Actemra 20mg/10ml

Actemra 20mg/10ml: A Comprehensive Overview

Actemra 20mg/10ml is a subcutaneous injection formulation of tocilizumab, a first-in-class anti-IL-6 receptor therapy. This medication is approved in 116 countries for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as other inflammatory autoimmune conditions such as giant cell arteritis (GCA) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).

Key Indications:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Actemra is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active RA in adult patients, often in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It has been shown to inhibit the progression of joint damage in adults, as measured by X-ray, when given with MTX.
• Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA): Actemra is approved for the treatment of GCA in adult patients. It is administered via subcutaneous injection and should be given under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional due to the risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions.
• Pediatric Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA) and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA): Actemra is also indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active pJIA and sJIA in patients aged 1 year and older, respectively. It can be given alone or in combination with MTX.

How It Works:

Actemra works by binding to IL-6 receptors, thereby blocking the pro-inflammatory effect of IL-6 cytokines. This action helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

Administration:

The subcutaneous injection of Actemra 20mg/10ml should be performed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, especially for the first injection. Patients transitioning from intravenous (IV) therapy to subcutaneous administration should receive their first SC dose at the time of the next scheduled IV dose under professional guidance.

Important Considerations:

• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, especially during and after the injection.
• Contraindications: Actemra is not recommended for patients with severe infections or active tuberculosis. It is also contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tocilizumab or any of its excipients.

By understanding the indications, administration, and potential side effects of Actemra 20mg/10ml, patients and healthcare providers can make informed decisions about its use in managing various inflammatory autoimmune conditions.