Actemra - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Actemra is a drug to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, Actemra has obtained an emergency use permit for use in COVID-19 sufferers with severe symptoms

Actemra contains tocilizumab. Tocilizumab works by inhibiting the production of interleukin 6 or IL-6, so that an excessive immune system response can be inhibited.

This way of working is expected to be able to handle COVID-19 sufferers with severe symptoms who experience cytokine storms. This medicine will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer at the hospital.

What is Actemra

Active Ingredients	Tocilizumab
Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Immunosuppressant type antiinterleukin 6 (IL-6)
Benefits	Treating rheumatoid arthritis and treating COVID-19 with severe symptoms
Used by	Adults and children ages
Actemra for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not yet known whether Actemra can be absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult a doctor before using this drug.
Medicine form	Inject

Warning Before Using Actemra

Before using this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Do not use Actemra if you are allergic to tocilizumab. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had diabetes, duodenal ulcer, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, gastric ulcer, cancer, diverculitis, or an infectious disease, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B.
• Tell your doctor if you are suffering from a weakened immune system, for example due to HIV/AIDS.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate with live vaccines, while on treatment with Actemra. The use of these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of vaccinations and increase the risk of infection.
• As much as possible, avoid contact with people who are suffering from infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as measles or flu.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking Actemra if you are going to have any surgery, including dental surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking Actemra.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Actemra

Actemra will be injected into a vein (intravenous/IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. In general, the following are the dosages of Actemra based on the condition you wish to treat:

Condition: Rheumatoid arthritis

• Adult: 4 mg/kg body weight (BB), 1 time every 4 weeks. The dose can be increased to 8 mg/kg, once every 4 weeks via infusion, for 1 hour. The maximum dose is 800 mg per administration.

Condition: Patients with COVID-19 experiencing a cytokine storm

• Adults and children weighing <30 kg: 12 mg/kgBB. The maximum dose is 800 mg per administration.
• Adults and children weighing 30 kg: 8 mg/kgBB. The maximum dose is 800 mg per administration.

Condition: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Children weighing <30 kg: 12 mg/kgBB, once every 2 weeks.
• Children weighing 30 kg: 8 mg/kgBB, once every 2 weeks.

Condition: Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Children weighing <30 kg: 10 mg/kgBB, once every 4 weeks.
• Children weighing 30 kg: 8 mg/kgBB, once every 4 weeks.

How to Use Actemra Correctly

Actemra injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The medicine will be injected into a vein (intravenous/IV), as recommended by the doctor.

Follow the injection schedule given by the doctor so that the treatment is effective. During treatment with Actemra, you may be asked to undergo regular medical tests.

Actemra Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are some drug interactions that can occur when Actemra is used together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of severe infection when used with adalimumab or certolizumab
• Increased risk of infection when used with live vaccines, such as measles vaccine

Side Effects and Dangers of Actemra

Some of the side effects that can occur after using Actemra are:

• Pain, redness, itching or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Anxious
• Difficulty sleeping
• Diarrhea or constipation

Consult your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. You need to report to your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that won't stop, or severe constipation
• Unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bloody urine, or coughing up blood
• Symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Jaundice, dark urine, or loss of appetite