ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION

Composition Tocilizumab (200mg)
Rx Prescription Required
Pack vial of 1 Injection
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical Class Monoclonal antibody (mAb)
Action Class Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs (DMARDs)- Biologics
Habbit Forming No
Manufacturer Roche Products India Pvt Ltd
Manufacturer address 1503, 15th Floor, ‘The Capital’, Plot no. C-70, Behind ICICI Bank, BKC, Bandra (E) , Mumbai 400051

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION is given by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. You should use it regularly and at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit from it. Continue using it as recommended by your doctor and complete the dose even if you feel better.

The most common side effects seen with this medicine include headache, high blood pressure, upper respiratory tract infection, increased liver enzymes, and nasopharyngitis (pain or irritation in the throat). Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or bother you. Your doctor may be able to help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms. You may also be more prone to infections when you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of an infection like fever, cough, rash, loose stools, or flu-like symptoms.

To make sure the medicine is safe for you, before taking it, let your doctor know if you have any problems with your heart, kidneys, or liver. You should also tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking. While on treatment with this medicine, your doctor may monitor your blood counts by taking regular blood tests to make sure the medicine is not affecting your blood counts. It is important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to ask the advice of their doctors before taking this medicine.

Treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment of Psoriasis
Treatment of Ulcerative colitis
Treatment of Crohn’s disease

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, swelling and redness associated with certain joint diseases.

If you miss a dose of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION, please consult your doctor.

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) or as an injection directly into a vein.

You may be asked for regular blood tests to check blood counts, cholesterol level and liver functioning during the treatment.

It might make you feel dizzy. If this happens, avoid driving or operating on machinery.

It makes it hard to fight with an infection. Inform your doctor if you notice fever, cough or stomach pain.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Do not stop taking medicine without talking to your doctor first.

Q. Who should be treated with ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION?

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION should be given for treating patients suffering from moderate to severe Covid-19 infection who have persistent reduction in their oxygen levels (a condition called hypoxia) that continues to get worse. The hypoxia may continue to get worsened even after 24 to 48 hours of treatment with corticosteroids and supportive care.

Q. Is ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION recommended for all Covid-19 patients? If not, why?

No, ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION is not recommended for all Covid-19 patients. This is because ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION has its own potential health hazards. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION can lead to persistent serious infection and prolonged multiplication and shedding of the virus causing infection, so, it must be given only if the benefits outweigh the risks involved.

Q. What are the side effects of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION?

The potential side effects of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION include anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) with infusion, transaminitis (very high levels of liver enzymes due to which they start moving into the bloodstream), leukopenia (a condition where a person has reduced white blood cells and hence increased risk for infections) and neutropenia (a condition where a person has abnormally low number of cells called neutrophils, that fight infections in our body). Some other side effects are risk of serious bacterial infections, viral infections and reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) virus.

Q. Who should not be given ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION?

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION should not be given to patients who have or ever had abnormal levels of liver enzymes (transaminitis), platelet counts (<50000), or if they have TB, or any active bacterial or viral infection. The use of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers too, owing to its risk of developing serious complications. Q. What to do if there is no improvement seen after giving ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION too?

Your doctor will decide the next course of action if there is no improvement seen even after giving ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION will prevent inflammation of the lungs but will not cure the damage already done due to the existing disease. Recovery of the lungs takes time to improve. Persistent breathlessness after ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION administration requires further evaluation of patients for other lung-related issues (pulmonary intravascular coagulopathy) or heart-related problems (cardiac dysfunctions). Any other bacterial infections that might have occurred should also be treated separately.

In Treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that mainly affects the spine. It causes severe pain and stiffness from the neck to the lower back. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION acts by lowering the activity of chemicals that causes pain and swelling. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION slows down any damage caused by the disease and reduces the possibility of long-term disability. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION is a slow-acting medicine so you won’t notice an immediate effect but they’re very effective over a period of time. So it is advisable to take it as prescribed by your doctor.

In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system starts attacking the lining of your joints. This causes pain and swelling in the joints. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION helps treat rheumatoid arthritis. It makes the immune system function normally and prevents it from attacking the body. This gives relief from the symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. This helps in easy movement and makes you do your daily activities more easily.You may notice some relief of joint swelling, pain, and stiffness within the first 8 weeks of treatment with ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION.

In Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition where the cells in the body grow too quickly and form scales and dry, itchy patches. They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION reduces the scaly, itchy patches which may develop on different parts of the body. It also reduces dryness associated with Psoriasis and improves skin condition. This helps boost your self-confidence and improves quality of your life. It may take several months to become fully effective. Use it exactly and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit.

In Treatment of Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes redness and swelling in the large intestine and the rectum (lower part of large intestine). This can cause bleeding, frequent passing of stool and stomach pain. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION reduces the pain and swelling and gives you relief from these symptoms. It reduces the discomfort and helps you live your life normally. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION if taken as prescribed can prevent the return of ulcerative colitis flare (return or worsening of your symptoms). Drink plenty of fluids while taking it to make sure you stay hydrated.

In Treatment of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes redness and swelling in any part of the digestive system from mouth to the anus. It can cause severe stomach pain. ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION works by blocking chemicals causing pain and swelling. Thereby giving relief and helping you to live a normal life. This medicine is given as an injection. You should always take it as it has been prescribed for you.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)

Increased liver enzymes

Upper respiratory tract infection

High blood pressure

Headache

Alcohol:SAFE

Consuming alcohol with ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION does not cause any harmful side effects.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney:CAUTION

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Limited information is available on the use of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild kidney disease.

Liver:CAUTION

ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Use of ACTEMRA 200 MG INJECTION is not recommended in patients with active liver disease.

Medscape. Tocilizumab. view

Tocilizumab. South San Francisco, California: Genentech, Inc. view