Actemra ^*

Actemra (generic name: tocilizumab) is used to treat adults with active moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) has failed to relieve the symptoms. Actemra has been shown to slow the damage the disease causes to the cartilage and bone of affected joints and improve the patient’s ability to carry out normal daily activities. Actemra is also prescribed for treating adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA), which is caused by inflammation of the body’s largest arteries, especially those that supply blood to the head and neck. Actemra can be prescribed either in combination with methotrexate or as monotherapy to treat children over one year of age and adolescents who have active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and have not responded adequately to previous therapies with systemic corticosteroids or to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Actemracan be prescribed either in combination with methotrexate or as monotherapy to treat children over two years of age as well as adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who have not responded adequately to therapy with methotrexate on its own. Tocilizumab is a medication known as an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist, which means it blocks the metabolism of IL-6. IL-6 has a key role in the physiology of rheumatoid arthritis. It is found in high levels in the synovial fluid and serum of patients with RA and directly influences the levels of disease activity and joint destruction. Actemra comes in two forms: either as a prefilled syringe with a single-dose needle that is manually injected, or in the form of the ACTPen® Autoinjector, which is a prefilled, single-dose, pen-like autoinjector that shields the needle tip before the injection. It allows you to inject by pressing a button.

Dosage and mode of administration

Actemra is administered as a subcutaneous injection and in most cases, patients self-administer the medication after receiving training from a healthcare professional. The dosing schedule can vary based on the conditions, but generally involves scheduled injections, which provides a simple regime for people managing such a chronic inflammatory disease. It is important to rotate injection sites to avoid skin irritation. If a dose is missed, the missed dose should be injected as soon as possible, then continue with their regular monthly schedule. However, if it is now is close to the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Do not double-dose to make up for a missed dose.

Cautions

If you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor. Women of child-bearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and up to three months after treatment. If you fall pregnant while being treated with Actemra, consult with a doctor immediately. Women who going to breast-feed are usually advised to leave a gap of at least 3 months after the last treatment before starting to breast-feed. It is not known whether Actemra is secreted into breast milk.

Storage

Actemra should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 36°-46°F (2°-8°C) and must not be frozen. Store the syringe or autoinjector in its original carton to protect it from light until the time of use.

Common Questions About Actemra

How is Actemra administered?

Actemra has to be administered as a subcutaneous injection, on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly schedule depending on the age of the patient and the condition being treated. Patients or caregivers are trained to perform the injections at home. It’s important to follow the dosing schedule prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Can tocilizumab be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The effects of Actemra on pregnant or breastfeeding women have not been fully studied. Therefore, it’s essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before treatment begins, and for any woman of child-bearing age to take adequate contraceptive measures.

What is rheumatoid arthritis, and how does Actemra help?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonists such as Actemra help reduce these symptoms and slow down progression of the disease.