Actemra (Tocilizumab)
Starting at $287.91
Description
Actemra is a prescription drug sold under the brand name Actemra. In your body, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is blocked by Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody. As a result of this protein being activated, your immune system becomes overactive, resulting in inflammation and autoimmune symptoms. Because Actrema blocks the interleukin-6 receptor, it reduces inflammation and signs of autoimmune diseases by lowering the immune system’s overactivity.
A more technical explanation of Tocilizumab’s mode of action (MOA) is that it binds to IL-6 receptors (sIL-6R and mIL-6R), inhibiting IL-6-mediated signaling through these receptors. Cell types such as T- and B-cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and fibroblasts produce interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
On December 21, 2022, the FDA approved Actrema to treat COVID-19 in specific adult patients. Under emergency use authorization (EUA), Actrema is still available to pediatric patients with COVID-19.
This medicaiton comes in pre-filled syringes. Similar mechanisms can be found in medications such as Wegovy, Trulicity and Saxenda.
The FDA has approved it for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have not responded well to specific previous treatments
- GCA in adults is a condition characterized by giant cell proliferation
- Adults with systematic sclerosis and interstitial lung disease
- Children aged two and older with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA)
- After treatment with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome (CRS) develops in adults and children.
Warnings and Precautions
You may experience immune system effects from Actemra. There is a greater risk of getting infections, even fatal ones. Symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, tiredness, coughs, skin sores, diarrhea, weight loss, or burning when you urinate should be addressed by a doctor.
It is also possible for Actemra to cause a perforation (hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines. Consult your doctor if you have a fever, stomach pains, and a change in your bowel habits.
The liver may also be affected by Actemra. Your doctor should be informed if you experience right-sided stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
To ensure you are not infected with tuberculosis, your doctor may perform tests before you begin treatment with Actemra. Medical tests may be required while using Actemra.
There is a possibility that Actemra may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about this risk.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking Actemra:
- Infections that are active or chronic;
- Disease of the liver;
- You may have diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines;
- Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the nerves and muscles;
- Diabetes;
- An immune system that is weak or infected with HIV;
- If you have hepatitis B (or if you are infected with the virus),
- A cancerous condition;
- Vaccinations you have received or are scheduled to receive.
Actrema Forms
One of the following injection methods is available for Actemra:
Injection under the skin. Subcutaneous injections are injections under the skin. Prefilled syringes and autoinjectors are available for this solution. The strength is 162 milligrams/0.9 milliliter (mg/mL).
Infusion administered intravenously (IV). IV infusions are injections given into your vein over time. Vials contain this solution. It comes in one strength: 20 mg/mL.
It is possible to administer Actemra subcutaneously at home or at a medical facility. Actemra injections are given at your doctor’s office when you first start using it. Your doses will be administered using prefilled syringes. You can learn how to give yourself injections at home if you wish. Prefilled syringes or autoinjector pens are used for self-injections. If you need additional help, feel free to contact us, and we will schedule a free pharmacy consultation for you.
At a medical facility, healthcare professionals administer Actemra IV infusions.
Infusions or injections of this drug will be recommended by your doctor.
Actrema Side Effects
The following is a partial list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor if you notice any other side effects not listed below.
An injection site may cause headaches, pain, redness, or swelling. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of these effects persist or get worse.
Your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe you will benefit from it more than you will suffer side effects. The side effects of this medication are rarely severe for most people who use it.
If you experience any severe side effects, such as stomach/abdominal pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Severe liver disease (possibly fatal) has rarely been associated with tocilizumab. After starting this medication, this effect may occur months to years later. If you develop symptoms of liver disease, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, you should contact your doctor immediately.
It is rare for this drug to cause a severe allergic reaction. Be sure to seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
Actrema Drug Interactions
Your medications may be affected by drug interactions, and you may be at risk for serious side effects as a result. There are not all possible drug interactions listed in this document. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the products you use (including prescriptions and non-prescriptions). You should always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medicine.
Products that may interact with this drug include drugs that affect the immune system (such as certolizumab).
The removal of other medications from your body can be sped up by this medication, which may negatively affect their effects. Some cholesterol drugs affected by this include Lipitor and Crestor.
There is a possibility that this medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, or rings. Pregnancy could result from this. You should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while taking this medication. You should also tell your doctor if you notice any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, as this may indicate that your birth control isn’t working.
Pregnancy
Actemra is not known to be safe to use during pregnancy. The administration of Actemra to pregnant animals has been found to pose some risk to developing fetuses. Animal studies do not always predict human results.
Talk to your doctor if you become pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant while taking Actemra. They can recommend a safe treatment plan.
Actrema Cost & Coupons
Each medication has a different price, and Actemra is no exception.
You’ll pay a different price depending on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you choose.
Your insurance company may require prior authorization before it approves coverage for Actemra. Before your insurance company will cover the drug, your doctor and insurance company must communicate about your prescription. Upon reviewing the prior authorization request, the insurance company will decide whether to cover the drug. Check with your insurance company to see if Actemra requires prior authorization.
Insulin Outlet offers Actrema at a discounted rate to help Americans seeking cheaper medication. If this is your first order, be sure to use the coupon code welcome10, to save 10% on your first order.
