Actemra 162mg Injection

About

Tocilizumab, marketed as Actemra, is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and inhibits the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. IL-6 is a crucial pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, driving systemic inflammation and tissue damage. By effectively blocking the IL-6 receptor, tocilizumab reduces inflammation, modulates immune responses, and helps prevent further tissue damage. It is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis. Additionally, it can be used to manage severe cytokine release syndrome. This targeted therapy helps to significantly alleviate symptoms, improve physical function, and slow disease progression in patients who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments, offering a valuable therapeutic option.

Uses

• Rheumatoid arthritis (moderate to severe)
• Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Giant cell arteritis

Directions For Use

Administered by a healthcare professional via intravenous infusion or by subcutaneous injection, as prescribed.

Benefits

• Significantly reduces inflammation and joint pain.
• Slows progression of joint damage in arthritis.
• Improves physical function and quality of life.
• Effective in various forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Treats giant cell arteritis.
• Can manage cytokine release syndrome.

Side Effects

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Headache
• Hypertension
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Injection site reactions (subcutaneous)
• Infusion-related reactions (intravenous)
• Increased risk of serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal)
• Gastrointestinal perforation (rare)
• Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Demyelinating disorders (rare)

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - No specific interaction, but moderation is advised, especially with potential liver effects.
• Pregnancy - Use only if clearly needed; consult a doctor. Limited data, potential risks not fully established.
• Breastfeeding - Not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential for infant exposure and unknown effects.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver impairment; regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial.
• Kidney - No specific dose adjustment required for mild to moderate kidney impairment; use with caution in severe impairment.
• Lung - Use with caution in patients with chronic lung disease due to increased risk of serious infections.

Disclaimer

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