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 forms

Important Tests and Risks

Science

Safety

Resource(s)

Kevzara Quick Reference Guide

Drug Identification Number (DIN)

02460521 (150 mg)

02460548 (200 mg)