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Telemedicine tips: I’m thinking about KEVZARA

Get tips on how to prepare for a telemedicine appointment with your doctor.

TRANSCRIPT

VO:
I’m Dr Heinlen, a rheumatologist, and I would like to talk to you about telemedicine. Do you think your rheumatoid arthritis treatment isn’t working but you can’t get to the doctor? Telemedicine might be a great option. Though your doctor cannot perform a physical exam, telemedicine allows you to get advice and have a productive conversation with your doctor wherever you are.

SUPER:
Be prepared.

VO:
If you have a telemedicine appointment coming up, here are some tips for you to be prepared.

SUPER:
Before your appointment

SUPER:
Check your tech.

VO:
Make sure you have a device with a camera, a microphone, and an internet connection. Ask your doctor’s office if there’s an app you need to download for your appointment.

SUPER:
Know the signs.
- morning stiffness
- joint pain and swelling
- reduced ability to move

VO:
Think about the important signs of RA, and if they’re improving on your current treatment.

SUPER:
CRP test

VO:
You might need a blood test the next time you visit your doctor’s office. It might include a C-reactive protein, or CRP, if your joint pain, swelling, and stiffness are getting worse. You may want to ask your doctor to send your bloodwork to a lab near you for faster results.

SUPER:
Be specific.

VO:
Be specific about your symptoms. For example, let your doctor know if your wrist hurts when you open a jar.

SUPER:
See the doctor discussion guide.

VO:
See the doctor discussion guide at the link below this video.

SUPER:
During your appointment

SUPER:
Find a quiet place

VO:
Find a private place to talk. You can use the discussion guide to make sure you cover all of the important points. And make sure to take notes.

SUPER:
Explore your options

VO:
There are different ways to treat RA. If your symptoms aren’t improving, ask your doctor if another option might be appropriate for you.

SUPER:
Get all the answers.

VO:
Make sure you understand everything your doctor said before the appointment ends. If you do run out of time, you can call back to make sure you have everything.

SUPER:
After your appointment

VO:
Jot down all the important points your doctor told you before you forget…

SUPER:
Reflect on your experience.

VO:
…and any parts of your experience that went well, and which parts didn’t. Bring them up with your doctor to make future telemedicine appointments go more smoothly.

CTA:
Get helpful tips at the link below this video.

VO:
And remember, you can get helpful tips when you download the doctor discussion guide at the link below this video.

SUPER:
Download the doctor discussion guide at the link below.

How KEVZARA works

Watch and learn more about the way IL-6 contributes to your RA and how KEVZARA works to control it.

Have you recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory rheumatic disease?

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause your immune system to attack your joints, muscles, and bones. Living with RA can take a toll on you, both physically and emotionally.

RA-related joint pain and stiffness can make daily activities that were once easy more difficult. We’re going to explore how proteins like interleukin 6, or IL-6, contribute to your joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and how IL-6 blockers may help.

IL-6 is a protein in the body that plays a major role in joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue.

With RA, your body thinks it’s under attack. Your body sends many types of inflammatory proteins to your joints to fight this attack. But it doesn’t know when to stop.

When your body sends too many inflammatory proteins to your joints over a long period of time, these proteins may cause damage to your joints. IL-6 is one of these inflammatory proteins.

Persistently high levels of IL-6 may cause inflammation. The extra inflammatory proteins may cause serious damage to your body over time. Without treatment, RA may permanently damage your joints.

Persistently high levels of IL-6 can affect everyday activities and may make mornings especially tough for those living with RA. Experts believe levels of IL-6 are higher in the morning due to our body’s circadian rhythm, the 24-hour internal cycle that controls essential functions like sleep, eating, and hormone production.

People with RA may experience pain and stiffness in the smaller joints of the body, including the hands, wrists, and knees.

For a cell to respond to IL-6, the IL-6 molecule must attach to an IL-6 receptor. Once attached to the receptor, IL-6 triggers inflammation in the joint. This inflammation can get so bad that it can damage the connective tissue and bone within the joint. Treatments can help protect against this damage or slow it down by blocking IL-6 from reaching its receptor.

How KEVZARA® (sarilumab) blocks IL-6.

What is KEVZARA?

