SARILUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

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SARILUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (sar-IL-ue-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Kevzara

GENERIC NAME(S): sarilumab

Uses

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Sarilumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking Interleukin-6, a substance made by the body that causes swelling (inflammation) in areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis.


How to use SARILUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using sarilumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Remove this medication from the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature before injecting, for at least 30 minutes if you are using the syringe or 60 minutes if you are using the pen. Do not warm up this medication any other way such as by heating in the microwave or placing in hot water. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Inject this medication under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once every 2 weeks. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days you need to inject the medication on a calendar. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Irritation, redness, or pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using sarilumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, past/current/returning infections, liver problems, blood/bleeding problems, stomach/abdominal problems (such as ulcers, diverticulitis). Sarilumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis, flu). Tell your doctor if you live in, have lived in, or have traveled to certain areas where there is an increased chance of getting certain kinds of fungal infections (blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Drugs that affect the immune system (such as sarilumab) may increase your risk of certain cancers. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of cancer. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This medication can speed up the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include warfarin, some cholesterol drugs such as atorvastatin/lovastatin/simvastatin, among others. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use reliable backup birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for SARILUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

Sarilumab is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors. It is primarily used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have not responded well to other treatments. Sarilumab helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and joint damage associated with RA.

Sarilumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected just under the skin. The injection is typically given once every two weeks in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

The common side effects of Sarilumab include injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Other potential side effects may include upper respiratory tract infections, increased cholesterol levels, headache, and rash. It is important to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider.

The safety of Sarilumab during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is not established. It is recommended to avoid using Sarilumab during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is also not known if Sarilumab passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication.

The effectiveness of Sarilumab varies from person to person. Some individuals may start noticing an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks, while others may take longer. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and communicate with your healthcare provider regarding the progress of your treatment.

Sarilumab is not approved for use in children. Its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

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Warning

WARNING: This medication may lower your ability to fight an infection. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Your risk may be increased if you are also taking other drugs that can lower your ability to fight an infection (such as methotrexate or corticosteroids). Before using sarilumab, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any kind of infection. During treatment, tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of infection (such as cough, sore throat, fever, chills, pain when urinating). Before and during treatment with this medication, your doctor will test you for tuberculosis (TB). If needed, treatment for tuberculosis or other infections should be done before receiving this medication.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.