Actemra: Dosage, Uses and Side Effects

Tocilizumab, the active ingredient in Actemra, is a brand-name prescription drug. It is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist, which works by inhibiting the action of a protein that promotes inflammation in the body. Actemra is used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, including:

• RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and other organs.
• GCA is a kind of vasculitis that involves inflammation of the arteries in the head and neck.
• Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), a rare scleroderma consequence that causes scarring and lung injury.
• Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) are two types of juvenile arthritis that affect several joints or the entire body.
• Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially fatal illness that can emerge after receiving some forms of cancer treatment.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a viral infection that in some persons can cause severe respiratory problems.

Dosage

Depending on the illness being treated, Actemra can be administered as an intravenous infusion (into a vein) or as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Actemra dosage and frequency are determined by the ailment, body weight, and response to treatment. Actemra can be taken on its own or in conjunction with other drugs.

Side Effects

Actemra can have substantial side effects, including:

Illnesses that can spread throughout the body, such as tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, fungal, or viral illnesses. These illnesses have killed some people. Actemra can suppress the immune system and make it more difficult to fight infections. Your healthcare practitioner will examine you for indications of infection and test you for tuberculosis before and during your treatment with Actemra. You should also notify your doctor if you have any infection-related symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, or skin sores. You should also avoid those who have contagious infections like chickenpox or measles.

Allergic reactions, include anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction characterized by difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, swelling, rash, or hives. Some people have experienced allergic reactions while taking Actemra. During and after your infusion or injection, your healthcare practitioner will continuously monitor you. If you notice any of the symptoms of an allergic response, you immediately seek emergency medical treatment.

Liver issues such as elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis. Actemra can impair liver function and produce damage or inflammation. Your healthcare professional will monitor your liver function before and during Actemra treatment. If you experience any of the following signs of liver disease: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort, consult your doctor.

Perforation (a hole or rip in the stomach) or diverticulitis (inflammation of pouches in the colon) are examples of stomach or intestinal disorders. Actemra may raise the risk of these disorders, especially in persons with a history of ulcers or diverticulitis; thus, you should notify your healthcare practitioner if you experience any stomach or intestinal problems, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, blood in the stool, or a change in bowel habits.

Changes in blood cell counts, such as a decrease in white blood cells (neutropenia), a decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia), or an increase in cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Actemra can interfere with the synthesis and function of blood cells, resulting in abnormal amounts. Before and during Actemra treatment, your healthcare professional will examine your blood cell levels. If you experience any signs of low blood cell counts, such as increased infections, bruises, bleeding, or exhaustion, you should notify your healthcare professional.

Headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis (common cold), high blood pressure (hypertension), injection site responses, infusion-related reactions, dizziness, rash, itching (pruritus), weight gain, or urinary tract infection are all possible adverse effects.

Uses (Interactions)

Actemra may interact with the following medications:

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), and yellow fever vaccines are examples of live vaccines. You should not get live immunisations while using Actemra or for 3 months after you stop taking it. Live vaccinations may not work as well or may induce significant infections in Actemra patients. You should also avoid somebody who has just gotten live vaccinations.

Substrates for the CYP enzyme, such as warfarin (Coumadin), theophylline, phenytoin, or cyclosporine. Actemra may alter the levels of certain drugs in the body, increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing their efficacy. While taking Actemra, your healthcare professional may need to alter the dose of these medications.

Abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), anakinra (Kineret), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), rituximab (Rituxan), or tocilizumab (Actemra) are examples of immunosuppressive or biologic medications. Taking Actemra with these medications may raise your chances of getting an infection or having other significant adverse effects. Your doctor will decide whether you can use Actemra with these drugs.

Actemra is not suitable for everyone. Actemra should not be taken if you:

• Are allergic to tocilizumab or any of the Actemra ingredients.
• Have a current illness, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or sepsis

Unless your healthcare practitioner informs you differently, you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Actemra may harm your unborn child or enter your breast milk. While taking Actemra and for 3 months after quitting Actemra, you should utilise effective birth control.

Before taking Actemra, inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have you ever had an infection, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or a fungal infection?
• Have you ever experienced a liver disease, such as hepatitis C or cirrhosis?
• Have you ever had stomach or intestinal problems like ulcers or diverticulitis?
• Have you ever experienced any blood issues, such as low white blood cell count, low platelet count, or excessive cholesterol?
• Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, HIV, cancer, heart disease, lung illness, renal disease, or nervous system disorders?
• Are you considering surgery or a dental procedure?
• Are you pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are you breastfeeding?
• Have you recently had or are you due to have any vaccinations?

You should also inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Conclusion

Actemra is a potent medicine that can be used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases. It can, however, have major adverse effects and interactions. As a result, while taking Actemra, it is critical to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and regularly check your condition. You should also notify your healthcare professional right away if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.