KEVZARA® (sarilumab) is an injectable prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker. KEVZARA is used to treat adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

KEVZARA can cause serious side effects including:

SERIOUS INFECTIONS: KEVZARA is a medicine that affects your immune system. KEVZARA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious infections while using KEVZARA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting KEVZARA. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with KEVZARA.

Please see additional Important Safety Information at the end of this video.

Blocking persistently high levels of IL-6 may help reduce inflammation, alleviate your symptoms, and let you get back to enjoying the things you love.

Using soccer to show how this works, imagine that the ball is an IL-6 protein, the goal is an IL-6 receptor, and the goalie is something called an IL-6 blocker. To trigger inflammation, the IL-6 protein, or soccer ball, must reach its receptor, or the goal line. To prevent this inflammation, the protein must be blocked. Like a goalie in soccer, an IL-6 blocker prevents it from reaching the goal line.

By preventing IL-6 connections on the cells and in the bloodstream, IL-6 blockers may help relieve pain, reduce joint stiffness and swelling, and slow the progression of joint damage. One of these IL-6 blockers is a treatment called KEVZARA® (sarilumab).

Please see additional Important Safety Information throughout this video and link above for full Prescribing Information, including risk of SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, and Medication Guide.

Thank you for watching.

[Text on screen]

What is KEVZARA?

KEVZARA® (sarilumab) is an injectable prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker. KEVZARA is used to treat adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

KEVZARA can cause serious side effects including:

SERIOUS INFECTIONS: KEVZARA is a medicine that affects your immune system. KEVZARA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious infections while using KEVZARA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting KEVZARA. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with KEVZARA.
Before starting KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- think you have an infection or have signs or symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever such as sweats or chills, muscle aches, a cough, shortness of breath, blood in your phlegm, weight loss, warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal, if you feel very tired, or if you are being treated for an infection, get a lot of infections or have repeated infections.
- have diabetes, HIV, or a weakened immune system.
- have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB.
- live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance of getting certain fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis).
- have or have had hepatitis.
After starting KEVZARA, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection.
CHANGES IN CERTAIN LABORATORY TEST RESULTS: Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and after starting KEVZARA to check for low neutrophil (white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections) counts, low platelet (blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding) counts, and an increase in certain liver function tests. Changes in test results are common with KEVZARA and can be severe. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests 4 to 8 weeks after starting KEVZARA and then every 6 months during treatment to check for an increase in blood cholesterol levels.
TEARS (PERFORATION) OF THE STOMACH OR INTESTINES: Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people using KEVZARA get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and stomach (abdominal) pain that does not go away.
CANCER: KEVZARA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.
SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Serious allergic reactions can happen with KEVZARA. Get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs: shortness of breath or trouble breathing; feeling dizzy or faint; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; moderate or severe stomach (abdominal) pain or vomiting; or chest pain.
Do not use KEVZARA if you are allergic to sarilumab or any of the ingredients of KEVZARA.
Before using KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- have an infection.
- have liver problems.
- have had stomach (abdominal) pain or a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.
- recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. People who take KEVZARA should not receive live vaccines.
  - All vaccines should be brought up-to-date before starting KEVZARA, unless urgent treatment initiation is required.
- plan to have surgery or a medical procedure.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KEVZARA will harm your unborn baby.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use KEVZARA. It is not known if KEVZARA passes into your breast milk.
- take prescription or nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. It is especially important to tell your healthcare provider if you use:
  - any other medicines to treat your RA. Using KEVZARA with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.
  - medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.
The most common side effects include:
- injection site redness
- injection site itching
- upper respiratory tract infection
- urinary tract infection
- nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose

These are not all the possible side effects of KEVZARA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

To learn more, talk about KEVZARA with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved Medication Guide and Prescribing Information can be found below or by calling 1-844-KEVZARA.

Please see additional Important Safety Information throughout this video and link above for full Prescribing Information, including risk of SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, and Medication Guide.

Shirley’s story

Hear how KEVZARA gave Shirley hope in managing her RA.

What is KEVZARA?

KEVZARA® (sarilumab) is an injectable prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker. KEVZARA is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

KEVZARA can cause serious side effects including:

SERIOUS INFECTIONS: KEVZARA is a medicine that affects your immune system. KEVZARA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious infections while using KEVZARA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting KEVZARA. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with KEVZARA.

