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Kevzara (Sarilumab)

 

Name of the generic: Sarilumab 

Subcutaneous route(Solution)

Kevzara
Kevzara

Infections that can cause death or hospitalization, such as infections that are invasive, viral, bacterial fungal, and other opportunistic infections have been observed in patients who receive Kevzara. If the infection is serious it is recommended to stop the sarilumab therapy until the infection has been controlled. Cases that involve tuberculosis (TB) have been documented. Before beginning Kevzara, examines for latent TB If the test is positive, commence treatment for TB. Closely be on the lookout for any signs or symptoms of infection while receiving treatment with the drug Kevzara.        

Brand names 

In the U.S.

  • Kevzara

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antirheumatic

Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody

Uses for Kevzara

Kevzara injection can be used by itself or with other medications (eg methotrexate, for example) to treat the symptoms of moderate or severe arthritis. Kevzara aids in keeping joints from becoming more damaged after other medications were tried but failed to work. It is a monoclonal antigen.

This medication is only available on prescription from your physician.

Before using Kevzara

When you decide to use a medication, the potential risks of using the medication must be evaluated against the good it will bring. It is a choice you and your physician will take. In this case, it is important to take the following into assessment:

Allergies

Inform your doctor If you’ve ever experienced any allergic or unusual reaction to this medication or any other medication. Inform your health care specialist if you suffer from any other allergies, for example, to dyes, food, or preservatives. You may also be allergic to animals. For non-prescription medications, look over the label or ingredient list carefully.

Pediatric

The right studies haven’t been conducted on the relation of age and the effects of sarilumab injections in the infant population. The safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been proven.

Geriatric

The studies that have been conducted so far have not revealed specific geriatric issues that could restrict the use of sarilumab for older patients. However, patients who are elderly have a higher risk to develop serious infections that may necessitate caution for patients who receive sarilumab injections.

Breastfeeding

There are no studies that are sufficient on women to determine the risks to babies when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risks that could be associated with using this medication during nursing.

Interactions between medicines

Certain medicines shouldn’t be combined in any way however, there are instances where two medicines can be combined even though interactions could occur. In these situations, your doctor might want to alter the dosage or make other precautions required. If you are taking Kevzara it is essential to let your doctor know whether you’re currently taking one or more of the medications mentioned below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential impact and are not meant to be comprehensive.

Utilizing Kevzara in conjunction in conjunction with the following medications is generally not recommended, but it could be necessary for certain situations. If both medications are prescribed at the same time and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or frequency you take one or both of the medications.

  • Abatacept
  • Adenovirus Vaccine
  • Anifrolumab-fnia
  • Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
  • Baricitinib
  • Cholera Vaccine, Live
  • Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
  • Infliximab
  • Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
  • Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
  • Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
  • Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
  • Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
  • Smallpox Vaccine
  • Typhoid Vaccine, Live
  • Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine
  • Zoster Vaccine, Live

Interactions with alcohol/food/tobacco/food

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or near the time of taking food, or eating specific kinds of food as interactions could happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction together with certain medications can create interactions. Talk to your doctor about your medication’s interactions when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical conditions

The presence of any other medical issues could impact the usage of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if there are any other medical conditions particularly:

  • Cancer, or a history of  cancer
  • Hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood) 
  • Liver disease 
  • Neutropenia (low amount of white blood cells) 
  • Stomach or bowel illness (eg ulcer, diverticulitis,) 
  • Thrombocytopenia (low amount of platelets present in the blood) 
  • A weak immunity (eg, HIV, cancer, or steroids use)–Use with care. It could make the conditions worse.
  • Herpes zoster, the history of 
  • Tuberculosis, history of – Use with beware. Could cause infections to return (reactivate).
  • Infections (eg hepatitis B, viruses, bacteria, or fungal infections) that are ongoing or active

Proper use of Kevzara

Kevzara is administered by injection under the skin. Kevzara can be administered by a patient at their home who doesn’t need to visit a hospital. In the event that you or your children are taking this medication in your home environment, your physician or nurse will show you how to prepare and inject the medication. Make sure that you are aware of exactly how to utilize the medicine.

The medicine includes a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Follow these directions attentively. Talk to your doctor if have any concerns.

The medicine is available in two dosage options that include A prefilled Syringe or a pen already filled pen.

If you are using this medicine at home and you are given the body parts where the shot is administered. Make sure to use a different body part every time you give yourself an injection. Be aware of the location you shoot each time to ensure you rotate the body. This will prevent skin issues.

Let the medicine get to the temperature of the room within thirty minutes (for the syringe that is prefilled) or 60 minutes (for the prefilled pen)before using it. Do not heat this medicine in any other manner.

Examine the liquid inside the syringe prefilled. It must be clear and colorless with a slight yellow hue. Don’t use this medication when it’s cloudy, discolored, if there are particles within it, or if the Syringe is damaged or damaged. Do not shake the medication.

Don’t inject into areas of the skin which are bruised, red or hard, tender, or have marks or stretch marks.

Don’t take the needle cap off of the syringe that has been filled until you are prepared to use it.

You may not utilize all of the medicines in each prefilled syringe or pen. Make use of each prefilled syringe or pen only once. Don’t keep an open pen or syringe.

Dosing

The dosage of Kevzara can differ depending on the patient. Follow the instructions of your physician or the instructions in the prescription. This information is only the most common dose of this medication. If your dose differs don’t alter it unless your doctor instructs you to change it.

