| Brand Name | Actemra |
| Generic Name | Tocilizumab |
| Drug Class | Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Receptor Antagonist |
| Availability | Prescription |
| Manufacturer | Roche |
| Indications | Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease |
| Type | Injection, IV Infusion |
| Doses | 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks (induction), then maintenance dosing |
| Route | IV Infusion |
| Side Effects | Infections, high blood pressure, liver enzyme elevation, injection site reactions |
| Interactions | IL-6 receptor blocker; affects CYP450; monitor liver enzymes |
| Overdose | Not established. |
| Missed Dose | Experimental; follow protocol. |
| Contraindications | Active infections, hepatic impairment, GI perforation. |
| Alternatives | Vedolizumab, Ustekinumab, Infliximab |
| Co-Pay Assistance Program | Not available |
| Patient Assistance Program | Available |
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Tocilizumab is applied in the case of autoimmune diseases, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and cytokine release syndrome via inhibiting interleukin-6 (IL-6).
The action of tocilizumab is to inhibit the effect of IL-6 receptor; this receptor plays a role in inflamed system and in the case of autoimmune diseases it aids to reduce inflammation and also prevent tissue damage.
The usual side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache and high blood pressure. The side effects can also be serious such as liver trauma and high risk of infections.
Tocilizumab is either through infusion or as a subcutaneous injection, either intravenous (iv) or subcutaneous depending on your condition and the recommendation of your doctor.
Yes, because Tocilizumab is immunosuppressive, there is the possibility of serious infections. Infections should be frequently checked in the course of treatment.
Tocilizumab is contraindicated in pregnancy unless being absolutely necessary. It is recommended to consult your doctor in case you are pregnant or are planning to be pregnant.
In case you have missed taking a dose of Tocilizumab, you should get in touch with your health care provider. Do not do this by yourself and miss the effect and take an extra one.
Tocilizumab is an immunologic agent that serves in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by lowering the inflammation and precluding the harm to the joints, and, therefore, lowers the pain and enhances their movement.
Tocilizumab can be used in combination with other immunosuppressive medications, vaccines, and drugs that can influence the functioning of the liver. Nonstop inform your doctor of any medication you are taking.
The duration Tocilizumab might take to manifest observable effects on the inflammation and symptoms would depend on the condition under treatment taking a few weeks up to several months.
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