Please see additional Important Safety Information at the end of this video.

TRANSCRIPT

Shirley:

I was working as an executive with a pretty fast-paced life. A lot of travel, working in the field, basically on the go.

In addition to that, I really enjoyed biking, golfing, walking.

And then, my life completely changed.

I was actually on a business trip. I had no idea what was going on. In the middle of the flight I got this severe, awful pain in my hip. It feels like you’ve been in a major car accident. I was quite alarmed and confused and scared.

Ten days later I was using a cane to walk, and then shortly after that, a walker, a scooter, a wheelchair.

My name is Shirley, and I have rheumatoid arthritis for 14 years now.

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just affect your joints. You’re not just tired. Debilitation is not all of it. It affects your whole body. Because people can’t really see what’s happening underneath the skin, they tend to be very dismissive. So the reality is you’ve lost total confidence in what you can do.

You become more and more isolated and you don’t want to be around a lot of people. Feeling tired is more pronounced early in the mornings. You take longer to do everything. I remember just standing in the shower sometimes for 20, 30 minutes just trying to move around.

I used to love to sew. Well I couldn’t do that anymore as I was suffering with this disease. I couldn’t use scissors, my fingers were starting to get more tender, so I couldn’t hold a needle, definitely couldn’t thread.

For the 14 years, I’ve been on multiple therapies, some of them worked for a while, and then I started to fall off. I was actively looking, calling, searching the internet trying to see if there was a new product that people were talking about.

I heard about KEVZARA. I contacted my physician. Two days later, I got the script, and I started.

[Text on screen]

Individual results may vary.

Shirley:

With KEVZARA, I’ve noticed I could do a lot of the things that I didn’t think I would ever be able to do again.

I get going a lot sooner, get out of bed, you know, starting my day. Putting on makeup now is a lot easier which, that’s one of my favorite things to do, because I can now unscrew the tops, I can hold things without having the fear of dropping them.

I’ve been able to start biking again, dance again, which is all a part of me feeling that confidence that I wanted to have again. Just think about how you feel with that kind of accomplishment.

KEVZARA has given me hope. This is how far I’ve come. And this is not where I’m going to stop.

Kudos to me, right?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

Before starting KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever. Symptoms may include sweats or chills, muscle aches, a cough, shortness of breath, blood in your phlegm, weight loss, warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal, if you feel very tired, or if you are being treated for an infection, get a lot of infections or have repeated infections
- have diabetes, HIV, or a weakened immune system
- have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB
- live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance of getting certain fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis)
- have or have had hepatitis
After starting KEVZARA, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection.
CHANGES IN CERTAIN LABORATORY TEST RESULTS: Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and after starting KEVZARA to check for low neutrophil (white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections) counts, low platelet (blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding) counts, and an increase in certain liver function tests. Changes in test results are common with KEVZARA and can be severe. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests 4 to 8 weeks after starting KEVZARA and then every 6 months during treatment to check for an increase in blood cholesterol levels.
TEARS (PERFORATION) OF THE STOMACH OR INTESTINES: Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people using KEVZARA get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and stomach (abdominal) pain that does not go away.
CANCER: KEVZARA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.
SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Serious allergic reactions can happen with KEVZARA. Get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs: shortness of breath or trouble breathing; feeling dizzy or faint; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; moderate or severe stomach (abdominal) pain or vomiting; or chest pain.
Do not use KEVZARA if you are allergic to sarilumab or any of the ingredients of KEVZARA.
Before using KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- have an infection
- have liver problems
- have had stomach (abdominal) pain or a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
- recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. People who take KEVZARA should not receive live vaccines
- plan to have surgery or a medical procedure
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KEVZARA will harm your unborn baby
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use KEVZARA. It is not known if KEVZARA passes into your breast milk.
- take prescription or nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. It is especially important to tell your healthcare provider if you use
  - any other medicines to treat your RA. Using KEVZARA with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.
  - medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.
The most common side effects include:
- injection site redness
- injection site itching
- upper respiratory tract infection
- urinary tract infection
- nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose

These are not all of the possible side effects of KEVZARA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

To learn more, talk about KEVZARA with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved Medication Guide and Prescribing Information can be found below or by calling 1-844-KEVZARA.

