Sarilumab (Kevzara)

Sarilumab (Kevzara) is a biologic medication used to treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. It works by blocking a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6) from binding to its receptor, which reduces the inflammatory signaling that drives joint inflammation and other symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis.

How to Take It

Sarilumab is given as a self-administered subcutaneous (beneath the skin) injection every 2 weeks at a dose of 200 mg. The medicine can be injected into the thigh or abdomen. The site of injection should be rotated so the same site is not used multiple times. Some patients will start to see improvement within a few weeks, but it may take several months to take full effect. Sarilumab may be taken alone or with methotrexate or other non-biologic drugs. Sarilumab should not be given in combination with another biologic drug. Blood tests will be used to monitor changes to liver enzymes, cholesterol, and for reductions in blood cell counts while taking sarilumab.

Side Effects

Sarilumab can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. If you develop symptoms of an infection while using this medication, you should stop it and contact your doctor. All patients should be tested for tuberculosis before starting on sarilumab. A rare complication seen with sarilumab use in clinical trials was bowel perforation, or a hole in the bowel wall. If you have a history or diverticulitis or develop abdominal pain or bloody bowel movements while taking sarilumab, you should notify your doctor immediately.

Tell Your Rheumatology Provider

Notify your rheumatology provider if you develop symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or cough, or if you think you are having any side effects, especially abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements, or allergic reactions. Notify your doctor if you become pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding. Talk with your rheumatology provider if you are planning to have surgery or if you plan to get any live vaccinations; these include the nasal spray flu vaccine, and others such as the measles, mumps, rubella, and yellow fever vaccines.

Updated February 2026 by Shreena Gandhi, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.

This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.