Kevzara (sarilumab) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults in certain situations.

Kevzara is a type of drug called a biologic. It doesn’t have a biosimilar version. Kevzara belongs to a class of medications known as monoclonal antibodies.

Kevzara comes in a prefilled syringe and prefilled pen. The drug is given as a subcutaneous injection.

Kevzara may be given alone or in combination with another disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), such as methotrexate (Otrexup, Trexall). Kevzara is a type of DMARD.

Dosage summary

The chart below summarizes Kevzara’s dosage. Milligrams and milliliters are abbreviated as mg and ml. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you.

Kevzara formsKevzara strengthsTypical dosage
• single-dose prefilled syringe

• single-dose prefilled pen		• 150 mg/1.14 ml†

• 200 mg/1.14 ml		200 mg once every 2 weeks

For more specific information about the Kevzara dosing for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), keep reading. You can also find out about the drug’s strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Kevzara, see this article.

This article describes typical dosages for Kevzara provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Kevzara, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

† To learn when a doctor would prescribe this strength, see “Factors that can affect your dosage” below.

Here’s some information about the recommended dosage for Kevzara.

Kevzara forms

Kevzara comes as a single-dose prefilled syringe and a single-dose prefilled pen.

One form may be easier for you to use than the other. Your doctor can help determine which is right for you.

Kevzara strengths

Kevzara is available in the following strengths: 150 milligrams per 1.14 milliliters (mg/ml) and 200 mg/1.14 ml.

To learn when a doctor would prescribe the 150-mg/1.14-ml strength, see “Factors that can affect your dosage” below.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The typical dosage of Kevzara is a 200-mg injection every 2 weeks.

Kevzara does not have a loading dose like some other medications. A loading dose is a higher-than-usual amount of a drug given at the beginning of treatment. The increased dose helps the medication start working quickly.

Long-term treatment

Kevzara is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Kevzara is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you miss a dose of Kevzara, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on what to do.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Before and during Kevzara treatment, your doctor will order blood tests to check for:

If the results show any of the changes mentioned above, your doctor may decrease your dosage of Kevzara. The lowered dosage would be a 150-milligram (mg) injection every 2 weeks.

Kevzara is given as a subcutaneous injection. This is an injection given just under the skin.

A healthcare professional will likely give you your first dose of Kevzara in your doctor’s office. They can teach you how to give yourself doses at home.

Syringes and pens should be stored in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature before injecting. Kevzara is a clear to clear-yellow liquid. You should not inject the drug if it looks cloudy or discolored, or contains particles.

You’ll inject Kevzara in your upper arm, upper thigh, or abdominal area at least 2 inches away from your belly button.

For step-by-step instructions and videos on how to inject Kevzara, see the drug site for information about the syringe and pen forms.

Note: After taking Kevzara out of the refrigerator, you should use it within 14 days. If you don’t use it within that time, you should dispose of the medication.

It’s important that you do not use more Kevzara than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Kevzara

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Kevzara. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Kevzara for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Kevzara without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Kevzara that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Kevzara. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.