TOCILIZUMAB - INJECTION

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TOCILIZUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (TOE-si-LIZ-oo-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Actemra

GENERIC NAME(S): tocilizumab

Uses

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children (such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA). It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab may also be used to treat a reaction (Cytokine Release Syndrome-CRS) caused by certain cancer treatments. Tocilizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockers. It works by blocking IL-6, a substance made by the body that causes swelling (inflammation).


How to use TOCILIZUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using tocilizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. It is given by slow injection into a vein for 60 minutes. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults or PJIA, this medication is usually given every 4 weeks. For the treatment of SJIA, this medication is usually given every 2 weeks. For the treatment of CRS, this medication is given once and then as directed by your doctor if more doses are needed. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, laboratory tests, and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on a calendar when you need to receive the medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Headache or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving tocilizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, immune system problems, infections (including past/current/returning), liver problems, low blood cell count, nervous system problems (such as multiple sclerosis), stomach/abdominal problems (such as ulcers, diverticulitis). Tocilizumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis, flu). Tell your doctor if you live in, have lived in, or have traveled to certain areas where there is an increased chance of getting certain kinds of fungal infections (blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Drugs that affect the immune system (such as tocilizumab) may increase your risk of certain cancers. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of cancer. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that can affect the immune system (such as certolizumab). This medication can speed up the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include some cholesterol drugs such as atorvastatin/lovastatin/simvastatin, omeprazole, warfarin, among others. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for TOCILIZUMAB - INJECTION

Tocilizumab injection is used to treat certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis.

Tocilizumab works by blocking a specific protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the body. This helps to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms associated with arthritis.

Tocilizumab injection is given as an infusion, usually over a period of one hour or more. It is typically administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Common side effects of tocilizumab injection may include headache, upper respiratory tract infections, high blood pressure, and increased cholesterol levels. Other possible side effects include liver problems, gastrointestinal perforations, and serious infections.

Tocilizumab is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

The response to tocilizumab can vary from person to person. Some patients may start experiencing symptom relief within a few weeks, while others may take longer. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and continue with regular injections as prescribed.

Tocilizumab may be used in combination with other arthritis medications, such as methotrexate. However, it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as they may interact with tocilizumab.

The dosing schedule for tocilizumab can vary depending on the condition being treated. Generally, the injections are given once every two to four weeks. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and frequency for you.

Tocilizumab injection should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). It should not be frozen or shaken. Before use, the medicine should be brought to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

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Warning

WARNING: This medication may lower your ability to fight an infection. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Your risk may be increased if you are also taking other drugs that can lower your ability to fight an infection (such as methotrexate or corticosteroids). Before using tocilizumab, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any kind of infection. During treatment, tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of infection (such as cough, sore throat, fever, chills, pain when urinating). Before starting this medication, your doctor should test you for tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should monitor you for symptoms of TB during treatment with this drug. If needed, treatment for tuberculosis or other infections should be given before receiving this medication.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.