Kevzara Side Effects

Generic name: sarilumab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about sarilumab. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Kevzara.

For the Consumer

Applies to sarilumab: subcutaneous solution

Warning

Subcutaneous route (Solution)

Serious infections leading to hospitalization or death including bacterial, viral, invasive fungal, and other opportunistic infections have occurred in patients receiving sarilumab.If a serious infection develops, interrupt sarilumab until the infection is controlled.Cases of tuberculosis (TB) have been reported. Prior to starting sarilumab, test for latent TB; if positive, start treatment for TB.Closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with sarilumab.

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, sarilumab (the active ingredient contained in Kevzara) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sarilumab:

More common

Bloody, black, or tarry stools
chills
cough
fever
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
sore throat
ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
body ache or pain
difficulty breathing
ear congestion
frequent urge to urinate
headache
loss of voice
nasal congestion
painful cold sores or blisters on the lips
runny nose
sneezing

Rare

Difficulty swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
heartburn
hives, itching, skin rash
indigestion
nausea
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
severe stomach pain, cramping, or burning
tightness in the chest
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuing

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of sarilumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to sarilumab: subcutaneous solution

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Cellulitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

Common (1% to 10%): Neutropenia, leukopenia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased platelet counts

Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Serious (sometimes fatal) infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens which can be chronic or recurrent

Frequency not reported: Immunosuppression^[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reactions (e.g., erythema, pruritus)^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Lipid abnormalities (elevated LDL, HDL, and triglycerides)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hepatic

Very common (10% or more): Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (up to 43%), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (up to 30%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection

Frequency not reported: Pneumonia^[Ref]

General

The most frequent adverse reactions (occurring in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in combination with DMARDs) were neutropenia, increased ALT, injection site erythema, upper respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.^[Ref]