sarilumab

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sarilumab

Classes

Anti-Rheumatic Monoclonal Antibodies
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Inhibitors

Administration
Injectable Administration

Available only as a subcutaneous formulation.
Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. The injection solution should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. Do not use the injection if it is cloudy, discolored or contains particles, or if any part of the prefilled syringe or prefilled pen appears to be damaged.

Intravenous Administration

COVID-19 per the National Institutes of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines:
NOTE: Sarilumab is not approved by the FDA for intravenous administration.
Obtain a 400 mg dose using the prefilled syringes for subcutaneous injection. DO NOT use the prefilled pens.
Using aseptic technique, dilute the 400 mg dose in 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection.
Administer the diluted solution via intravenous infusion over 1 hour.
Storage: The diluted solution should be administered within 4 hours of preparation. The infusion may be stored at room temperature until administered.

Subcutaneous Administration

The injection may be given by the patient or patient's caregiver after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique and a healthcare practitioner determines that it is appropriate.
 
Prefilled Syringe:
Remove the prefilled syringe from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature outside of the carton for 30 minutes. Do not warm sarilumab in any other way.
Do not uncap the needle until ready to inject. Do not get rid of any air bubbles in the syringe.
Pick an injection site such as the front of a thigh or the abdomen except for the 2-inch area around the navel. If a caregiver or healthcare professional will administer, they can also use the patient's outer area of an upper arm. Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars.
Rotate injection sites with each injection.
Remove the needle cap immediately before injection, and gently pinch a cleaned area of skin between the thumb and index finger. Using a dart-like motion, insert the needle at a 45-degree angle. Gently push the plunger all the way down to inject the full amount in the prefilled syringe.
Check that the syringe is empty and then pull the needle out at the same angle it was inserted. Do not rub the injection site.
Dispose of the used syringe in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not recap after use. Do not re-use the syringe.
Storage: The prefilled syringes should be stored in the refrigerator in the original container to protect sarilumab from light. The prefilled syringes may be stored in the carton at room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 14 days. Dispose of any prefilled syringes left at room temperature for more than 14 days.
 
Prefilled Pen:
Remove the prefilled pen from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature outside of the carton for 60 minutes. Do not warm sarilumab in any other way.
Do not remove the orange cap until ready to inject.
Pick an injection site such as the front of a thigh or the abdomen except for the 2-inch area around the navel. If a caregiver or healthcare professional will administer, they can also use the patient's outer area of an upper arm. Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars.
Rotate injection sites with each injection.
Twist or pull off the orange cap immediately before injection, and do not touch the yellow needle cover. Place the yellow needle cover on the skin at a 90-degree angle, making sure the window is visible. Press down and hold firmly against the skin. There will be an audible 'click' when the injection starts. Continue to hold the pen firmly against the skin until the entire window becomes solid yellow and the full dose is administered; the complete injection may take up to 15 seconds. There will be a second 'click' when the injection is complete.
Remove the pen from the skin and the needle will automatically cover. Do not rub the injection site.
Dispose of the used pen in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not replace the orange cap after use. Do not re-use the pen.
Storage: The prefilled pens should be stored in the refrigerator in the original container to protect sarilumab from light. The prefilled pens may be stored in the carton at room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) in the carton for up to 14 days. Dispose of any prefilled pens left at room temperature for more than 14 days.

Adverse Reactions
Severe

rash / Early / 0.2-5.1
urticaria / Rapid / 0.2-0.3
anaphylactoid reactions / Rapid / 0-0.3
GI perforation / Delayed / 0-0.2
new primary malignancy / Delayed / Incidence not known

Moderate

elevated hepatic enzymes / Delayed / 27.0-43.0
neutropenia / Delayed / 7.0-15.3
hypercholesterolemia / Delayed / 0-13.8
antibody formation / Delayed / 1.8-9.2
constipation / Delayed / 0-6.8
leukopenia / Delayed / 0.9-6.8
hypertriglyceridemia / Delayed / 0-5.2
erythema / Early / 4.0-5.0
thrombocytopenia / Delayed / 0.7-3.4
candidiasis / Delayed / Incidence not known
hyperlipidemia / Delayed / Incidence not known

Mild

injection site reaction / Rapid / 5.1-7.0
myalgia / Early / 6.8-6.8
pruritus / Rapid / 2.0-5.1
fatigue / Early / 5.1-5.1
infection / Delayed / 3.0-4.0
pharyngitis / Delayed / Incidence not known

Boxed Warning
Diabetes mellitus, fungal infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immunosuppression, infection, influenza, sepsis, tuberculosis

