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.