Please see Important Safety Information below, including risk of SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, and full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide on this website.

How to inject with a pre-filled pen

If you’re new to injecting, or looking for a refresher, here are step-by-step videos on the proper way to take KEVZARA.

What is KEVZARA?

KEVZARA® (sarilumab) is an injectable prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker. KEVZARA is used to treat adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

KEVZARA can cause serious side effects including:

SERIOUS INFECTIONS: KEVZARA is a medicine that affects your immune system. KEVZARA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious infections while using KEVZARA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting KEVZARA. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with KEVZARA.

Please see additional Important Safety Information at the end of this video.

TRANSCRIPT

[Text on screen]
For adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not been helped enough by other RA medicines

[Text on screen]
Using the KEVZARA pre-filled pen

Yolanda:
I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for a long time, and to be honest, I’ve had my doubts when I first started my injections.
But it’s become part of my life and my routine. And now I’m here to help you learn how to self-inject with the KEVZARA pre-filled pen and to help you feel more comfortable as it becomes part of your routine.

[Text on screen]
Read all of the instructions including the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use that are in your KEVZARA package.

Yolanda:
So first read all of the instructions, including the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use that are in your KEVZARA package.

[Text on screen]
Watch this entire video and read the Important Safety Information to get familiar with each step.

Yolanda:
Watch this entire video, including the Important Safety Information to get familiar with each step.
And if you haven’t already, ask your doctor to show you the right way to use the pen before you inject for the first time.
Okay, let’s get started.
The recommended dose of KEVZARA is 200 milligrams once every 2 weeks. There is also a 150 milligram dose, but the steps are the same. Make sure you use the pen that your doctor prescribes.
I would just set a reminder on my phone that it’s KEVZARA day.
Now there are a few things you need to remember about the pen.

[Text on screen]
Store it in your refrigerator between 36° and 46° until you’re ready to use it.

Yolanda:
You should store it in your refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees until you’re ready to use it.

[Text on screen]
Do not freeze or heat it up or expose it to direct sunlight.

Yolanda:
Do not freeze or heat it up or expose it to direct sunlight.
Once you take it out of the refrigerator…

[Text on screen]
Can stay at room temperature up to 77˚ F for up to 14 days.

Yolanda:
…it can stay at room temperature up to 77 degrees for up to 14 days in the original outer package.
Don’t use it if it’s been damaged or if the orange cap is missing or not attached. If it is, return the pen and the package it came in to your pharmacy.
Don’t reuse the pen and don’t try to inject KEVZARA through your clothes.
Okay, now that we have that out of the way, let’s go through the instructions for injecting. If you want, you can follow along using the printed instructions that came in your prescription.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 1

Yolanda:
Prepare all the equipment you’ll need on a clean, flat working surface. You’ll need a KEVZARA pen, an alcohol wipe, a cotton ball or a gauze, and a sharps disposal container.
About an hour before you’re ready to inject, take one pen out of the package by holding the middle of the pen body like this. Keep the other pen in the carton in the refrigerator. And don’t remove this orange cap until you’re ready to inject.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 2

Yolanda:
Now take a look at the label. Check to make sure you have the correct medicine and the correct dose. Check the expiration date. It’s right here on the side of the pen. If it’s passed the expiration date, don’t use it. Get another one.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 3

Yolanda:
Look at the window on the pen.
When you do, make sure the liquid in the window is clear and colorless, or pale yellow. That’s okay too. If you see air bubbles, don’t worry. That’s normal. If the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, don’t use that pen. Throw it in your sharps container and get a new one.
Oh, also, the window should be clear before you use the pen. It’ll turn solid yellow after you use it. If the window is a solid yellow, throw out the pen in a sharps container and get a new one.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 4

Yolanda:
Put the pen on a flat surface and let it warm up at room temperature for at least 60 minutes. Using the pen at room temperature may make your injection more comfortable.
But if the pen has been out of the refrigerator for more than 14 days, don’t use it. And don’t try to warm up the pen in any other way.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 5

Yolanda:
Get into a comfortable position and relax, and press the pen firmly into your skin. Hold it there. You’ll hear a click when the injection starts.

[Text on screen]
Give the injection Step 4

Yolanda:
Keep holding the pen firmly against the skin and the window will begin to turn a solid yellow. See? This part can take up to 15 seconds.

