Actemra (Tocilizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Actemra Used For?
Actemra is a medication that contains tocilizumab and is used to treat various inflammatory conditions.
Primary Uses
Actemra is primarily used for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), COVID-19 in hospitalized patients, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children.
How It Works
Actemra works by binding to and blocking the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), which helps alleviate symptoms associated with RA, sJIA, pJIA, CRS, and COVID-19.
Good to know: Actemra is not addictive.
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How to Take Actemra
Actemra is administered as an intravenous infusion, typically over one hour.
Dosage Instructions
The dosage of Actemra is based on your weight. For RA and COVID-19, the standard dose is 8 mg for every kg of body weight. For pJIA, the dose is 8 mg/kg for those weighing 30 kg or more, or 10 mg/kg for those under 30 kg. For sJIA, it's 8 mg/kg for those 30 kg or more and 12 mg/kg for those under 30 kg. For CRS, the dosing is the same as for sJIA.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Actemra, contact your doctor or nurse to arrange for a new infusion as soon as possible.
Important: Never double dose if you miss an infusion.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- High blood pressure
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low potassium levels
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (e.g., chest tightness, difficulty breathing)
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, cough)
- Signs of stomach or intestinal tears (e.g., severe stomach pain, vomiting blood)
- Signs of liver disease (e.g., jaundice, nausea)
- Signs of pancreatitis (e.g., upper stomach pain)
Impulse Control Issues
There is no mention of impulse control issues related to Actemra in the source.
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before using Actemra.
Who Should Not Take Actemra
Do not use Actemra if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have an active severe infection.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have liver disease, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diverticulitis, low white blood cell or platelet counts, diabetes, cancer, heart issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or kidney disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Actemra should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use contraception during and for several months after treatment. It is not known if Actemra passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended while on this medication.
Drug Interactions
Actemra may interact with other medications, which could increase the risk of side effects.
- Other biological medicines for RA (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept)
- Vaccines (certain types should not be given while on Actemra)
- Warfarin
- Cyclosporin
- Atorvastatin and simvastatin
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
- Theophylline
- Phenytoin
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Actemra affects you.
Alcohol
There are no specific warnings about alcohol consumption while taking Actemra.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Actemra has not been shown to impair driving ability, but if you experience dizziness, avoid driving.
Temperature Regulation
There are no specific warnings regarding body temperature regulation mentioned.
Storage
Actemra will be stored and administered by a healthcare professional, so specific storage instructions are not applicable.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose of Actemra, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
The onset of action may vary, but your doctor will monitor your response to treatment.
There are no specific instructions regarding food interactions with Actemra.
No, Actemra is not considered addictive.
Consult your doctor before stopping Actemra, as they will guide you on the best approach.
There are no specific warnings about alcohol consumption while on Actemra.
Weight gain is not mentioned as a side effect of Actemra.
Elderly patients should discuss their overall health with their doctor before starting Actemra.
Contact your doctor or nurse to schedule another infusion as soon as possible.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.