Sumario: | Sarilumab (Kevzara) for subcutaneous (SC) injection is a fully human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to both soluble and membrane-bound interleukin-6 receptors inhibiting interleukin-6 mediated signalling. It is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more biologic or non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Sarilumab is available in 150 mg and 200 mg single-use pre-filled syringes for SC injection. The recommended dose of sarilumab is 200 mg SC injection every two weeks, with a reduction to 150 mg every two weeks for management of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. Sarilumab should be given in combination with methotrexate or other conventional DMARD but may be used as monotherapy in cases of intolerance or contraindication to methotrexate or DMARDs. The manufacturer has submitted a price of 700 dollar per pre-filled syringe (for both 150 mg and 200 mg doses) resulting in an annual cost of 18,200 dollar per patient.
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