Patients who receive sarilumab are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Infections include active tuberculosis (TB) and invasive fungal infections including candidiasis and pneumocystis. Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens have been reported. Most patients who developed serious infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Patients with an invasive fungal infection may present with disseminated disease, and TB may present as pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Evaluate patients for TB risk factors before starting sarilumab. Also, test patients for latent TB before and during sarilumab receipt. Initiate treatment for latent infection before sarilumab use. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to sarilumab initiation for 2 patient groups: patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed and patients with a negative test for latent TB but with risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB is recommended to aid in the decision whether initiating anti-TB therapy is appropriate for an individual patient. Carefully consider the risks and benefits of sarilumab before initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection, who have been exposed to TB, with a history of a serious or opportunistic infection, with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection (e.g., patients with advanced or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or immunosuppression), or who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses. Do not start treatment with sarilumab in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 2,000/mm3. For rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who experience reduced neutrophil counts while taking sarilumab, discontinuation is advised if the ANC drops below 500/mm3 and treatment interruption is advised for an ANC between 500 and 1,000/mm3. For polymyalgia rheumatica patients, sarilumab discontinuation is recommended if the ANC drops below 1,000/mm3 at the end of the dosing interval. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection; signs and symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened due to suppression of the acute phase reactants. Consider the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to taking sarilumab. Viral reactivation has been observed during immunosuppressive biologic therapies. Do not administer sarilumab to a patient with an active infection including localized infections. If a serious infection such as sepsis or influenza or an opportunistic infection develops, interrupt sarilumab receipt until the infection is controlled. If a new infection develops during sarilumab receipt, complete a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient, initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and closely monitor the patient.

Common Brand Names

KEVZARA

Dea Class

Rx

Description

Injectable interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist
Used for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults with an inadequate response or are intolerant to 1 or more DMARDs; also for adults with polymyalgia rheumatica with an inadequate response to corticosteroids or intolerant of corticosteroid taper
Boxed warning for increased risk of developing serious infections during therapy

Dosage And Indications
For the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in persons who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Subcutaneous dosage Adults

200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs). Do not use with other biological DMARDs because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection; such combinations have not been studied.[61976]

For the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in patients who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroid therapy or who cannot tolerate corticosteroid taper. Subcutaneous dosage Adults

200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks. May use as monotherapy following discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy or in combination with a tapering course of systemic corticosteroids. Do not use with other biological DMARDs because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection; such combinations have not been studied.

INVESTIGATIONAL USE: For the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)†, due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection†, in hospitalized patients who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require high-flow oxygen, noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Intravenous dosage Adults

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend a single 400 mg IV dose in combination with dexamethasone (with or without remdesivir) to treat hospitalized adults requiring supplemental oxygen, IF the patient is exhibiting signs of systemic inflammation and rapidly increasing oxygen needs while on dexamethasone. Further, sarilumab may be given with dexamethasone to treat patients on high-flow oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or ECMO. Sarilumab is to be used as an alternative to tocilizumab if tocilizumab is not available or not feasible to administer.

†Indicates off-label use

Dosing Considerations
Hepatic Impairment

Prior to treatment initiation: Do not initiate treatment with sarilumab if baseline AST or ALT is more than 1.5-times the upper limit of normal (ULN).
 
-Hepatic enzyme elevations occurring during treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
AST or ALT up to 3-times the ULN: Dose modify concomitant DMARDs, if appropriate.
AST or ALT 3- to 5-times the ULN: Interrupt sarilumab dosing until AST/ALT is less than 3 times the ULN. Then, resume sarilumab at 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks, and then increase to 200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks as clinically appropriate.
AST or ALT more than 5-times the ULN: Discontinue sarilumab.
 
-Hepatic enzyme elevations occurring during treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR):
AST or ALT 3-times ULN or more: Discontinue sarilumab.

Renal Impairment

CrCl 30 mL/minute or more: No dosage adjustment needed.
CrCl less than 30 mL/minute: Sarilumab has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment.

