Actemra Sc 162 mg Injection

Indication

Treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged 2 years and older, and giant cell arteritis.

Dosage (summary)

The recommended dose for adults with rheumatoid arthritis is 8 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion every 4 weeks. For subcutaneous administration, the recommended dose is 162 mg once every week or every other week depending on the indication.

Onset of Action / Duration

Onset of action may vary; clinical improvement can be observed within 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of therapy.

Special Populations

• Elderly patients
• Patients with renal impairment
• Patients with hepatic impairment
• Patients with a history of serious infections

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Caution is advised when administering to breastfeeding mothers.

Key Drug Interactions

• Live vaccines may be less effective when administered concurrently.
• Caution with concomitant use of immunosuppressants.
• May interact with anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding.

Contraindications

• Active infections
• Severe hypersensitivity to tocilizumab or any component of the formulation
• Severe hepatic impairment

Common side effects

• Increased risk of infections
• Headache
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Gastrointestinal perforations
• Injection site reactions

Counselling Points

• Advise patients to report any signs of infection immediately.
• Inform patients about potential side effects and the importance of regular monitoring.
• Instruct patients on proper injection technique if self-administering.
• Discuss the importance of adherence to follow-up appointments for monitoring.