The quantity of medication you are taking is determined by how strong the drug is. Additionally, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the amount of time between doses, and the duration of time that you are taking the medication will depend on the medical condition that you’re treating with the medication.

  • For injection dosage form:
    • For severe to moderate Rheumatoid arthritis
      • Adults–At first, 200 milligrams (mg) are injected under your skin once every 2 weeks. Your physician may decrease the dosage to 150 mg every two weeks if needed.
      • Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you are missing the dose of this medication be sure to take it as fast as you can. But, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, avoid the missed dose, and go back to your usual dose schedule. Don’t double doses.

Storage

Keep away from the reach of children.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medications that are no longer needed.

Discuss with your doctor what you can do with any medicine that you do not take.

Place your food in your refrigerator. Don’t freeze.

Store the medicine in the original container until you are ready to make use of it. You can also store the medication at room temperature and away from heat after taking it out of the refrigerator. Recycle any medicine left over after 14 days.

Toss out needles used up to put them in a closed, hard container that needles are not able to penetrate. Keep the container clear of pets and kids.

 

Be aware of the precautions to take when using Kevzara

It is crucial that your doctor examine your progress on a regular basis to ensure that this medication is working correctly. It is possible to have blood tests to look for any adverse side effects.

Kevzara injections reduce the number of various kinds of blood cells within your body. As a result, you might bleed or develop infections more often. To prevent these issues Avoid being around those with illnesses or suffering from infections. Make sure to wash your hands regularly. Avoid rough sports and other situations that could cause you to be bruised or cut. Cleanse as well as floss with care. Be cautious when using sharp objects like razors and nail clippers. Inform your doctor if are suffering from any type of illness before beginning to use this medication. Tell your doctor if suffering from an infection that did not be able to go away or an infection that is recurring.

Contact your physician immediately when you notice an unresolved cough that doesn’t disappear or if you notice sleepiness, weight loss or chills, fever, or flu-like symptoms like a runny or nasal congestion headache, blurred or swollen eyes, and feeling sick. These could be indications that you are suffering from an infection.

You’ll need to undergo an examination of your skin for tuberculosis prior to beginning this medication. Discuss with your physician that you or anyone else within your household has ever been a victim of the tuberculosis test on skin.

Kevzara can cause severe stomach and bowel issues particularly when you have any previous history of ulcers or diverticulitis (inflammation of the digestive tract). Consult your physician right immediately if you notice extreme stomach cramps or the sensation of pain and black, tarry stool or diarrhea, fever, and vomiting which is extreme and occasionally bloody when taking this medication.

This medication can boost the quantity of cholesterol as well as fats that are present in your blood. If you experience this problem your doctor might prescribe you medicines that reduce the amount of cholesterol and fats present in your blood.

Sarilumab injections can increase your chances of getting certain types of cancer. Consult your physician in the event of abnormal bleeding or bruising or weakness, swelling of lymph nodes that are located in your neck or underarms or groin, or a sudden loss of weight. Also, consult your doctor immediately in the event that your skin appears bumps that are red, scaly, or bumps that have a lot of pus.

This medication could cause severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis. This could be life-threatening and requires urgent medical care. Inform your doctor immediately in the event of itching, a rash or hoarseness, difficulty breathing, difficulties swallowing, or swelling in your face, hands or mouth after taking the medication.

Do not take the live vaccinations (immunizations) during the time you are being treated by the drug sarilumab. Talk to your doctor prior to getting any vaccines.

Don’t take any other medication in the absence of discussing with your physician. This includes prescription and prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medications as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

Kevzara side effects

In addition to its beneficial effects, some medicines may result in unwanted adverse effects. Although not all adverse effects can be observed, if they occur, they might require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately If any of these negative side effects occur:

More commonly

  • Black, bloody or black stools with tar
  • chills
  • cough
  • The fever
  • Lower back or side or side
  • Urination that is painful or difficult to urinate
  • pale skin
  • sore throat
  • Sores, ulcers or white spots on the mouth
  • unusual bleeding or bleeding that isn’t normal or
  • unusual weakness or fatigue

Less popular

  • Bladder pain
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Pain or ache in the body
  • difficulties breathing
  • Ear congestion
  • Urinary urges that are frequent
  • headache
  • Loss of voice
  • nasal congestion
  • painful cold blisters or sores on the lips
  • nasal runny nose
  • Sneezing

Rare

  • It is difficult to swallow.
  • dizziness
  • fast heartbeat
  • chest pain
  • itching, hives itching, rash
  • indigestion
  • nausea
  • The swelling or puffiness of the eyelids, around the eyelids the lips, face, or tongue
  • severe stomach cramps, stomach pain, or burning
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Material that is vomiting outlooks similar to coffee beans, and is severe and ongoing

There are some side effects that can occur but they usually do not require medical treatment. These side effects can disappear when your body adapts. Additionally, your doctor could be able to inform you on ways to avoid or minimize certain adverse effects. Consult your physician in the event that any of these symptoms persist or become uncomfortable or if you have concerns about these:

More popular

  • Bleeding, blistering chills, discoloration, or bleeding skin, the sensation of pressure, infected swelling Itching, lumps the sensation of pain, numbness, or redness. pain, soreness, and tenderness. burning, ulceration, or warmth around the site of injection.

Other adverse side effects that are not listed can also occur in certain patients. If you experience any other side effects, you should consult with your physician.

Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on possible side effects. You can report any adverse reactions directly to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

 

Additional details

Always consult your physician to confirm that the information provided on this page is applicable to your particular situation.

 

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