Taking Kevzara (sarilumab) with other substances can result in interactions occurring. Anyone considering this drug first needs to disclose any and all prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbals, special dietary choices, medical conditions, and substance use to their doctor. This way, the prescribing physician can better decide if Kevzara is the right choice for managing a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may occur with concomitant (within similar dosing intervals) use of Kevzara and the following medications:
- CYP450 substrates
- Live vaccines
- Inactivated vaccines
- Other biological medications
- BCG
- Biological DMARDs
- Cladribine
- Echinacea
- Fingolimod
- Lefluonmide
- Natalizumab
- Pimecrolimus
- Roflumilast
- Sipuleucel-T
- Tacrolimus
Note that this list may not be complete.
Kevzara and Methotrexate
Methotrexate (Trexall) is a prescription-only antimetabolite indicated for several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some doctors simultaneously prescribe both sarilumab and methotrexate for the management of RA. However, since both medications can lower the immune system, cases of concomitant (at-the-same-time) use can therefore lead to a synergistic immunosuppressive effect, thus requiring close monitoring.
Kevzara and Humira
Humira is the brand-name version of adalimumab, a prescription-only immunosuppressive drug indicated for several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While patients use both of these drugs to manage RA, some research suggests that sarilumab is better in terms of both effectiveness and cost.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Kevzara in combination with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate. That being said, concomitant use of IL-6 inhibitors like sarilumab and biologic DMARDs like adalimumab is typically avoided as it can lead to increased risk of potentially life-threatening infections and immunosuppression.
Kevzara and Infection
Since sarilumab is an immunosuppressive drug, users have increased risk of infection, particularly when simultaneously taking other biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Therefore, it is not advisable to take this medication when fighting an active infection. Patients already taking Kevzara need to talk to their doctors if they have (or suspect they have) an infection and/or are prescribed antibiotics.
Sarilumab and Tocilizumab
Tocilizumab (Actemra), like sarilumab (Kevzara), is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor. Typically, concomitant use of two biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like these two is not recommended. In some cases, however, concurrent use may be acceptable if the prescribing doctor believes the potential benefits outweigh the increased risk of infection.
Disease and Condition Interactions
Conditions where the use of Kevzara is not recommended include:
- Active infections
- Liver impairment
Note that this list may not be complete; furthermore, there is currently no research regarding Kevzara use (including safety and effectiveness) in patients with liver or severe kidney problems.
Kevzara and Immunosupressed patients
People on immunosupressive therapies can have a lowered immune system, thereby putting patients at greater risk of infections. Considering Kevzara further suppresses the immune system, people with diabetes or other immunocompromised individuals (such as those with HIV) should disclose this information to their doctor before taking sarilumab.
Kevzara and Surgery
According to the FDA, people who have an upcoming surgery need to talk to their doctor before taking this drug.
Kevzara and Pregnancy
For more information, please see our page regarding Kevzara and pregnancy.
Alcohol Interactions
For more information, please visit our page on Kevzara and alcohol interactions.
Food Interactions
Potential food interactions with sarilumab include:
- Grapefruit
Note that this list may not be complete.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
