme elevation and liver damage.

Warnings: Kevzara can increase the risk of serious infections, requiring vigilance and prompt treatment if symptoms arise. Regular monitoring of blood counts and liver enzymes is essential to manage neutropenia and hepatotoxicity. Patients with a history of diverticulitis should be closely monitored for gastrointestinal symptoms.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: The safety of Kevzara during pregnancy is not well established, and it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is unknown whether sarilumab is excreted in human milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to breastfeeding mothers.