Are you also suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness? This is a very annoying disease. Sarilumab is a special injection that is used to reduce this pain and provide relief to the joints. This medicine is often used in combination with other medicines. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how it works, and what we need to be careful about, in a friendly and simple way.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. This medication is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Condition/Occasion | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Current or recent infections (e.g., viral infections like chickenpox, herpes, and the common cold) | Because Sarilumab suppresses the immune system to some extent, infections may become more severe. |
| Tuberculosis , having a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or having been in close contact with a person with tuberculosis. | There is a risk of latent tuberculosis becoming active again. |
| Having a cancer condition or having a history of cancer. | These drugs may affect the risk of some cancers. |
| Having a history of liver disease , especially Hepatitis B. | Liver function may be affected, and the Hepatitis B virus may reactivate. |
| Diabetes or other immune system problems. | The risk of infection can be further increased. |
| Decreased blood components (decreased white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets). | This medication can further reduce blood components. |
| Conditions such as diverticulitis in the intestines. | There is a very small risk of perforation of the intestine. |
| Having recently received a vaccine or being scheduled to receive one in the future. | It is especially not advisable to receive live virus vaccines. |
| Being scheduled to undergo surgery in the future. | It may be necessary to temporarily stop the medication before surgery. |
| Being pregnant , trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . | In these cases, the safety of the medication should be discussed with the doctor. |
How should I use the medicine?
Sarilumab is an injection given under the skin . It often comes in a form that you can inject yourself at home. Your doctor or nurse will explain how to do this.
- Take it on time: Take the vaccine once every few days, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount.
- Dispose of needles safely: This is very important. Never throw used needles, syringes, or pens in the trash . They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
Important note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take the vaccine on the day you are supposed to get it, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose .
What if I take too much by mistake?
If you think you have taken too much medicine by mistake, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as some medications may interact with Sarilumab.
- Live virus vaccines: It is not advisable to receive these while taking this medicine.
- Reactions may occur with the following drugs:
- Other biological medicines that control the immune system: For example, medicines like Abatacept, Adalimumab, Etanercept, Tocilizumab, Tofacitinib.
- Some cholesterol-lowering drugs: Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin.
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting: Medicines like Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban.
- Types of steroids: Prednisone, Cortisone, etc.
- Birth control pills.
- Theophylline.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Watch out for infections: This medicine may slightly reduce your body's ability to fight disease (immunity). Therefore, you are more likely to get infections . If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or pain when urinating, do not self-medicate and see a doctor immediately.
- Stay away from people who are sick: Try to stay away from people who are sick with illnesses like the common cold as much as possible. If you come into contact with someone who is sick with something like chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor immediately.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will order several blood tests at regular intervals while you are taking this medicine. Do not miss any of them.
- Cancer risk: There may be a very small risk of developing certain types of cancer when taking this type of medication. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Sarilumab can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Let's learn more about them in the table below.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Things to report to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, urinary tract infection. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the right side of the stomach, nausea, extreme fatigue. |
| Decreased blood counts | Increased bleeding, frequent illness, excessive fatigue (these are confirmed by blood tests). |
| Other serious symptoms | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, sudden severe stomach pain and vomiting. |
| It's usually not serious, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Vaccination site | Minor pain, redness, or swelling. |
| Runny nose | Stuffy or runny nose. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Store in the refrigerator: Keep out of the reach of children, at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (in the normal part of the refrigerator). Do not store in the freezer . Do not allow the medicine to freeze.
- Protect from light: Keep the medicine in the original carton.
- Storage at room temperature: If necessary, it can be stored at room temperature below 25 degrees Celsius (77 F) for up to 14 days. However, if not used after 14 days, it should be discarded.
- After expiration: Do not use medicine that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Sarilumab is a subcutaneous injection used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- While taking the medicine, be very careful about signs of infection such as fever, cough, and sore throat. If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be aware of the symptoms of serious side effects , such as allergic reactions and liver problems.
- Always dispose of used needles and syringes safely .
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else . If you have any questions about the medicine, ask your doctor.
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