kevzara

Important safety information

Serious Infections: Avoid KEVZARA use during an active infection. ( 5.1 ) Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Lipid Abnormalities: Monitor laboratory parameters. ( 5.2 ) Gastrointestinal (GI) Perforation: Risk may be increased with concurrent diverticulitis or concomitant use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Promptly evaluate acute abdominal signs or symptoms. ( 5.3 ) Hypersensitivity reactions. ( 5.5 ) Live vaccines: Avoid use with KEVZARA. ( 5.7 , 7.3 ) 5.1 Serious Infections Serious and sometimes fatal infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including KEVZARA. Among opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystis were reported with KEVZARA. Some patients presented with disseminated rather than localized disease and were often taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. The most frequently observed serious infections with KEVZARA in RA patients included pneumonia and cellulitis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . While not reported in KEVZARA clinical studies, other serious infections (e.g., histoplasmosis, cryptococcus, aspergillosis) have been reported in patients receiving other immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of RA. Avoid use of KEVZARA in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating KEVZARA in patients who have: chronic or recurrent infection; a history of serious or opportunistic infections; underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection; been exposed to tuberculosis; or lived in or traveled to areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with KEVZARA, as signs and symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened due to suppression of the acute phase reactants [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Hold treatment with KEVZARA if a patient develops a serious infection or an opportunistic infection. Perform prompt and complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient who develops a new infection during treatment with KEVZARA; initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and closely monitor the patient. Tuberculosis Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating treatment with KEVZARA. Treat patients with latent TB with standard antimycobacterial therapy before initiating KEVZARA. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of KEVZARA in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent TB but having risk factors for TB infection. When considering anti-TB therapy, consultation with a physician with expertise in TB may be appropriate. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of TB including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. Viral Reactivation Viral reactivation has been reported with immunosuppressive biologic therapies. Cases of herpes zoster were observed in clinical studies with KEVZARA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . The risk of Hepatitis B reactivation with KEVZARA is unknown since patients who were at risk for reactivation were excluded. 5.2 Laboratory Abnormalities Neutropenia Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with a higher incidence of decrease in absolute neutrophil count (ANC), including neutropenia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Assess neutrophil count prior to initiation of KEVZARA and monitor neutrophil count 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . For recommendations regarding initiating KEVZARA therapy and dosage modifications based on ANC results see Dosage and Administration (2.1 and 2.6) . Based on the pharmacodynamics of the changes in ANC [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] , use results obtained at the end of the dosing interval when considering dosage modification. Thrombocytopenia Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with a reduction in platelet counts in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Assess platelet count prior to initiation of KEVZARA and monitor platelets 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter. For recommendations regarding initiating KEVZARA therapy and dosage modifications based on platelet counts see Dosage and Administration (2.1 and 2.6) . Elevated Liver Enzymes Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with a higher incidence of transaminase elevations. These elevations were transient and did not result in any clinically evident hepatic injury in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Increased frequency and magnitude of these elevations were observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., MTX) were used in combination with KEVZARA. Assess ALT/AST levels prior to initiation of KEVZARA and monitor ALT and AST levels 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter. When clinically indicated, consider other liver function tests such as bilirubin. For recommendations regarding initiating KEVZARA therapy and dosage modifications based on transaminase elevations see Dosage and Administration (2.1 and 2.6) . Lipid Abnormalities Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with increases in lipid parameters such as LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Assess lipid parameters approximately 4 to 8 weeks following initiation of treatment with KEVZARA, then at approximately 6-month intervals. Manage patients according to clinical guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia. 5.3 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in clinical studies, primarily as complications of diverticulitis. GI perforation risk may be increased with concurrent diverticulitis or concomitant use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Promptly evaluate patients presenting with new onset abdominal symptoms [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.4 Immunosuppression Treatment with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of malignancies. The impact of treatment with KEVZARA on the development of malignancies is not known but malignancies were reported in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in association with KEVZARA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation were reported in 0.3% of patients in controlled RA trials. Injection site rash, rash, and urticaria were the most frequent hypersensitivity reactions. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. If anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reaction occurs, stop administration of KEVZARA immediately. Do not administer KEVZARA to patients with known hypersensitivity to sarilumab [see Contraindications (4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.6 Active Hepatic Disease and Hepatic Impairment Treatment with KEVZARA is not recommended in patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment, as treatment with KEVZARA was associated with transaminase elevations [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . 5.7 Live Vaccines Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with KEVZARA due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during KEVZARA treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving KEVZARA. Prior to initiating treatment, it is recommended that all patients be brought up to date with all immunizations…