Kevzara

Bleeding: Kevzara (Sarilumab) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.

Cholesterol: Some people experience increased levels of cholesterol in the blood when they use Kevzara (Sarilumab). If you have High Cholesterol levels, discuss with your doctor how Kevzara (Sarilumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Kevzara (Sarilumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Gastrointestinal perforation: There have been rare reports of gastrointestinal perforation occurring with the use of Kevzara (Sarilumab). A gastrointestinal perforation is a hole that forms through a wall in the digestive tract. If you have a condition that increases the risk of gastrointestinal perforation, such as Diverticulitis, discuss with your doctor how Kevzara (Sarilumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Kevzara (Sarilumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infections: Kevzara (Sarilumab) can increase the risk of developing an infection, including serious infections such as sepsis (blood infection), pneumonia, and Tuberculosis. Before starting treatment with Kevzara (Sarilumab), your doctor may test to see if you have tuberculosis. If you notice signs of an infection such as fever, chills, pain, swelling, coughing, or pus, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Kevzara (Sarilumab) should also not be started while you have an active infection.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of infections that keep coming back, or other conditions that might increase your risk of infections (e.g., Diabetes), or if you have visited or lived in areas where there is a greater risk of certain kinds of fungal infection (e.g., blastomycosis). While you are taking Kevzara (Sarilumab), your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection.

Kidney function: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been determined for people with reduced kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Kevzara (Sarilumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Kevzara (Sarilumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: People taking Kevzara (Sarilumab) may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. Your doctor will recommend regular liver tests while you are taking Kevzara (Sarilumab). If you have severe changes in liver function, your doctor may recommend that you take a lower dose of Kevzara (Sarilumab) or stop taking it altogether. Kevzara (Sarilumab) is generally not recommended for people with reduced liver function.

Vaccines: The safety of receiving certain vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, BCG, Cholera, typhoid, varicella, meningococcal, diphtheria) when using Kevzara (Sarilumab) has not been determined. These vaccines should not be given while you are taking Kevzara (Sarilumab).

Pregnancy: Kevzara (Sarilumab) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Kevzara (Sarilumab) and for 3 months after the last dose. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Kevzara (Sarilumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Kevzara (Sarilumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors who use Kevzara (Sarilumab) may be more likely to experience a serious infection. Report any symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, unusual fatigue, aches, cough, or difficulty breathing, to your doctor as soon as possible.