ACTEMRA
ACTEMRA® Information Guide: Navigating Your Treatment
ACTEMRA, available in both intravenous and subcutaneous formulations, is a prescription medicine categorized as an Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. The purpose of this guide is to provide patients with comprehensive information to navigate their ACTEMRA treatment journey.
Ingredient Details
· Active ingredient: tocilizumab.
· Intravenous ACTEMRA contains disodium phosphate dodecahydrate/sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate buffered solution, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for injection.
· Subcutaneous ACTEMRA includes L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-methionine, polysorbate 80, and water for injection.
What is ACTEMRA Used For?
ACTEMRA is prescribed for various conditions:
· Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after inadequate response to a Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD).
· Giant cell arteritis (GCA).
· Slowing lung function decline in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).
· Active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in patients aged 2 and above.
· Severe or life-threatening Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) following chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell treatment.
· Treatment for hospitalized adults with COVID-19 receiving systemic corticosteroids and requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
Precautions and Considerations Before Taking ACTEMRA
Before starting ACTEMRA, individuals should:
· Inform healthcare providers about infections, liver problems, diverticulitis, ulcers, reactions to tocilizumab, or nervous system disorders.
· Discuss vaccination plans, surgical procedures, and pregnancy or breastfeeding intentions.
Important Considerations Before Starting ACTEMRA
Serious Infections Risk:
o ACTEMRA affects the immune system, potentially lowering its ability to combat infections.
Individuals must be assessed for tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B or have had hepatitis B.
o before initiating ACTEMRA.
o Monitoring for signs of new infections, especially in the case of COVID-19, is crucial during and after treatment.
Digestive System Concerns:
o There's a risk of stomach or intestinal tears (perforation), especially when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.
Liver Problems (Hepatotoxicity):
o Serious and life-threatening liver problems may occur, necessitating a potential halt to ACTEMRA treatment.
o Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms like fatigue, yellowing of the skin, or abdominal pain arise.
Laboratory Test Monitoring:
o Regular blood tests are conducted to monitor neutrophil and platelet counts, liver function, and cholesterol levels.
o ACTEMRA may be adjusted or temporarily stopped based on blood test results.
Cancer Risk:
o ACTEMRA may increase the risk of certain cancers, impacting the immune system.
Administration of ACTEMRA
Intravenous Infusion:
o Administered by healthcare providers through a vein in the arm, taking approximately 1 hour.
o Frequency varies based on the condition being treated.
Subcutaneous Injection:
o Self-administered at home, following proper instructions for use.
o Available as a single-dose Prefilled Syringe or ACTPen® autoinjector.
Possible Side Effects
· Serious side effects include infections, allergic reactions, nervous system problems, and increased risk of certain cancers.
· Common side effects encompass upper respiratory tract infections, headache, increased blood pressure, and injection site reactions.
This guide provides a basic understanding of ACTEMRA. Individual cases may vary. Always consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and guidance.