Actemra | tocilizumab 

Drug Class: Immunosuppressive, interleukin-6 (IL-6) blocker
Manufacturer: Genentech     
Approval date: January, 2010

What is Actemra and how does it work

Actemra is a man-made protein that blocks the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

 What does Actemra treat 

• Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after one or more TNFα blockers (e.g., Humira, Cimzia) have failed. Can be combined with methotrexate or non-biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. 
• Treatment of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) in children 2 years of age or older.
  

 How well does Actemra work for RA

• 70% of Actemra (8 mg/kg) treated subjects compared to 53% of methotrexate treated subjects responded to treatment after 6 months.
• 51% (4 mg/kg) and 56% (8 mg/kg) of Actemra + methotrexate treated subjects compared to 27% of methotrexate + placebo treated subjects responded after 6 months

What are interesting facts about Actemra 

• Inhibits interleukin-6
• Admimistered every 4 weeks
• First approved drug for SJIA

How is Actemra administered

Adults: 4-8 mg/kg of Actemra is infused intravenously over 1 hour every 4 weeks
Children: 8-12 mg/kg every 2 weeks 

What are the side effects of Actemra

Common: Respiratory tract infections, headaches, high blood pressure, redness, swelling, itching.

Serious:  Nervous system disorders, cancer, tuberculosis, bacteria in the blood, fungal infections, reactivation of herpes zoster, decrease in white blood cells and platelets, and allergic reactions.

Actemra Drug interactions

• Vaccines
• Kineret (anakinra) 
• Rituxan (rituximab) 
• Orencia (abatacept) 
• Zocor (simvastatin)
• Prilosec (omeprazole)

How to obtain prescription assistance for Actemra

For Actemra prescription assistance visit Actemra patient assistance program.

References: Actemra FDA Prescribing Information 

Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

The material on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.