This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- arthritis
- inflammation of blood vessels
- systemic inflammatory response (Cytokine Release Syndrome)
- COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Brand Name(s): Actemra
Generic Name: Tocilizumab
Instructions
This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.
This medicine should be given over 60 minutes.
The liquid should be clear or light yellow.
Keep this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.
You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- headaches
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- pain in the abdomen
- cough that does not go away
- dizziness
- swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat
- fever or chills
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- muscle pain
- red, burning, or itchy skin
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- stomach pain
- increased urinary frequency
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- blood in urine
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about TOCILIZUMAB - INJECTION
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
