Actemra 400mg Vial Of 20ml Solution For Infusion

Actemra injection contains Tocilizumab. It is an immunosuppressive medicine and belongs to a class of monoclonal antibodies. It is used for the treatment of different diseases where the existing therapy does not show sufficient response such as rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular & systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children above 2 years of age.

It is also used to reduce the progression of joint damage in combination with methotrexate and for improving symptoms like fatigue and other laboratory findings in Castleman’s disease. You should not take any vaccine while you are on this therapy. Actemra is associated with some serious and fatal infections like pneumonia and blood infection.

As it suppresses the immune response, the signs of infection can be masked and which can lead to delayed detection of infection.

Dosage

Overdose

You are less likely to get an overdose of Actemra as it is given to you by a doctor or nurse in a clinic or hospital. Please inform if you feel any discomfort immediately after the administration of this injection.

Missed a Dose

The chances of missing a dose of Actemra is rare as you will be monitored closely by a healthcare professional. In case they happen to miss a dose, please inform them.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Actemra is an immunosuppressive medicine. It works by acting against an inflammatory mediator Interleukin 6 which is produced in a various disease condition.

Directions for Use

• Actemra will be given to you as an injection by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic
• Be careful of any instruction given during the administration and aftercare

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Actemra injection during pregnancy?

Actemra should not be given during pregnancy unless needed due to lack of safety information. Women of childbearing age should use proper contraception during and after 3 months of the treatment.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Actemra injection while breastfeeding?

It is unknown whether Actemra passes into breast milk or not. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding your baby.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Actemra injection?

Actemra can give you minor dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines if you experience such symptoms.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Actemra injection?

There is no known interaction between alcohol and Actemra.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have any existing infection or you have developed an infection while on treatment, this medicine changes the body's immune response and can cause serious infections, close monitoring is needed.
• You have diabetes, lung problem (interstitial lung disease) or inflammation in the digestive tract (diverticulitis).
• You have a liver disorder and increased laboratory finding of liver enzymes, as this injection is associated with serious liver disorders.
• You have developed an allergic reaction like rash, itching or swelling after the injection.
• Your cholesterol level may go up and blood count can be abnormal, close monitoring is advised.
• You have hepatitis infection or a history of tuberculosis, it should be excluded before starting treatment with Actemra, as it can reactivate tuberculosis.
• Be cautious if you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol and adhere to the standard treatment.
• You should not take live vaccines if you on treatment with Actemra.

Contraindications

If you are allergic to tocilizumab or any other ingredients of this injection.

Side effects

• Infection of airway and lungs
• Common cold
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Eye infection
• Mouth ulcer
• Skin rashes and itching
• Increased liver enzymes

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• If you are taking medicines like Atorvastatin or Simvastatin used for high cholesterol, blood thinners like Warfarin, anti-seizure medicine like Phenytoin, blood pressure medicine like Amlodipine and other medicines like Ciclosporin or Theophylline, be cautious as your doctor may reduce the doses of these medicines.
• You should not take any vaccine while on therapy with Actemra.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the side effects of taking Actemra injection?

You may experience infections, headache, high blood pressure, cough and infection of airways and lungs. There can be certain side effects which you will not come to know initially because this medicine can suppress the immune response. Discuss with your doctor if you have any underlying infection or any history of hepatitis or tuberculosis.

I have an ulcer problem, can I take this injection?

You need to discuss it with your doctor about your condition as there are side effects associated with this medicine which can worsen your condition.