What Is Kevzara? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Kevzara (sarilumab) is a prescription biologic injection developed by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. It belongs to a drug class called interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonists, and it's approved to treat several inflammatory conditions. If you or a loved one has been prescribed Kevzara, here's everything you need to know to understand how it works, how it's given, and what to expect.

What Is Kevzara Approved to Treat?

The FDA has approved Kevzara for three conditions as of 2026:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): For adults with moderately to severely active RA who have not responded well to—or couldn't tolerate—at least one DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) such as methotrexate. Approved: May 22, 2017.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): For adults with PMR who didn't respond adequately to corticosteroids or couldn't tolerate tapering off steroids. Kevzara is the first and only biologic FDA-approved specifically for PMR. Approved: February 28, 2023.

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA): For patients weighing 63 kg (about 139 lbs) or more with active pJIA. (Approved 2024.)

How Is Kevzara Given?

Kevzara is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection—not an IV infusion. It comes in pre-filled syringes and pre-filled pens in two strengths:

150 mg/1.14 mL — pre-filled syringe and pre-filled pen

200 mg/1.14 mL — pre-filled syringe and pre-filled pen

The injection is given once every 2 weeks. You can inject yourself at home after being trained by your healthcare provider. Injection sites include the thigh, abdomen, or upper outer arm. Rotate injection sites to minimize local reactions.

Depending on the product, take Kevzara out of the refrigerator 30 or 60 minutes before injecting to let it reach room temperature. Do not shake or warm the syringe artificially.

What Is the Recommended Dose of Kevzara?

The standard recommended dose is 200 mg subcutaneously once every 2 weeks.

The dose may be reduced to 150 mg every 2 weeks if you develop certain lab abnormalities:

Neutrophil count (ANC) drops to 500–1,000 cells/mm³

Platelet count drops to 50,000–100,000 cells/mm³

ALT/AST (liver enzymes) exceed 3 times the upper limit of normal

Can Kevzara Be Used With Other RA Medications?

Yes. Kevzara can be used as monotherapy (on its own) or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic DMARDs (such as hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, or leflunomide).

Kevzara should NOT be combined with other biologic DMARDs—including TNF inhibitors, IL-1 receptor antagonists, anti-CD20 antibodies (like rituximab), or JAK inhibitors—because of the increased risk of severe immunosuppression and infections.

Who Should Not Take Kevzara?

Kevzara is contraindicated (should not be used) in patients who:

Have a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to sarilumab or any Kevzara ingredient

Have an active infection (Kevzara should be paused until the infection resolves)

Have active hepatic disease or significant hepatic impairment

Use with caution in patients with a history of diverticulitis or GI ulcers (risk of GI perforation), history of TB, or with pre-existing conditions that may increase infection risk.

How and Where to Store Kevzara

Store in the refrigerator at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Do not freeze.

May be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 14 days. Once removed from refrigerator, do not put back.

Discard if left at room temperature for more than 14 days or if past the expiration date.

Keep out of reach of children. Take special precautions if children also use your refrigerator.

For a full guide to Kevzara's side effects, see Kevzara Side Effects: What to Expect. And if you're having difficulty filling your Kevzara prescription, medfinder can help locate pharmacies that can fill it near you.