Drug Interactions

Abatacept: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with biological DMARDs, including selective costimulation modulators such as abatacept; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Adalimumab: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with biological DMARDs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) modifiers; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Alfentanil: (Moderate) Monitor for evidence of reduced effect if alfentanil coadministration with sarilumab is necessary; alfentanil dosage adjustment may be needed. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as alfentanil, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Alfentanil is a CYP3A4 substrate and a narrow therapeutic index drug.
Amlodipine; Atorvastatin: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as atorvastatin, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Monitor lipid panels and adjust therapy as indicated. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. A 45% decrease in exposure to another "statin" was noted in a drug interaction study. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Atorvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Anakinra: (Major) Avoid using sarilumab with other biological DMARDs including interleukin-1 receptor antagonists such as anakinra; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Apixaban: (Moderate) Monitor for a decrease in efficacy of apixaban if used with sarilumab. Until more data are available, consider using an anticoagulant without dependence on CYP450 enzymes for metabolism (e.g., heparins, edoxaban). The formation of CYP450 enzymes may be suppressed by increased concentrations of cytokines such as IL-6 during chronic inflammation. It is expected that the activity of CYP450 enzymes could increase to normal concentrations during treatment with an IL-6 antagonist such as sarilumab; these effects on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes [including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4]. Apixaban is an in vitro substrate for CYP3A4.
Atorvastatin: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as atorvastatin, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Monitor lipid panels and adjust therapy as indicated. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. A 45% decrease in exposure to another "statin" was noted in a drug interaction study. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Atorvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Atorvastatin; Ezetimibe: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as atorvastatin, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Monitor lipid panels and adjust therapy as indicated. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. A 45% decrease in exposure to another "statin" was noted in a drug interaction study. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Atorvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine, BCG: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Baricitinib: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with other biological DMARDs such as baricitinib; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Canakinumab: (Major) Avoid using sarilumab with other biological DMARDs including interleukin-1 receptor antagonists such as canakinumab; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Carbamazepine: (Moderate) Monitor carbamazepine concentrations and watch for decreased efficacy of carbamazepine if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary; adjust carbamazepine dosage as necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as carbamazepine, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Carbamazepine is a substrate of both CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 and a narrow therapeutic index drug.
Certolizumab pegol: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with biological DMARDs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) modifiers; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Cholera Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the live cholera vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to cholera bacteria after receiving the vaccine.
Cisapride: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased efficacy of cisapride if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as cisapride, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Cisapride is a CYP3A4 substrate and a narrow therapeutic index drug.
Cyclosporine: (Moderate) Monitor cyclosporine levels and adjust the dose of cyclosporine as appropriate if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as cyclosporine, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Cyclosporine is a CYP3A4 substrate and a narrow therapeutic index drug.
Desogestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Dextromethorphan; Quinidine: (Moderate) Monitor quinidine levels and adjust the dose of quinidine as appropriate if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as quinidine, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Quinidine is a CYP3A4 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Dienogest; Estradiol valerate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Drospirenone: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Drospirenone; Estetrol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Drospirenone; Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol; Levomefolate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Elagolix; Estradiol; Norethindrone acetate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Estradiol; Levonorgestrel: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Estradiol; Norethindrone: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Estradiol; Norgestimate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Etanercept: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with biological DMARDs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) modifiers; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Ethinyl Estradiol; Norelgestromin: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Ethinyl Estradiol; Norethindrone Acetate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Ethinyl Estradiol; Norgestrel: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Ethosuximide: (Moderate) Monitor for reduced efficacy of ethosuximide, monitor drug concentrations, and adjust the dose of ethosuximide as appropriate if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as ethosuximide, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Ethosuximide is a CYP3A4 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Ethynodiol Diacetate; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Etonogestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Everolimus: (Moderate) Monitor for clinical response in patients taking everolimus concurrently with sarilumab. For indications where therapeutic drug monitoring is appropriate, monitor everolimus trough concentrations and adjust the dose of everolimus accordingly. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as everolimus, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Everolimus is a CYP3A4 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Ezetimibe; Simvastatin: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as simvastatin, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Monitor lipid panels and adjust therapy as indicated. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. A 45% decrease in simvastatin exposure was noted 1 week after a single sarilumab dose. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Simvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Fentanyl: (Moderate) Monitor for evidence of reduced pain control or opioid withdrawal if fentanyl coadministration with sarilumab is necessary; fentanyl dosage adjustment may be needed. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as fentanyl, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Fentanyl is a CYP3A4 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Fosphenytoin: (Moderate) Monitor fosphenytoin concentrations and watch for decreased efficacy of fosphenytoin if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary; adjust fosphenytoin dosage as necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as fosphenytoin, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Fosphenytoin is a substrate of both CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Golimumab: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with biological DMARDs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) modifiers; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Infliximab: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with biological DMARDs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) modifiers; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Intranasal Influenza Vaccine: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Leuprolide; Norethindrone: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Levonorgestrel: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Levonorgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Levonorgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous Bisglycinate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Levonorgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous Fumarate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Live Vaccines: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Lovastatin: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as lovastatin, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Monitor lipid panels and adjust therapy as indicated. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. A 45% decrease in exposure to another "statin" was noted in a drug interaction study. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Lovastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Measles Virus; Mumps Virus; Rubella Virus; Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella Vaccines, MMR: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Niacin; Simvastatin: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as simvastatin, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Monitor lipid panels and adjust therapy as indicated. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. A 45% decrease in simvastatin exposure was noted 1 week after a single sarilumab dose. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Simvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Norethindrone Acetate; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous fumarate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Norethindrone: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Norethindrone; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Norethindrone; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous fumarate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Norgestimate; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Norgestrel: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Ofatumumab: (Major) Avoid using sarilumab with other biological agents, including anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as ofatumumab; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and an increased risk of infection.
Oral Contraceptives: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Phenytoin: (Moderate) Monitor phenytoin concentrations and watch for decreased efficacy of phenytoin if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary; adjust phenytoin dosage as necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as phenytoin, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Phenytoin is a substrate of both CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Pimozide: (Moderate) Monitor for an altered patient response to pimozide if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as pimozide, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Pimozide a substrate of both CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Quinidine: (Moderate) Monitor quinidine levels and adjust the dose of quinidine as appropriate if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as quinidine, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Quinidine is a CYP3A4 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Relugolix; Estradiol; Norethindrone acetate: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Rituximab: (Major) Avoid using sarilumab with other biological agents, including anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and an increased risk of infection.
Rituximab; Hyaluronidase: (Major) Avoid using sarilumab with other biological agents, including anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and an increased risk of infection.
Rivaroxaban: (Moderate) Monitor for a decrease in efficacy of rivaroxaban if used with sarilumab. Until more data are available, consider using an anticoagulant without dependence on CYP450 enzymes for metabolism (e.g., heparins, edoxaban). The formation of CYP450 enzymes may be suppressed by increased concentrations of cytokines such as IL-6 during chronic inflammation. It is expected that the activity of CYP450 enzymes could increase to normal concentrations during treatment with an IL-6 antagonist such as sarilumab; these effects on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes [including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4]. Rivaroxaban is a substrate for CYP3A4/5.
Rotavirus Vaccine: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
Secukinumab: (Major) Avoid using sarilumab with other biological DMARDs, such as secukinumab; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Segesterone Acetate; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as combined hormonal oral contraceptives, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Simvastatin: (Moderate) Utilize caution with concomitant use of sarilumab and CYP3A4 substrate drugs, such as simvastatin, where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. Monitor lipid panels and adjust therapy as indicated. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. A 45% decrease in simvastatin exposure was noted 1 week after a single sarilumab dose. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Simvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Nonreplicating: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Smallpox Vaccine, Vaccinia Vaccine: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Tacrolimus: (Moderate) Monitor tacrolimus levels and adjust the dose of tacrolimus as appropriate if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as tacrolimus, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Tacrolimus is a CYP3A4 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Theophylline, Aminophylline: (Moderate) Monitor drug concentrations and watch for decreased efficacy of aminophylline or theophylline if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary; a dosage increase of these methylxanthines may be necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro,sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Aminophylline and Theophylline are CYP1A2 substrates and narrow therapeutic index drugs.
Thioridazine: (Moderate) Monitor for an altered patient response to thioridazine if coadministration with sarilumab is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as thioridazine, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Thioridazine is a CYP2D6 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Tizanidine: (Moderate) Monitor for reduced efficacy of tizanidine if coadministered with sarilumab. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilmuab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as tizanidine, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab. In vitro, sarilumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Tizanidine is a CYP1A2 substrate and narrow therapeutic index drug.
Tocilizumab: (Major) Avoid using sarilumab with other biological DMARDs, such as tocilizumab; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Tofacitinib: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with other biological DMARDs such as tofacitinib; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Tumor Necrosis Factor modifiers: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with biological DMARDs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) modifiers; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Typhoid Vaccine: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Upadacitinib: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with other biological DMARDs, such as upadacitinib; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and an increased risk of infection.
Ustekinumab: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sarilumab with other biological DMARDs such as ustekinumab; coadministration has not been studied and may result in additive immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccine, Live: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Warfarin: (Moderate) Monitor the INR if sarilumab is coadministered with warfarin due to the potential for decreased warfarin efficacy; adjust the dose of warfarin as necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling by sarilumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates as compared to metabolism prior to treatment. Therefore, CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as warfarin, may have fluctuations in drug levels and therapeutic effect when sarilumab therapy is started or discontinued. This effect on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping sarilumab.
Yellow Fever Vaccine, Live: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.