[Text on screen]
Give the injection Step 5

Yolanda:
There will be a second click when your injection is complete. When you hear it, check to see if the entire window has turned a solid yellow before you remove the pen.
If you don’t hear the second click, check to see if the entire window has turned a solid yellow.
If the entire window isn’t a solid yellow, it may mean that you didn’t get your full dose of medicine. If that happens, call your doctor right away.

[Text on screen]
Give the injection Step 6

Yolanda:
Now remove the pen from your skin.
After you take the pen out, the needle will cover itself automatically.
If you see any blood coming out, don’t panic. Just press a cotton ball or gauze on the site. And don’t rub it.
We’re almost done!

[Text on screen]
Give the injection Step 7
Once you’re finished with your injection, be sure to put the empty pen in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, not in the household trash.
Don’t recycle your used sharps container either, or throw your used sharps container in the trash unless your community guidelines permit it.
If you don’t have a sharps container...

[Text on screen]
Find a puncture-resistant container that’s made of heavy-duty plastic.

Yolanda:
…find a puncture-resistant container that’s made of heavy-duty plastic.

[Text on screen]
Can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid.

Yolanda:
Make sure it can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, one that can stand upright and stable, is leak-resistant, and labeled to warn people that there’s hazardous waste inside the container.
Remember to keep the disposal container, KEVZARA pen, and all your medications out of the reach of children.
Also, don’t recycle your used sharps container either, or throw your used sharps container in the trash unless your community guidelines permit it.
Remember to keep the disposal container, KEVZARA pen, and all medications out of the reach of children.
I just showed you how I inject in my abdomen, but you can also inject KEVZARA in your thigh.
The choice is up to you—do whatever is more comfortable for you.
So let’s review.

[Text on screen]
Wait for your treatment to reach room temperature for 60 minutes.

Yolanda:
Let your treatment warm up at room temperature for 60 minutes.

[Text on screen]
Select and clean your injection site.

Yolanda:
Select and clean your injection site.

[Text on screen]
Press the pen down on your skin at a 90˚ angle when you’re ready to inject.

Yolanda:
Press the pen down on your skin at a 90 degree angle when you’re ready to inject yourself.

[Text on screen]
First click, the injection starts. Wait up to 15 seconds.

Yolanda:
First click, the injection starts. Wait up to 15 seconds.

[Text on screen]
The second click means the injection is complete.

Yolanda:
The second click means the injection is complete.

[Text on screen]
Dispose of your pen properly.

Yolanda:
Dispose of your pen properly.
You should call your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about your medication or disease.

[Text on screen]
1-844-KEVZARA 1-844-538-9272

Yolanda:
And remember, you can also call the KEVZARA team with any questions or concerns you may have at 1-844-KEVZARA.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

Before starting KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever. Symptoms may include sweats or chills, muscle aches, a cough, shortness of breath, blood in your phlegm, weight loss, warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal, if you feel very tired, or if you are being treated for an infection, get a lot of infections or have repeated infections
- have diabetes, HIV, or a weakened immune system
- have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB
- live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance of getting certain fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis)
- have or have had hepatitis
After starting KEVZARA, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection.
CHANGES IN CERTAIN LABORATORY TEST RESULTS: Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and after starting KEVZARA to check for low neutrophil (white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections) counts, low platelet (blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding) counts, and an increase in certain liver function tests. Changes in test results are common with KEVZARA and can be severe. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests 4 to 8 weeks after starting KEVZARA and then every 6 months during treatment to check for an increase in blood cholesterol levels.
TEARS (PERFORATION) OF THE STOMACH OR INTESTINES: Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people using KEVZARA get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and stomach (abdominal) pain that does not go away.
CANCER: KEVZARA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.
SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Serious allergic reactions can happen with KEVZARA. Get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs: shortness of breath or trouble breathing; feeling dizzy or faint; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; moderate or severe stomach (abdominal) pain or vomiting; or chest pain.
Do not use KEVZARA if you are allergic to sarilumab or any of the ingredients of KEVZARA.
Before using KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- have an infection
- have liver problems
- have had stomach (abdominal) pain or a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
- recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. People who take KEVZARA should not receive live vaccines
- plan to have surgery or a medical procedure
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KEVZARA will harm your unborn baby
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use KEVZARA. It is not known if KEVZARA passes into your breast milk.
- take prescription or nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. It is especially important to tell your healthcare provider if you use
  - any other medicines to treat your RA. Using KEVZARA with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.
  - medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.
The most common side effects include:
- injection site redness
- injection site itching
- upper respiratory tract infection
- urinary tract infection
- nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose

These are not all of the possible side effects of KEVZARA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

To learn more, talk about KEVZARA with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved Medication Guide and Prescribing Information can be found below or by calling 1-844-KEVZARA.

