What Drugs Are Similar to KEVZARA? Exploring Alternatives

In the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition affecting an estimated 0.9% of the Canadian population in 2010, various biologic drugs are utilized. For those exploring options, a key question is: what drugs are similar to KEVZARA (sarilumab)?

Quick Summary

KEVZARA (sarilumab) is an IL-6 receptor antagonist for inflammatory conditions. Similar drugs include other IL-6 inhibitors, TNF blockers, JAK inhibitors, and other biologic DMARDs, each with distinct mechanisms and profiles.

Key Points

• Direct Competitor: The most similar drug to KEVZARA is Actemra (tocilizumab), as both are IL-6 receptor antagonists used for rheumatoid arthritis.

• Mechanism of Action: KEVZARA (sarilumab) works by blocking interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions like RA.

• Alternative Mechanisms: Other classes of similar drugs include TNF blockers (e.g., Humira), oral JAK inhibitors (e.g., Rinvoq), and T-cell or B-cell inhibitors (e.g., Orencia, Rituxan).

• Administration Differences: While KEVZARA and many biologics are injectable, some alternatives like JAK inhibitors (Rinvoq, Xeljanz) offer the convenience of a daily oral pill.

• Shared Major Risk: KEVZARA and many similar biologic drugs carry a serious risk of infections because they suppress the immune system.

• Varying Indications: While many of these drugs treat RA, they are often approved for a different spectrum of other inflammatory diseases.

• Safety Monitoring: Treatment with KEVZARA and similar biologics requires regular blood tests to monitor for changes in white blood cells, platelets, liver enzymes, and cholesterol.

Understanding KEVZARA (sarilumab)

KEVZARA (sarilumab) is a biologic prescription medication classified as an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. It is primarily used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when other treatments like DMARDs haven't been effective enough. It is also approved for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in certain pediatric patients.

KEVZARA works by blocking IL-6 receptors, which are involved in the inflammatory process. By doing this, it helps to reduce inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness associated with conditions like RA. It is given as a subcutaneous injection, usually every two weeks.

Direct IL-6 Pathway Competitors

Drugs that also target the IL-6 pathway are the most similar to KEVZARA in their mechanism of action.

• Tocilizumab (Actemra®): This is another IL-6 receptor antagonist used for RA and other inflammatory conditions. Both sarilumab and tocilizumab have demonstrated similar efficacy and safety profiles. Actemra is available in both subcutaneous and intravenous forms.
• Siltuximab (Sylvant®): Approved for multicentric Castleman's disease, siltuximab binds directly to the IL-6 cytokine, unlike KEVZARA and Actemra which block the receptor.

Alternatives with Different Mechanisms of Action

For information on alternatives to KEVZARA with different mechanisms of action, including TNF blockers, JAK inhibitors, and other biologic DMARDs, and a comparison table of KEVZARA alternatives, please refer to {Link: everyone.org https://everyone.org/explore/compare?id1=36&id2=410}.

Important Safety Considerations

KEVZARA, like many similar medications, can increase the risk of serious infections due to its immunosuppressive effects and carries a boxed warning. Screening for conditions such as tuberculosis is typically performed before initiating treatment. Common side effects include infections and altered laboratory test results. A rare, but serious, risk is a gastrointestinal perforation.

Conclusion

In summary, drugs similar to KEVZARA include those targeting the IL-6 pathway, such as tocilizumab (Actemra), and alternatives with different mechanisms like TNF blockers, JAK inhibitors, and other biologics. The selection of medication depends on individual factors and medical guidance.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. {Link: American College of Rheumatology https://rheumatology.org/patients/sarilumab-kevzara}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drug is most similar to KEVZARA?

The most similar drug to KEVZARA (sarilumab) is Actemra (tocilizumab). Both are biologic medications that belong to the same class, IL-6 receptor antagonists, and work by blocking the same inflammatory pathway.

Is KEVZARA a biologic?

Yes, KEVZARA (sarilumab) is a type of biologic drug known as a monoclonal antibody. Biologics are complex medicines made from living sources.

Are there oral alternatives to KEVZARA?

Yes, there are oral alternatives to the injectable KEVZARA. These are typically from the class of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which include drugs like Rinvoq (upadacitinib), Xeljanz (tofacitinib), and Olumiant (baricitinib).

What is the main difference between KEVZARA and Humira?

The main difference is their mechanism of action. KEVZARA (sarilumab) is an IL-6 receptor antagonist, blocking the interleukin-6 protein. Humira (adalimumab) is a TNF blocker, which targets a different inflammatory protein called Tumor Necrosis Factor.

What are the most common side effects of KEVZARA?

The most common side effects of KEVZARA include upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, redness or itching at the injection site, and changes in certain lab results like decreased neutrophil counts and increased liver enzymes.

How does KEVZARA work?

KEVZARA works by blocking a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6) from binding to its receptors. In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, there is too much IL-6, causing inflammation. By blocking this action, KEVZARA helps reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Can KEVZARA be used with other DMARDs?

Yes, KEVZARA can be used as monotherapy or in combination with conventional DMARDs like methotrexate (MTX). However, it should not be used in combination with other biologic DMARDs due to the increased risk of immunosuppression and infection.