Sarilumab Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 10, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis

200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks

Comments:

• This drug may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Test patients for latent tuberculosis (TB); if positive, consider treating for TB prior to initiating therapy.
• Avoid using this drug with biological DMARDs because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection; concurrent use of this drug with biological DMARDs such as TNF antagonists, IL-1R antagonists, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and selective co-stimulation modulators has not been studied.
• Avoid use in patients with active infections.

Use: For the treatment of patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to 1 or more DMARDs

Usual Adult Dose for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks

Comments:

• For polymyalgia rheumatica, this drug is administered in combination with a tapering course of systemic corticosteroids.
• This drug can be used as monotherapy following discontinuation of corticosteroids.
• Test patients for latent tuberculosis (TB); if positive, consider treating for TB prior to initiating therapy.
• Avoid using this drug with biological DMARDs because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection; concurrent use of this drug with biological DMARDs such as TNF antagonists, IL-1R antagonists, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and selective co-stimulation modulators has not been studied.
• If neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or liver enzyme abnormalities develop, discontinue therapy.
• Avoid use in patients with active infections.

Use: For treatment of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids or who cannot tolerate corticosteroid taper

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate renal impairment: No adjustment recommended
Severe renal impairment: Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

The safety and efficacy of this drug have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment, including patients with positive HBV or HCV serology.

Dose modifications:

• Liver Enzyme Abnormalities:

1) ALT greater than 1 to less than or equal to 3 x ULN: Adjust concomitant DMARDs as appropriate.
2) ALT greater than 3 to less than or equal to 5 x ULN: Interrupt therapy; when ALT is less than 3 x ULN, resume therapy at 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks and increase to 200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks as clinically appropriate.
3) ALT greater than 5 x ULN: Discontinue therapy.

Dose Adjustments

• If a patient develops a serious infection, hold therapy until the infection is controlled.
• This drug is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 2000/mm3, platelet count less than 150,000/mm3, or who have ALT or AST above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (1.5 x ULN).
• Discontinue this drug in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica who develop neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or who have AST or ALT elevations 3 times above the ULN.

Nonhematologic toxicity:

• Hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis or other clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction): Permanently discontinue therapy.
• Infection (serious): Interrupt therapy until the infection is controlled.

DOSE MODIFICATIONS:

• Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC):
• ANC greater than 1000/mm3: No dose adjustment recommended
• ANC 500 to 1000/mm3: Hold therapy until ANC is greater than 1000/mm3, then resume therapy at 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks and increase to 200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks as clinically appropriate.
• ANC less than 500/mm3: Discontinue therapy
• Low Platelet Count:
• Platelets 50,000 to 100,000/mm3: Hold therapy until platelets are greater than 100,000/mm3, then resume therapy at 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks and increase to 200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks as clinically appropriate.
• Platelets less than 50,000/mm3: Discontinue therapy if confirmed by repeat testing.

Precautions

US BOXED WARNINGS:
Risk of Serious Infections:

• This drug is associated with an increased risk of developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Opportunistic infections have also been reported. Most patients who developed infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.
• Reported infections include:
• Active tuberculosis (TB), which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease.
• Invasive fungal infections, such as candidiasis, and pneumocystis. Patients with invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease.
• Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens.

Recommendations:

• Avoid using this drug in patients with an active infection.
• Closely monitor patients for infection during therapy with this drug. If a serious infection develops, interrupt therapy until the infection is controlled.
• Consider the risks and benefits of this drug prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.

Test patients for latent TB before initiating and during therapy. Treatment for latent TB infection should be initiated prior to using this drug.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• This drug is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• A patient may self-inject, or the patient's caregiver may administer this drug after proper training.
• Rotate injection sites with each injection. Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars.

Storage requirements:

• Refrigerate at 36F to 46F (2C to 8C) in original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

• Allow the prefilled syringe to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to injection. Do not warm in any other way.
• Inspect the syringe contents visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The solution should be clear or colorless to pale yellow. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, discolored, contains particles, or if any part of the prefilled syringe appears to be damaged.

Monitoring:

• Hematologic: Complete blood count
• Hepatic: Liver function (ALT or AST)
• Infections: Infection, tuberculosis

Patient advice:

• Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions for Use).
• This drug may lower the resistance to infections. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms suggesting infection appear for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
• Gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in patients treated with this drug. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of severe, persistent abdominal pain appear to ensure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.
• Serious allergic reactions may develop with this drug. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptom of serious allergic reactions.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
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See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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