How Supplied

KEVZARA Subcutaneous Inj Sol: 1mL, 131.6mg, 175.4mg

Maximum Dosage
Adults

200 mg per dose subcutaneously; investigational doses of 400 mg IV have been used for COVID-19.

Geriatric

200 mg per dose subcutaneously; investigational doses of 400 mg IV have been used for COVID-19.

Adolescents

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Children

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Infants

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Neonates

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Mechanism Of Action

Sarilumab binds to both soluble and membrane-bound interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors (sIL-6R and mIL-6R), and has been shown to inhibit IL-6-mediated signaling through these receptors. IL-6 is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of cell types including T-cells and B-cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and fibroblasts. IL-6 has been shown to be involved in diverse physiological processes such as T-cell activation, induction of immunoglobulin secretion, initiation of hepatic acute phase protein synthesis, and stimulation of hematopoietic precursor cell proliferation and differentiation. IL-6 is also produced by synovial and endothelial cells leading to local production of IL-6 in joints affected by inflammatory processes such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Pharmacokinetics

Sarilumab is administered subcutaneously. The volume of distribution at steady state is 7.3 L. Sarilumab is eliminated by parallel linear and non-linear pathways. At higher concentrations, the elimination is predominately through the linear, non-saturable proteolytic pathway. At lower concentrations, non-linear saturable target-mediated elimination predominates. The half-life is concentration-dependent. At steady-state following administration of 150 mg or 200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks, the half-life is up to 8 or 10 days, respectively. After the last steady-state dose of 150 mg and 200 mg, the median times to non-detectable concentration are 28 and 43 days, respectively. Sarilumab is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways, similar to endogenous IgG. Monoclonal antibodies are not eliminated via renal or hepatic pathways.[61976]
 
Decreases in C-reactive protein to within normal ranges were seen as early as week 2 after single-dose administration of sarilumab 150 mg or 200 mg during trials in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with sarilumab resulted in decreases in serum amyloid A and fibrinogen and increases in hemoglobin and serum albumin.[61976]
 
Affected cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoenzymes and drug transporters: various CYP450 isoenzymes
The formation of CYP450 enzymes may be suppressed by increased concentrations of cytokines, such as IL-6, during chronic inflammation. Thus, it is expected that the formation of CYP450 enzymes could be normalized during sarilumab receipt leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates. Exercise caution when coadministering sarilumab with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where a decrease in effectiveness is undesirable. The effect of sarilumab on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping the medication.[61976]

Subcutaneous Route

When administered subcutaneously to rheumatoid arthritis patients, the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 2 to 4 days. At steady state, the exposure (AUC) increased 2-fold with an increase in dose from 150 mg to 200 mg every 2 weeks. Steady-state was reached in 14 to 16 weeks with a 2- to 3-fold accumulation compared to single-dose exposure. For the 150 mg every 2 week regimen, the estimated mean (+/- SD) steady-state AUC was 202 +/- 120 mg x day/L, the minimum concentration (Cmin) was 6.35 +/- 7.54 mg/L, and the maximal concentration (Cmax) was 20 +/- 9.2 mg/L. For the 200 mg every 2 week regimen, the estimated mean (+/- SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin, and Cmax were 395 +/- 207 mg x day/L, 16.5 +/- 14.1 mg/L, and 35.6 +/- 15.2 mg/L, respectively. Data from a population pharmacokinetic analysis of 58 patients found sarilumab exposures were generally higher in those with polymyalgia rheumatica as compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis. For the dosing regimen of 200 mg every 2 weeks, the estimated mean (+/- SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin, and Cmax in polymyalgia rheumatica patients were 551 +/- 321 mg x day/L, 27 +/-21.5 mg/L, and 46.5 +/- 23 mg/L, respectively. Accumulation was observed, with an accumulation ratio of approximately 6-fold based on the mean trough concentrations.

Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy

Limited available data are not sufficient to determine whether the use of sarilumab during human pregnancy is associated with risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. Monoclonal antibodies, like sarilumab, are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester. This may affect immune response in the in utero exposed infant. Concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), in response to antigen challenge, may be reduced in the fetus/infant of treated mothers. Consider risks and benefits prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to neonates or infants who were exposed to sarilumab in utero. In an animal reproduction study, consisting of a combined embryo-fetal and pre- and postnatal development study with monkeys that received intravenous administration of sarilumab, there was no evidence of embryotoxicity or fetal malformations with exposures up to approximately 84 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Animal data suggest sarilumab may affect labor and obstetric delivery. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity, leading to potential delays in parturition. For mice deficient in IL-6, parturition was delayed relative to wild-type mice without this deficiency. Administration of recombinant IL-6 to the deficient mice restored the normal timing of delivery.[61976]