Kevzara (Sarilumab)

Kevzara is an injectable prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist used for treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had not adequate response or not tolerance to single or multiple disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Recommended Dosage: Kevzara for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other conventional DMARDs. 

The recommended dosage is 200 mg once every 2 weeks administered as a subcutaneous injection. Dosage can be reduced to 150 mg once every 2 weeks for management of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and elevated liver enzymes. 

Initiation of Kevzara therapy is not recommended in those with platelet count less than 150,000 per mm3, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 2000 per mm3, or who have ALT/AST beyond 1.5 times the ULN (Upper Limit of Normal). 

Prior to initiating this therapy, patients must be tested for latent tuberculosis (TB). If positive, consider treating TB prior to the use of Kevzara therapy. 

Avoid using Kevzara (Sarilumab) with biological DMARDs due to the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased probability of infection. The concurrent use of this medication with biological DMARDs such as IL-1R antagonists, TNF antagonists, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and selective co-stimulation modulators has not been assessed. Avoid the use of sarilumab injection in patients with active infections. 

• Severe and fatal infections because of bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens may occur in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including sarilumab for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The most frequently seen serious infections with this drug included pneumonia and cellulitis. 
• Avoid use of Sarilumab in those with an active infection, including localized infections. Risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating therapy in those who have chronic or recurrent infection; any known opportunistic infections; been exposed to TB; or lived in or traveled to regions of endemic TB or endemic mycoses.
• Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with kevzara 200mg/1.14 mL, as signs/symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened because of suppression of the acute phase reactants. Hold therapy with kevzara injection in case a patient develops a severe infection or an opportunistic infection.
• Perform a quick and complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient who develops a new infection during therapy with Sarilumab; initiate apt antimicrobial therapy, and precisely monitor the respective patient.
• Assess patients for tuberculosis (TB) risk factors and test them for latent infection before initiating therapy with Sarilumab. Patients with latent TB with standard antimycobacterial therapy should be treated before initiating Sarilumab. Precisely monitor respective patients for the development of signs/symptoms of TB including those who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to starting therapy. 
• Treatment with kevzara 150 mg/1.14 mL was related to a higher incidence of reduction in ANC or absolute neutrophil count, including neutropenia. Evaluate neutrophil count before initiation of treatment and monitor neutrophil count 4-8 weeks after initiation of therapy and every three months thereafter. 
• Treatment with Sarilumab was related to a reduction in platelet counts during clinical studies. Evaluate platelet count prior to initiation of Sarilumab therapy and monitor platelets 4-8 weeks after beginning of treatment and every three months thereafter. 
• Treatment with Sarilumab was related to a higher incidence of transaminase elevations. Evaluate ALT or AST levels before initiating Sarilumab and monitor ALT/AST levels 4-8 weeks after start of therapy and every three months thereafter. When required, consider certain other liver functions, for example bilirubin.
• Therapy with Sarilumab was related to increases in lipid parameters such as LDL/HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Evaluate lipid parameters around 4-8 weeks after the start of therapy with Sarilumab, then at around six month intervals. Manage patients as per clinical guidelines in order to manage hyperlipidemia.
• Gastrointestinal perforation may occur, primarily as complications of diverticulitis. Risk of GI perforation may be increased with concurrent diverticulitis or concomitant use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Immediately assess those presenting with any new onset abdominal signs and symptoms. 
• Hypersensitivity reactions may occur with kevzara injection. Injection site rash, rash, and urticaria are the most frequent hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should seek prompt medical attention in case they experience any signs/symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. In case of anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reaction, stop treatment promptly. Do not administer this medicine to those with known hypersensitivity to sarilumab. 
• Therapy with sarilumab 150 mg/1.14 mL or 200 mg/1.14 mL injection is not recommended in those with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment, as treatment with sarilumab was linked with transaminase elevations. 
• Concurrent use of live vaccines during therapy with sarilumab should be avoided because of potentially increased probability of infections. The time-span between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy must be as per with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents. 

What is the Generic Name for the trade name drug Kevzara®?

Sarilumab is Generic Name for the trade name drug Kevzara®.

What is the Manufacturer Name of Kevzara®?

Kevzara® is manufactured by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Is Kevzara® approved by the FDA?

Yes, Kevzara® is approved by the FDA. Date of approval: May 22, 2017.

Where can I get Kevzara® at the best price in India?

To get the best Kevzara price in India, contact Indian Pharma Network (a WHO-GDP and ISO 9001:2008 authorized Company). A valid medical prescription is required while buying Kevzara®.

What is the dosage and form of Kevzara® supplied?

Kevzara® is supplied as Injection: 150 mg/1.14 mL or 200 mg/1.14 mL solution in a single-dose pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous administration. 

What are the most common side effects with Kevzara®? 

The most common side effects with Kevzara® are: upper respiratory infections, injection site erythema, increased ALT, neutropenia, and urinary tract infections.

How much does Kevzara® cost in India?

The kevzara cost in India is less and can vary. In order to procure this RA medication authentically, you can Call or WhatsApp +91-9310090915 or send mail to info@indianpharmanetwork.in.

What are the storage conditions of Kevzara®?

Refrigerate Kevzara at 36-46°F (2-8°C) in the original carton to protect from light. Neither freeze nor shake. 

If needed, Kevzara can be stored at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for up to 2 weeks in the outer carton. Avoid storing above 77°F (25°C). After removal from the refrigerator, use this medicine within 2 weeks or discard.

Is it safe to buy Kevzara® online from India? 

Yes, You can buy Kevzara online in India at the best price from the Indian Pharma Network (IPN) if Kevzara® has not been approved or is not available in your country.

What are the Highlights of prescribing information for Kevzara®?

Click Here to download full  Kevzara prescribing information.