TOCILIZUMAB

Tocilizumab increases the risk of developing serious and sometimes fatal infections, including tuberculosis (TB), fungal infection, and other types of infection. Most patients who developed these infections were also taking medicine that suppressed their immune system (eg, Corticosteroids, Methotrexate).

Individuals with active infections should not be treated with tocilizumab. Tocilizumab may worsen or cause new diseases of the nervous system.

The most common adverse effects of Tocilizumab may include:

• Respiratory tract infections
• Headaches
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Elevations in Liver Tests Suggesting Liver Injury
• Injection Site Reactions (Rash, Redness, Swelling, Itching)

Use of tocilizumab has been associated with serious infections such as:

• Tuberculosis
• Sepsis (Bacteria in the Blood)
• Fungal Infections

Other side effects include:

• Reduced Levels of White Blood Cells or Platelets
• Reactivation of Herpes Zoster Infection (Shingles)
• Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Reactions

Precautions

Some medical conditions may interact with this drug. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if:

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• You are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• You have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• You have a history of hepatitis B infection or other liver problems; stomach or bowel problems (eg, diverticulitis, pain, bleeding, perforation, inflammation, ulcer); high cholesterol; high blood pressure; diabetes; kidney problems; cancer; or numbness, tingling, or other nervous system problems (eg, multiple sclerosis [MS], Guillain-Barré syndrome)
• You have an infection, open cuts or sores on your body, flu-like symptoms or other signs of infection (eg, fever; chills; cough; warm, red, or painful skin), shingles, or are using medicine to treat an infection
• You have a history of an infection that keeps coming back, TB infection, or a positive TB skin test
• You have ever lived in or traveled to an area where TB is common, or if you have come into close contact with a person with active TB
• if you have low blood platelet or neutrophil levels, HIV, or a weakened immune system, or you take medicine that may weaken your immune system (eg, cyclosporine)
• if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine, or are using another medicine to treat RA
• if you will be having surgery or a medical procedure

Interactions

Some medicines may interact with tocilizumab. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Abatacept, Adalimumab, Anakinra, Canakinumab, Certolizumab, Corticosteroids (eg, Prednisone), Etanercept, Golimumab, Infliximab, Methotrexate, Rilonacept, Rituximab, or Tofacitinib

-The risk of serious infection may be increased

• Medicines that may harm the liver (eg, Acetaminophen, Methotrexate, Ketoconazole, Isoniazid, certain medicines for HIV infection)

–The risk of liver side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the liver

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, Ibuprofen)

–The risk of severe stomach or bowel problems may be increased

• Cyclosporine, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, Atorvastatin), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), Theophylline, or Warfarin

-Their effectiveness may be decreased by tocilizumab

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Available brand/s:

• Actemra