Please see Important Safety Information below, including risk of SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, and full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide on this website.

How to inject with a pre-filled syringe

If you’re new to injecting, or looking for a refresher, here are step-by-step videos on the proper way to take KEVZARA.

What is KEVZARA?

KEVZARA® (sarilumab) is an injectable prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker. KEVZARA is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

KEVZARA can cause serious side effects including:

SERIOUS INFECTIONS: KEVZARA is a medicine that affects your immune system. KEVZARA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious infections while using KEVZARA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting KEVZARA. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with KEVZARA.

Please see additional Important Safety Information at the end of this video.

TRANSCRIPT

[Text on screen]
For adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not been helped enough by other RA medicines

[Text on screen]
Using the KEVZARA pre-filled syringe.

Shirley:
I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for years, and I’m pretty used to giving myself injections.
But it’s only been a few months since I started using the KEVZARA syringe to help with my RA. I remember when all of it was new and yeah, a little scary too. I get it.
But now it’s just a part of my life and routine. I even have my phone set to remind me when it’s time!
So I want to help you get more comfortable injecting with the syringe with these step-by-step instructions.

[Text on screen]
Read all of the instructions including the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use that are in your KEVZARA package.

Shirley:
Before we get started, though, just make sure you read all of the instructions, including the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use that are in your KEVZARA package…

[Text on screen]
Watch this entire video and read the Important Safety Information below to make yourself more familiar with each step.

Shirley:
…and watch this entire video, and read the Important Safety Information to make yourself more familiar with each step. It’s also important to have your doctor show you the right way to use the syringe before you inject KEVZARA for the first time.
Now, the recommended dose for KEVZARA is 200 milligrams once every 2 weeks. There is also a 150-milligram syringe. But you should use the dose prescribed for you by your doctor.
Also, the steps for injecting are the same no matter which dose your doctor prescribed. I will be showing you how to use the 200-milligram syringe.
Now here are a few things to remember.

[Text on screen]
Store it in your refrigerator between 36° and 46° until you’re ready to use it.

Shirley:
You should store it in your refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees until you’re ready to use it.

[Text on screen]
Do not freeze or heat it up or expose it to direct sunlight.

Shirley:
Do not freeze or heat it up or expose it to direct sunlight. Once you take it out of the refrigerator…

[Text on screen]
Can stay at room temperature up to 77˚ F for up to 14 days.

Shirley:
…it can be stored at room temperature up to 77 degrees for up to 14 days in the original outer package.
Also, don’t use the syringe if it’s been damaged or the needle cap is missing or not attached. If it is, return the syringe and the package it came in to your pharmacy.
Don’t reuse it ever and don’t try to inject KEVZARA through your clothes.
So let’s go through the instructions for injecting. You can use the instructions that came with your prescription to follow along if you like.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 1

Shirley:
Prepare everything you’ll need on a clean, flat working surface—your syringe, an alcohol wipe, a cotton ball like this, and a sharps disposal container.
Take one of your syringes out of the package by holding the middle of the syringe body. Don’t hold it by the plunger, the finger grip, or the needle cap. And don’t pull the needle cap off until you’re ready to inject. If you still have another syringe left in the package, go ahead and put it back in the refrigerator now.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 2

Shirley:
Look at the label and check to see if you have the right dose.
Check the expiration date too. If the expiration date has passed, don’t use it. Throw it in your sharps container and use a new one.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 3

Shirley:
Take a look at the liquid.
Is it clear and colorless, or pale yellow? You’re good to go. But If it’s cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, throw it in your sharps container and get a new one.
You may also see a few air bubbles. If you do, don’t worry. That’s normal.

