TOCILIZUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

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TOCILIZUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (TOE-si-LIZ-ue-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 a certain type of rheumatoid arthritis in children (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA). It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab is also used to treat giant cell arteritis. It helps to reduce swelling in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. 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 - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use 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. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Remove one syringe from the refrigerator 30 minutes before using it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not speed up the warming process in any way; for example, do not use the microwave or place the syringe in warm water. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you are using this medication to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults, inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually starting with once every 2 weeks, then increasing to once a week. If you are using this medication to treat PJIA in children, give this medication by injection under the skin as directed by the doctor, usually once every 2 or 3 weeks, based on your child's weight. If you are using this medication to treat giant cell arteritis, inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. Recommended injection sites include the abdomen or the front of your thigh. The outer area of the upper arms may also be used if another person is giving you the injection. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into moles, scars, bruises, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard, or broken. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. The dosage is based on your 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 you need to inject the medication on a calendar. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Headache or irritation/redness/pain 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 using 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, 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. 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, corticosteroids including prednisone). This medication can speed up the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include omeprazole, warfarin, and some cholesterol drugs such as atorvastatin/lovastatin/simvastatin, 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 - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

Tocilizumab subcutaneous injection is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Tocilizumab subcutaneous injection works by blocking a specific protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the body, which is involved in the inflammation process. By inhibiting IL-6, tocilizumab helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

The usual recommended dose for tocilizumab subcutaneous injection is once every two weeks. However, the dosage and frequency may vary depending on your condition and the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Common side effects of tocilizumab subcutaneous injection may include upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, increased blood pressure, and injection site reactions. Serious side effects, although rare, can occur, such as infections, liver problems, and allergic reactions. Inform your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.

It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before receiving any new medications or vaccines while taking tocilizumab subcutaneous injection. Some medications or vaccines may interact with tocilizumab or affect its effectiveness.

The response to tocilizumab subcutaneous injection may vary for each individual. Some patients may start experiencing relief from symptoms within a few weeks, while for others, it may take several months. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and continue the treatment as prescribed to achieve the best results.

Yes, tocilizumab subcutaneous injection can be self-administered at home once you have received appropriate training from your healthcare provider. They will teach you the proper technique to administer the injection safely. However, it is crucial to follow the instructions strictly and seek medical assistance if needed.

If you accidentally miss a dose of tocilizumab subcutaneous injection, it is recommended to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, it is better to skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Tocilizumab subcutaneous injection is not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. It is advisable to discuss your pregnancy plans or breastfeeding intentions with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing tocilizumab treatment.

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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 and during treatment with this medication, your doctor will test you for tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should also monitor you for symptoms of TB during and after 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.