Kevzara affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Tell your doctor if you have a fever, chills, tiredness, cough, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss, skin sores, or painful urination.
Kevzara may cause you to have a tear in your stomach or intestines. This is more likely if you have diverticulitis or a stomach ulcer, or if you also take steroids, methotrexate, or an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Call your doctor right away if you have a fever and ongoing stomach pain.
Before and during your treatment with Kevzara, you will need frequent blood tests. Your treatment may be delayed or stopped based on the results of these tests.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Kevzara if you are allergic to sarilumab.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.
To make sure Kevzara is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an active or chronic infection;
diabetes;
HIV or AIDS;
a weak immune system;
hepatitis or other liver problems;
stomach pain, diverticulitis, or stomach or intestinal ulcers;
cancer; or
if you have received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines.
Using Kevzara may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers. Ask your doctor about this risk.
It is not known whether sarilumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of sarilumab on the baby.
You should not breast-feed while using Kevzara.
How should I take Kevzara?
Kevzara is injected under the skin, usually given once every 2 weeks. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Kevzara affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.
Store this medicine in its original container in a refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not shake or freeze the medicine. Keep Kevzara cold even while traveling.
Before injecting your dose, take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature (for 30 minutes if using the prefilled syringe, or for 60 minutes if using the injection pen). Once at room temperature, the medicine must be used within 14 days.
Each prefilled syringe or injection pen is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Place used needles, syringes, or injection pens in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
