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Healthnotes Index:

Tocilizumab

This form:

Pronounced

"TOE-si-LIZ-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Actemra

Uses

This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and in children (such as polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA). It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab is used to treat giant cell arteritis. It helps to reduce swelling in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication is also used to slow down the decrease in lung function in people with a certain type of lung disease (systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease - SSc-ILD). 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 This Medication

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.

Before use, take this medication out of the refrigerator. If you are using the prefilled syringe, let it warm up to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you are using the autoinjector, let it warm up to room temperature for at least 45 minutes. Do not heat this medication any other way, such as by heating in the microwave or placing in hot water. Do not leave in direct sunlight. 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 SJIA in children, give this medication by injection under the skin as directed by the doctor, usually once every 1 or 2 weeks, based on your child's weight.

If you are using this medication to treat giant cell arteritis or for SSc-ILD, 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, lab 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 get better or if it gets worse.

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2024.

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