Actemra (Tocilizumab)
What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
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Product Details
Description
Actemra (tocilizumab) is a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, cytokine release syndrome, and COVID-19.
Actemra is available as a subcutaneous injection and an intravenous (IV) infusion.
Fact Table
Formula
C6428H9976N1720O2018S42
License
US DailyMed, US FDA, EU EMA
Bioavailability
Tocilizumab is administered by injection and does not have a specific bioavailability value since it acts systemically
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Tocilizumab
Elimination half-life
8–14 days during steady state (dependent on concentration)
Dosage (Strength)
Typically ranging from 162 mg to 324 mg
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Brands
Actemra is the primary brand name for tocilizumab
Protein binding
Tocilizumab does not significantly bind to plasma proteins
PubChem CID
Not available
MedlinePlus
a611004
ChEBI
The ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) entry for tocilizumab is not available as it is a protein-based drug
ATC code
L04AC07
DrugBank
DB06273
KEGG
D02596
Routes of administration
Actemra is administered by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection
Directions
Use Actemra exactly as your doctor has directed. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Actemra Dosing:
Your dose will depend on the condition being treated and your weight. Your doctor will also determine whether you should receive subcutaneous injections or an IV infusion.
Your doctor will advise you on how to use Actemra, how much you should use, and how often you should use it.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Actemra is tocilizumab.
Inactive ingredients in the subcutaneous injection include L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-methionine, polysorbate 80, and water for Injection.
Inactive ingredients in the IV formulation includedisodium phosphate dodecahydrate/sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate buffered solution, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for Injection.
Contraindications
Actemra should not be administered to patients who are allergic to the medication.
Cautions
Actemra has the following FDA Boxed Warnings:
- Serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or cause death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients who received Actemra.
- If a serious infection occurs, Actemra should be stopped until the infection is managed.
- Testing for latent TB should be conducted except in patients with COVID-19. TB treatment should be initiated before starting Actemra if the test result is positive.
- All patients should be monitored for TB during treatment, regardless of a negative latent TB test.
- Before you begin treatment with Actemra, tell your doctor:
- About all medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications
- About your allergies
- About your current health conditions and past medical history
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Gastrointestinal perforation can occur with Actemra treatment. Patients who are at increased risk should use Actemra with caution.
- Actemra can cause liver damage. Patients should seek medical care right away if they develop fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
- Because Actemra can cause changes in neutrophil count, platelet count, lipid count, and liver function tests, monitoring of these labs is recommended.
- Actemra can cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and even death.
- Live vaccines should not be administered to patients receiving Actemra.
Side Effects
The most common Actemra side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, high blood pressure, increased liver function tests, and injection site reactions.
You can buy Actemra online at a competitive price and with a valid prescription from your doctor at Canada Pharmacy.
Reference:
Actemra. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech Inc.; 2022.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 12266
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