About sarilumab
Interleukin-6 receptor antagonist
Used for
- Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults
- Polymyalgia rheumatica in adults when corticosteroids are inadequate or unsuitable
Usual adult dose
Rheumatoid arthritis: 200 mg injected under the skin every two weeks; may reduce to 150 mg every two weeks. Polymyalgia rheumatica: 200 mg every two weeks with a tapering corticosteroid course.
Common side effects
- Low white blood cell counts
- Infections, including serious infections
- Injection-site reactions
- Raised liver enzymes or cholesterol
Important warnings
- Can cause serious infections; treatment may be paused during infection.
- Screen for tuberculosis before treatment; avoid live vaccines during treatment.
- Blood counts, liver tests, and cholesterol need monitoring.
- Rarely, bowel perforation can occur, especially with diverticulitis or certain medicines.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited; use only when clearly needed after discussing potential risks with a clinician.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether sarilumab passes into breast milk; discuss treatment with a clinician.
Interactions
- May alter levels of some medicines, including warfarin, ciclosporin, and theophylline.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
- Other biologic immune-suppressing medicines can increase infection risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.