Question 1

What is Kevzara?

Accepted Answer

Kevzara belongs to a class of drugs known as interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonists. It is a laboratory-made monoclonal antibody designed to bind to IL-6 receptors throughout the body.

By blocking these receptors, the medication prevents a specific protein from sending signals that trigger inflammation. This action helps to regulate the immune response and reduce the inflammatory processes that can affect the body.

Question 2

What is Kevzara used for?

Accepted Answer

Kevzara is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis .

Question 3

How does Kevzara work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Kevzara is a type of medication called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. It is a laboratory-made protein, known as a monoclonal antibody, that targets the body's immune system to manage inflammation.

Targeting IL-6

In a healthy body, IL-6 is a signaling protein that helps regulate the immune response. However, in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, the body produces too much of this protein. High levels of IL-6 cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues, leading to the persistent inflammation, pain, and stiffness associated with these diseases.

How it Blocks Inflammation

Kevzara works by attaching itself to IL-6 receptors located on the surface of cells. By occupying these receptors, the medication prevents the IL-6 protein from binding to them. This action effectively blocks the inflammatory signals that IL-6 would otherwise send to the rest of the body.

By interrupting this signaling process, Kevzara helps to:

Reduce the overall inflammatory response.

Decrease joint swelling and pain.

Slow down the progression of joint damage.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Kevzara?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Kevzara is sarilumab .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Kevzara?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Kevzara may include:

upper respiratory tract infection

injection site reactions

neutropenia

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Kevzara?

Accepted Answer

Kevzara belongs to the IL-6 receptor antagonist drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Kevzara and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Use Kevzara

Kevzara is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected into the fatty tissue just under the skin. It is typically administered once every two weeks. Your healthcare provider will show you or a caregiver how to prepare and inject the medication at home.

Common injection sites include the front of the thighs or the abdomen (at least two inches away from the belly button). If a caregiver is administering the injection, the outer area of the upper arm may also be used. It is important to rotate the injection site each time you use the medication to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Preparation and Administration

Remove the medication from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before injecting. Do not heat it in a microwave or under hot water.

Check the liquid in the pre-filled syringe or pen; it should be clear to slightly yellow. Do not use it if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

Do not shake the syringe or pen.

Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. Afterward, continue with your regular scheduled dosing day. If you are unsure when to take a missed dose, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Do not use two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Question 8

Is Kevzara safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Data regarding the use of Kevzara in pregnant women are limited. While animal studies did not show evidence of harm to the fetus at doses higher than those used in humans, human studies have not been conducted to confirm safety. Monoclonal antibodies, the class of drug Kevzara belongs to, are known to cross the placenta during the later stages of pregnancy, meaning the medication could reach the developing fetus.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of continuing treatment. Healthcare providers may also suggest enrolling in a pregnancy registry to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby.

Breastfeeding

It is not yet known if Kevzara passes into breast milk or if it has any effect on a nursing infant or milk production. Because many medications can be transferred through breast milk, you should consult your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks to the infant while using this medication.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Kevzara come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Forms

Kevzara is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free solution for subcutaneous injection. It is available in the following delivery formats:

Pre-filled Syringe: A syringe equipped with a needle shield.

Pre-filled Pen: An autoinjector device.

The medication is a clear liquid that may range from colorless to pale yellow. Each device is intended for use and should be discarded after administration.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Kevzara?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Kevzara was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2017. It is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded well to or cannot tolerate other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is also approved for adults with polymyalgia rheumatica who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids or are unable to tolerate a corticosteroid taper.

Boxed Warning

The FDA has issued a Boxed Warning for Kevzara because it may increase the risk of developing serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or death. These infections include:

Tuberculosis (TB)

Bacterial infections

Invasive fungal infections

Viral and other opportunistic infections

Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before starting treatment and monitored for signs of infection during and after therapy.

Regulatory Monitoring

The FDA monitors the safety of Kevzara through various reporting systems. In early 2018, the FDA identified potential signals regarding medication administration errors, which are common for self-injectable biologics. Healthcare providers and patients are encouraged to report any adverse events or side effects to the FDA MedWatch program.

Question 11

What should I know about Kevzara and cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance and Pharmacy Factors

The price you pay for Kevzara is primarily determined by your health insurance plan. Most plans cover this medication, but it is often placed on a specialty tier, which may require a higher copayment or coinsurance. The specific pharmacy used can also influence the final price, as Kevzara is typically dispensed through specialty pharmacies rather than standard retail locations.

Financial Assistance Programs

Because biologic medications like Kevzara can be costly, options may be available to help reduce the financial burden:

Copay Cards: Patients with commercial insurance may be eligible for manufacturer-sponsored copay cards that lower out-of-pocket costs.

Patient Assistance Programs: For those without insurance or with limited coverage, the manufacturer may provide the medication at a reduced cost or for free based on financial need.

Support Services: Programs such as KevzaraConnect offer resources to help patients navigate insurance approvals and find financial support.

There are currently no lower-cost biosimilar versions of Kevzara available. Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or insurance company to understand their specific coverage details.

Kevzara

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

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