Who Makes Kevzara and What Is It For?
Kevzara (sarilumab) is made by Sanofi and Regeneron. The FDA approves it for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded well to one or more tumor necrosis factor antagonists.[1]
Standard Injection Instructions
Inject Kevzara subcutaneously (under the skin) once every 2 weeks. Use the prefilled syringe or autoinjector provided.
1. Wash hands with soap and water. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
2. Recommended sites: Front of thigh (midway between knee and hip), outer upper arm, or abdomen (at least 2 inches from navel). Rotate sites each time; avoid tender, bruised, scarred, or hard skin.
3. For syringe: Remove cap, pinch skin, insert needle at 45-90 degree angle, inject full dose steadily (takes about 5 seconds for 200 mg/1.14 mL), hold 5 seconds after to prevent leakage, withdraw needle, press clean cotton ball or gauze on site 10-30 seconds.
4. For autoinjector: Remove cap, place flat against skin at 90 degrees, press button to inject (holds automatically ~15 seconds), remove after click stops.
5. Do not shake. Let sit at room temperature 30-60 minutes before use; discard if left out over 8 hours. Never reuse needle or device.[1][2]
Full prescribing details include diagrams and videos on the official site: Kevzara.com HCP Instructions.
Dosage by Weight and Patient Type
- Adults ≥150 lbs (68 kg): 200 mg every 2 weeks.
- Adults <150 lbs (68 kg): 150 mg every 2 weeks.
- Reduce to 150 mg if lab abnormalities occur (e.g., low neutrophils, platelets, or elevated liver enzymes).
- Not approved for children under 18.[1]
What If You Miss a Dose?
Inject as soon as possible if within days of schedule, then resume every 2 weeks. If almost time for next dose or >1 week late, skip and take next on schedule. Do not double dose.[1]
Storage and Disposal
Store in refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C), protect from light. After removal, stable up to 8 hours at room temp. Dispose used syringes/autoinjectors in FDA-approved sharps container; seal and follow local rules (e.g., pharmacy drop-off).[1][2]
Common Side Effects and Injection Reactions
Upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions (redness, itching), and increased infection risk occur in >10% of patients. Stop and call doctor for severe reactions like fever, chills, or abscess. Screen for infections before starting; avoid live vaccines.[1]
Training and When to Get Help
First injections usually happen in a doctor's office with training. Use Kevzara support programs for free training kits or nurse visits: 1-877-452-7471.[2] Consult a healthcare provider before self-injecting; instructions may vary by condition.
Sources:
[1] Kevzara Prescribing Information (FDA-approved label)
[2] Kevzara Official Patient Instructions