[Text on screen]
Put the syringe on a flat surface and allow it to warm up at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Shirley:
Put the syringe on a flat surface and allow it to warm up at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 4

Shirley:
Like a lot of medicines, KEVZARA at room temperature may make your injections more comfortable.
Don’t try to warm the syringe in any other way, though. Let it warm up naturally. And don’t use it if it’s been out of the refrigerator for more than 14 days.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 5

Shirley:
This is the step where you choose your injection site.
Your thighs and abdomen are okay, but try not to get too close to your belly button. Staying more than 2 inches or 5 centimeters away should be fine.
You can also use the outer area of your upper arms if someone else is giving you the injection. To avoid problems, change your injection site each time you inject…

[Text on screen]
Don’t inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars.

Shirley:
…and don’t inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars.

[Text on screen]
Get ready for your injection Step 6

Shirley:
The last step is to prepare your injection site.

[Text on screen]
Make sure you wash your hands before you do this.

Shirley:
Make sure you wash your hands before you do this. That’s really important.
Then take an alcohol swab and clean the skin really well and let it dry.
But don’t touch the injection site again before the injection.
And now you’re ready!

[Text on screen]
Give the injection.

Shirley:
Okay, you should only perform this part after completing all the steps in the previous section.

[Text on screen]
Give the injection Step 1

Shirley:
So now, pull the needle cap off by holding the syringe in the middle of the syringe body with the needle pointing away from you. Keep your hands off of the plunger!
You don’t need to get rid of any air bubbles in the syringe.

[Text on screen]
Give the injection Step 5

Shirley:
Once it’s done, make sure you check that the syringe is empty, then remove the needle at the same angle it went in.
Now that you’re finished, there may be a little bleeding. Don’t worry. Just hold a cotton ball or gauze pad over the site until the bleeding stops, but don’t rub it.

[Text on screen]
Give the injection Step 6

Shirley:
Throw away the syringe in a sharps disposal container right after you use it. Do not throw the syringe out in your household trash or put the needle cap back on and please, do not reuse it.

[Text on screen]
Find a puncture-resistant container made of heavy-duty plastic.

Shirley:
If you don’t have a container like this one, you can use a puncture-resistant container that’s made of a heavy-duty plastic…

[Text on screen]
Can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid.

Shirley:
…that can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid without the sharps being able to come out, one that’s upright and stable during use, is leak-resistant, and properly labeled to warn people that there’s hazardous waste inside the container.

[Text on screen]
Don’t recycle used sharps container or throw them in the trash. Check your local community guidelines.

Shirley:
Also, don’t recycle your used sharps container either, or throw your used sharps container in the trash unless your community guidelines permit it.
Remember to keep the disposal container, KEVZARA syringe, and all medications out of the reach of children.
I just showed you how to inject into your thigh, but you might choose to inject KEVZARA into your abdomen.
It’s your choice—do whatever feels comfortable for you.
So let’s quickly go over these steps again to make sure you’ve got it.

[Text on screen]
Let your treatment warm at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Shirley:
Let your treatment warm at room temperature for 30 minutes.

[Text on screen]
Select and clean your injection site.

Shirley:
Select and clean your injection site.

[Text on screen]
Pinch your skin at the injection site.

Shirley:
Pinch your skin at the injection site.

[Text on screen]
Insert the syringe at a 45˚ angle.

Shirley:
Insert the syringe at a 45 degree angle.

[Text on screen]
Push the plunger down until the syringe is empty.

Shirley:
Push the plunger down until the syringe is empty.

[Text on screen]
Dispose of your syringe properly.

Shirley:
Then dispose of your syringe properly.
I really hope this video was helpful for you. You should call your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about your medication or your disease.

