Sarilumab

 

What is Sarilumab?

Sarilumab is a targeted disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that is used to reduce inflammation produced by the body. In certain diseases the immune system is over active, this can target healthy tissues such as joints and the skin. Sarilumab works on the inflammatory pathway to block a protein called IL-6, thereby reducing the symptoms you get from arthritis such as pain and joint swelling and reduces the chance of further damage to the joints.

 

What is Sarilumab used for?

Sarilumab is used for the treatments of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

 

How is it taken?

Sarilumab is given as an injection into the layer of fat between the skin and muscle. This is called a subcutaneous injection and is usually given into the thigh or abdomen. It can be given alone or in combination with other DMARDs such as methotrexate.

The injection device is available as a prefilled syringe or pen. It should be stored in the fridge at home.

 

The dose of the injections is 200mg every 2 weeks. Some patients may need a lower dose of 150mg every 2 weeks if their blood counts are lowered.

 

It can take up to 12 weeks to have a full effect. You will be seen in clinic at around this point to see how you are getting along.

 

Whilst you are taking sarilumab you will need your bloods monitored. This is done initially every 8 weeks for the first 6 months, then every 3 months on going. If you are taking other DMARDs that require blood monitoring this should be continued.

 

If your symptoms become well controlled on the injections, you may be able to have your dose reduced; increasing the time between injections does this.

 

Side effects

There are a few possible side effects that can occur in a small number of people that take sarilumab, these include:

 

 

Cautions of use

Interactions with other medications

Contraindications of other conditions

Operations

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Alcohol

Vaccinations

 

Useful Links

Versus Arthritis: http://www.versusarthritis.org