Actemra (Tocilizumab) belongs to the class of medications called biological response modifiers or interleukin receptor blockers. For adults, Actemra (Tocilizumab) is used in combination with other medications to treat moderate-to-severe Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Available form
Injectable, Injectable, Injectable
Manufacturer
Hoffmann-la Roche
Dosage
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For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Actemra (Tocilizumab) may be given as an intravenous (IV) infusion or as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). For the treatment of giant cell arteritis only the subcutaneous injection is used. For other conditions (pJIA, sJIA), only the intravenous infusion may be used. The recommended intravenous adult dose of Actemra (Tocilizumab) is based on body weight. The usual starting dose is 4 mg per kilogram, and can be increased up to 8 mg per kilogram depending on how a specific person responds to this medication. Actemra (Tocilizumab) is given once every 4 weeks as an IV infusion over a 1-hour period.
You and your doctor may decide that using Actemra (Tocilizumab) at home is an option. Actemra (Tocilizumab) is available in a solution to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin).
The recommended adult dose of the subcutaneous form of Actemra (Tocilizumab) for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is also based on body weight. Generally, adults who weigh less than 100 kg will start by injecting 162 mg subcutaneously, on the same day of the week, every second week. Depending on how well you tolerate the medication, the dose may be increased to 162 mg once weekly. For people who weigh more than 100 kg, you will use 162 mg subcutaneously every week. Your doctor may adjust the frequency of your dose based on how well the medication works for you.
The recommended adult dose of the subcutaneous form of Actemra (Tocilizumab) for treatment of giant cell arteritis is 162 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. In some cases your doctor may decrease your dose to once every second week.
If you are injecting the medication yourself, your doctor or health care professional will show you how to inject the medication properly and have you inject your first dose in the office or clinic. If you have any questions about how to use your medication, contact your doctor or health care professional.
To treat pJIA, the recommended dose for children weighing less than 30 kg is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight. Children and adolescents weighing 30 kg or more receive 8 mg per kilogram of body weight. Actemra (Tocilizumab) is given once every 4 weeks as an IV infusion over a 1-hour period.
To treat sJIA, the recommended dose for children weighing less than 30 kg is 12 mg per kilogram of body weight. Children and adolescents weighing 30 kg or more receive 8 mg per kilogram of body weight. Actemra (Tocilizumab) is given once every 2 weeks as an IV infusion over a 1-hour period.
For children, the dose should be increased only as the child's weight increases as they grow.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are receiving the medication without consulting your doctor.
The intravenous form of Actemra (Tocilizumab) is injected into a vein through a process called intravenous (IV) infusion by a health care professional, usually in a clinical setting such as a hospital clinic, over a period of time.
For the subcutaneous injection, your doctor or nurse may ask you to inject the medication at home once they have instructed you and are certain that you won't have any problems with doing it at home. Do not attempt to inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to prepare the syringe and inject a dose. Before injecting the medication, check the solution to ensure that it is clear, colourless and has no particles in it. If the solution is not clear and colourless, discard the syringe safely and use a new one. It is important Actemra (Tocilizumab) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Actemra (Tocilizumab), or miss an injection, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your next dose.
Actemra (Tocilizumab) must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Once the medication has been removed from refrigeration, it must be used within 8 hours and should not be kept above 30°C. Protect Actemra (Tocilizumab) from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
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*Actual pricing may differ. Medication is only available by prescription. The cost may be subsidised by your provincial or private health plan.
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