Actemra (Tocilizumab)

Description

Actemra (tocilizumab) is a prescription medication that is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, cytokine release syndrome, and COVID-19.

Actemra comes as an injection that is to be administered subcutaneously. It is also available for intravenous (IV) infusion.

Directions

Actemra should be used as advised by your doctor. You may speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any questions or concerns arise.

Actemra dosing is dependent upon the condition being treated and your weight. Your doctor will also tell you if you should receive subcutaneous injections or the IV infusion.

Information regarding how to use Actemra, how much, and how often the medication should be administered will be provided to you by your doctor.

Ingredients

Tocilizumab is the active ingredient in Actemra.

L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-methionine, polysorbate 80, and water for Injection are the inactive ingredients in the subcutaneous injection.

Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate/sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate buffered solution, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for Injection are the inactive ingredients in the IV formulation.

Contraindications

Patients who have an allergy to the Actemra should not receive it.

Cautions

The following FDA Boxed Warnings are associated with Actemra:

• Serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or result in death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients who were receiving Actemra.
• If a serious infection occurs, Actemra should be stopped until the infection is under control.
• Testing for latent TB should be performed. The exception is in patients with COVID-19. If the test result is positive, TB treatment should be started before initiating Actemra.
• All patients should receive monitoring for TB during treatment, even if the latent TB test was negative.

• Before you start using Actemra, talk to your doctor about:
• All prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
• Any allergies you have
• Your past medical history and current health issues
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Actemra may cause gastrointestinal perforation. Caution should be used in patients who are at increased risk.
• Liver damage may occur during treatment with Actemra. Patients should seek immediate medical care if they have fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
• It is recommended to monitor neutrophils, platelets, lipids, and liver function labs since Actemra can cause changes in these tests.
• Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and death, can occur during treatment with Actemra.
• Patients who are currently on Actemra should not receive live vaccines.

Side Effects

Upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, high blood pressure, increased liver function tests, and injection site reactions are the most common Actemra side effects that can occur.

Looking to buy Actemra online at a competitive price? With a valid prescription from your doctor, you can at Canada Drugs Direct.

Reference:

Actemra. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech Inc.; 2022.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....