Kevzara (Sarilumab)
Kevzara (Sarilumab) is a biologic medicine that suppresses the immune system in order to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
The medication works by blocking the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) found on the surface of cells within the body. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a signalling protein (cytokine) that plays an important role in immune response.
Kevzara serves as a therapy option for patients who had difficulty tolerating other classes of common rheumatology drugs, including Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs and Tumor Necrosis Factor blockers, or did not find them to be particularly effective.
Kevzara is often given in combination with methotrexate.
Taking Kevzara
Kevzara is available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
It can take 6 to 12 weeks for patients to feel the effects of this medication.
The manufacturer of Kevzara offers a support program to Canadian patients that are prescribed the medication:
Patient support program enrolment formsImportant Tests and Risks
Science
Safety
Drug Identification Number (DIN)
02460521 (150 mg)
02460548 (200 mg)