[Text on screen]
1-844-KEVZARA 1-844-538-9272

Shirley:
And don’t forget, you can also call the KEVZARA team with questions or concerns you may have at 1-844-KEVZARA.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

Before starting KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever. Symptoms may include sweats or chills, muscle aches, a cough, shortness of breath, blood in your phlegm, weight loss, warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal, if you feel very tired, or if you are being treated for an infection, get a lot of infections or have repeated infections
- have diabetes, HIV, or a weakened immune system
- have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB
- live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance of getting certain fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis)
- have or have had hepatitis
After starting KEVZARA, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection.
CHANGES IN CERTAIN LABORATORY TEST RESULTS: Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and after starting KEVZARA to check for low neutrophil (white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections) counts, low platelet (blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding) counts, and an increase in certain liver function tests. Changes in test results are common with KEVZARA and can be severe. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests 4 to 8 weeks after starting KEVZARA and then every 6 months during treatment to check for an increase in blood cholesterol levels.
TEARS (PERFORATION) OF THE STOMACH OR INTESTINES: Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people using KEVZARA get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and stomach (abdominal) pain that does not go away.
CANCER: KEVZARA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.
SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Serious allergic reactions can happen with KEVZARA. Get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs: shortness of breath or trouble breathing; feeling dizzy or faint; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; moderate or severe stomach (abdominal) pain or vomiting; or chest pain.
Do not use KEVZARA if you are allergic to sarilumab or any of the ingredients of KEVZARA.
Before using KEVZARA, tell your healthcare provider if you
- have an infection
- have liver problems
- have had stomach (abdominal) pain or a condition known as diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
- recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. People who take KEVZARA should not receive live vaccines
- plan to have surgery or a medical procedure
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KEVZARA will harm your unborn baby
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use KEVZARA. It is not known if KEVZARA passes into your breast milk.
- take prescription or nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. It is especially important to tell your healthcare provider if you use
  - any other medicines to treat your RA. Using KEVZARA with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.
  - medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.
The most common side effects include:
- injection site redness
- injection site itching
- upper respiratory tract infection
- urinary tract infection
- nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose

These are not all of the possible side effects of KEVZARA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

To learn more, talk about KEVZARA with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved Medication Guide and Prescribing Information can be found below or by calling 1-844-KEVZARA.

Please see Important Safety Information below, including risk of SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, and full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide on this website.

Telemedicine tips: I’m taking KEVZARA

TRANSCRIPT

SUPER:
What is telemedicine? Latisha Heinlen, M.D. Rheumatology, Internal Medicine

VO:
I’m Dr. Heinlen, a rheumatologist, and I would like to talk to you about telemedicine. When you need to see your doctor, but you can’t get to the office, you do have options. Telemedicine is one of them. Even though your doctor can’t perform a physical exam, telemedicine lets you get advice and have a more productive conversation, no matter where you are.

SUPER:
Be prepared.

VO:
If you have a telemedicine appointment coming up, here are a few ideas to help you prepare.

SUPER:
Before your appointment

SUPER:
Check your tech.

VO:
Make sure you have a device with a camera, a microphone, and an internet connection.

SUPER:
Know the signs.
- morning stiffness
- joint pain and swelling
- reduced ability to move

VO:
Think about your rheumatoid arthritis. If your symptoms aren’t getting better, be sure to tell your doctor.

If you’re feeling better and want to start new activities, remember to ask your doctor first.

See the doctor discussion guide at the link below this video.

SUPER:
During your appointment

SUPER:
Find a quiet place.

VO:
Look for a private place to talk.

SUPER:
Ask questions.

VO:
Whether you need nutritional advice, have questions about your treatment, or missed a dose, your doctor is there to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask.

SUPER:
Get all the answers.

VO:
Make sure you understand everything your doctor says before your appointment ends. If you run out of time, call back later to make sure you caught everything.

SUPER:
After your appointment

SUPER:
Write it down.

VO:
Jot down anything important that your doctor told you that you might forget…

SUPER:
Reflect on your experience.

VO:
Bring concerns up with your doctor to make future telemedicine appointments go more smoothly.

CTA:
Get helpful tips at the link below this video.

VO:
And remember, you can get helpful tips when you download the doctor discussion guide at the link below this video.

SUPER:
Download the doctor discussion guide at the link below.

Helpful resources for you

Learning about KEVZARA

How KEVZARA works

RA Patient Brochure

Staying on KEVZARA

Owning your RA

Seek support for living with RA

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You are now leaving the KEVZARA website.

Telemedicine tips: I’m thinking about KEVZARA

View transcript

How KEVZARA works

View transcript

Shirley’s story

View transcript

How to inject with a pre-filled pen

View transcript

How to inject with a pre-filled syringe

View transcript

Telemedicine tips: I’m taking KEVZARA

View transcript