Medication Review: Key Patient Education When Starting Sarilumab for PMR or RA

Starting a new biologic can be overwhelming for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this medication review, Heather Mambretti, PA-C, shares the key educational points she discusses when initiating sarilumab. She explains treatment goals—including reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and, in RA, aiming for remission—while also highlighting why sarilumab is the first and only biologic approved for PMR (FDA approval in 2023) and its established role in RA since 2017. Heather provides insight into the IL-6 pathway, how sarilumab can yield rapid improvement, and what patients should know about safety considerations, infection risks, and long-term use either in combination with methotrexate or as monotherapy. She also sets realistic expectations around treatment timelines, noting that most patients remain on therapy for at least 12–18 months before tapering is considered.

For more rheumatology education and patient resources, visit RhAPP.org or download the RhAPP ACE App.

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