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Generic Name: tocilizumab (TOE si LIZ oo mab)
Brand Name:Actemra, Actemra ACTPen
Medically reviewed by Holevn.org on Jul 9, 2019 – Written by Cerner Multum
What is tocilizumab?
Tocilizumab is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults after at least one other medication did not work or has stopped working.
Tocilizumab is also used in adults to treat giant cell arteritis, or inflammation of the lining of your arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body).
Tocilizumab is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in adults and children ages 2 and older.
Tocilizumab is also used to treat systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (or “Still disease”) in adults and children ages 2 and older.
Tocilizumab is also used to treat severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome (CRS) caused by an overactive immune response to certain types of blood cell treatments for cancer. Tocilizumab is used for CRS in adults and children ages 2 and older.
Tocilizumab is sometimes given together with other medications as part of your complete treatment.
Tocilizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
Tocilizumab affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, aches, tiredness, cough, skin sores, diarrhea, weight loss, or burning when you urinate.
Tocilizumab may also cause a perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines. Tell your doctor if you have a fever and stomach pain with a change in your bowel habits.
Tocilizumab may also cause liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have right-sided stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use tocilizumab if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, body aches, tiredness, open sores or skin wounds, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss, painful urination, or coughing up blood.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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an active or chronic infection;
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liver disease;
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diverticulitis, ulcers in your stomach or intestines;
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a nerve-muscle disease such as multiple sclerosis;
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diabetes;
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HIV, or a weak immune system;
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hepatitis B (or if you are a carrier of the virus);
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cancer; or
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if you have received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines.
Using tocilizumab may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.
It is not known whether tocilizumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of tocilizumab on the baby.
You should not breast-feed while using tocilizumab.
How is tocilizumab given?
Before you start treatment with tocilizumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Tocilizumab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this type of injection.
Tocilizumab is sometimes injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use this type of injection by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use tocilizumab if you don’t understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Tocilizumab is usually given every 1 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Use all your medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor’s advice.
Tocilizumab affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.
You will need frequent medical tests. If you’ve ever had hepatitis B, using tocilizumab may cause this virus to become active or get worse. You may need liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after you stop.
Store the prefilled syringes in their original container in a refrigerator. Protect from moisture and light. Do not freeze. Throw away any prefilled syringes not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.
Each single-use prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof “sharps” container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Tocilizumab can have long-lasting effects on your body. You may need certain medical tests every 6 months after you stop using this medication.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call 115.
What should I avoid while receiving tocilizumab?
While using tocilizumab: Do not receive a “live” vaccine or you could develop a serious infection. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease.
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Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
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You may still be able to receive a yearly flu shot, or an “inactivated” or other vaccine to prevent diseases such as hepatitis, meningitis, pneumonia, shingles, HPV, or whooping cough.
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Ask your doctor before getting any vaccine.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Tocilizumab side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest pain, difficulty breathing, feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation;
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unusual bleeding–nosebleeds, bleeding gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, any bleeding that will not stop, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
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liver problems–loss of appetite, right-sided stomach pain, vomiting, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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signs of infection–fever, chills, aches, tiredness, cough, skin sores, diarrhea, weight loss, burning when you urinate; or
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signs of perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines–fever, ongoing stomach pain, change in bowel habits.
Common side effects may include:
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runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat;
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headache;
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increased blood pressure;
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abnormal liver function tests; or
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pain, swelling, burning, or irritation where an injection was given.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect tocilizumab?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as:
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abatacept, etanercept;
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anakinra; or
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adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, or rituximab.
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect tocilizumab. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.03.
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Medical Disclaimer
The content of Holevn is solely for the purpose of providing information about Thuốc Tocilizumab and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact your nearest doctor or clinic, hospital for advice. We do not accept liability if the patient arbitrarily uses the drug without following a doctor’s prescription.
Reference from: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/tocilizumab.html