Some of the following information comes from DailyMed, the official FDA label information provider for drugs.
What if I miss a dose of Kevzara?
If a patient misses a dose of Kevzara, it’s important to take it as soon as you remember if it is 3 days or less of missed dose then take next dose at regularly scheduled time. If a patient misses their dose completely, they should consult their doctor to see when they should take it next.
It’s important to take Kevzara on-time and regularly. To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone or calendar.
What if I overdose on Kevzara?
In order to avoid overdosing on Kevzara, it’s important to take one injection every 2 weeks or as recommended by your doctor. Using more than the recommended amount of Kevzara can lead to serious side effects.
If you feel you’ve taken too much of Kevzara, consult your doctor. The American Association of Poison Control Centers is also available at 800-222-1222. If you find your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
How is Kevzara administered?
Recommended Dosage
KEVZARA may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other conventional DMARDs. The recommended dosage of KEVZARA is 200 mg once every two weeks given as a subcutaneous injection.
Reduce dose to 150 mg once every two weeks for possible management of hematological toxicites and elevated liver enzymes.
General Considerations for Administration
⢠KEVZARA initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 2000 per mm3, platelet count less than 150,000 per mm3, or who have ALT or AST above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN).
⢠Prior to initiating KEVZARA, test patients for tuberculosis (TB). If positive, consider treating for TB prior to KEVZARA use.
⢠Avoid using KEVZARA with biological DMARDs because of the possibility of
increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection. The concurrent use of KEVZARA with biological DMARDs such as TNF antagonists, IL-1R antagonists, antiCD20 monoclonal antibodies, and selective co-stimulation modulators has not been studied.
⢠Avoid KEVZARA use in patients with active infections.
Avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid therapy while on KEVZARA therapy is recommended.
Lipid levels should be monitored while patient is on KEVZARA.
Patients with potential or active viral infections should contact their provider prior to starting and while on KEVZARA.
Important Administration Instructions
⢠KEVZARA is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. A patient may self-inject KEVZARA or the patient’s caregiver may administer KEVZARA. Provide proper training to patients and/or caregivers on the preparation and administration of KEVZARA prior to use according to the Instructions for Use (IFU).
⢠Allow the pre-filled syringe and prefilled pens to sit at room temperature for 30 or 60 minutes respesctively prior to subcutaneous injection. Do not warm KEVZARA in any other way.
⢠Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. KEVZARA solution should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, discolored or contains particles, is solid yellow, or if any part of the pre-filled syringe appears to be damaged.
⢠Instruct patients to inject the full amount in the syringe (1.14 mL), which provides 200 mg or 150 mg of KEVZARA, according to the directions provided in the IFU.
⢠Rotate injection sites with each injection. Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars.
How is Kevzara supplied?
KEVZARA (sarilumab) injection is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow solution in a single-dose pre-filled syringe or pen.
Strength Package Size NDC Number
150 mg/1.14 mL, 2 syringes per pack 0024-5908-01
200 mg/1.14 mL, 2 syringes per pack 0024-5910-01
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
