Kevzara (Sarilumab)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

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We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
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What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Kevzara (Sarilumab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, a protein that plays a key role in the inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Classified as an immunosuppressant, Kevzara interferes with the IL-6 pathway to reduce inflammation and pain in individuals with RA. It's approved for patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Administered through injection, Kevzara is a therapy option for adult patients battling moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Directions

When using Kevzara, patients should administer it through a subcutaneous injection, which means the injection goes under the skin. The standard dosage for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis is typically 200 mg once every two weeks. However, a healthcare provider may adjust the dosage to 150 mg if the patient experiences certain side effects such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or elevated liver enzymes.

Before administering the Kevzara injection, users should allow the pre-filled syringe to warm up to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. It's also essential for patients to use the syringe within 14 days after removing it from the refrigerator to ensure its effectiveness. When traveling, patients should keep the medication in an insulated bag with an ice pack to maintain its integrity.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Kevzara is Sarilumab. Inactive ingredients may include polysorbate 20, sucrose, and water for injection.

Contraindications

Patients who have a known allergic reaction to Sarilumab or any inactive ingredients in the formulation should avoid using Kevzara.

Cautions

  • Before starting treatment with Kevzara, make sure to inform your healthcare provider about the following:
    • Any medical conditions you have
    • Any allergies
    • The complete list of medications you are currently taking
    • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Kevzara can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to serious infections including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. The most common serious infections reported are pneumonia and cellulitis. Do not start Kevzara if you have an active infection.
  • Before starting Kevzara, you will be screened for TB. If you have latent (inactive) TB, you might need to be treated for TB before you start Kevzara. Also, if you've had TB in the past, make sure your doctor knows because you might need treatment for TB again.
  • While on Kevzara, watch for symptoms of new infections. If you develop a serious infection, treatment with Kevzara will need to be stopped.
  • Regular blood tests are required to monitor your neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), liver enzymes, and lipid levels. These help check if the medicine is affecting your body's normal functions.
  • Kevzara can affect your liver, shown by changes in liver enzymes. If you already have liver problems, Kevzara might not be right for you.
  • Kevzara can increase your cholesterol levels. Your doctor will check your cholesterol and may adjust your treatment if necessary.
  • While there’s no confirmed increase in cancer with Kevzara, it has been reported in studies. Be vigilant and report any unusual growths or symptoms to your doctor.
  • There is a small risk of developing severe complications like gastrointestinal perforation, especially if you have conditions like diverticulitis or use NSAIDs or steroids.
  • If you have had allergic reactions to medications in the past, especially to components in Kevzara, you should avoid this treatment. Watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rashes or swelling, and seek immediate medical help if they occur.
  • Avoid live vaccines during your treatment with Kevzara because of a higher risk of infection. Discuss your vaccination history with your doctor, as some vaccines need to be given before starting Kevzara.

Side Effects

Kevzara side effects include reactions at the injection site such as redness and itching. It also frequently leads to upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose. These side effects are typically manageable and do not always require medical intervention.

Kevzara can occasionally cause serious allergic reactions, which require immediate medical attention. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, dizziness or feeling faint, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, severe stomach pain, chest pain, or vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help right away. Regular communication with your healthcare provider is important to manage and monitor for these potential reactions effectively.

References:

  1. Kevzara (Sarilumab) Product Monograph. Bridgewater, NJ: Sanofi-Aventis; 2023.
  2. Kevzara (Sarilumab) Drug Label Information. Bridgewater, NJ: Sanofi-Aventis; 2023.



IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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