Brand name: Actemra SC Actpen TM
Active ingredients: tocilizumab
What it is used for
Rheumatoid Arthritis (IV and SC formulations),Actemra is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in case of either an inadequate response or intolerance to previous therapy with one or more DMARDs.,Actemra is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients with poor prognostic factors (see section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical Trials) in combination with MTX in those not previously treated with MTX.,In the two groups of patients above, Actemra can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.,Actemra has been shown to inhibit the progression of joint damage in adults, as measured by X-ray, when given in combination with methotrexate.,Giant Cell Arteritis (SC formulations only),Actemra is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients.,Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (IV and SC formulations),Actemra is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older who have had an inadequate response to or intolerance to methotrexate (MTX). Actemra can be given alone or in combination with MTX.,Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (IV and SC formulations),Intravenous formulation,Actemra is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older.,Subcutaneous formulation,Actemra is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 1 year of age and older.,Actemra IV and SC can be given alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX).
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Subcutaneous. This medicine is injected, usually with a short needle or pen-like device, into the fat just beneath the skin.
- Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light
- Do not Freeze
- Shelf lifetime is 24 Months.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
Clear to strongly opalescent, colourless to slightly yellowish solution
Do I need a prescription?
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient tocilizumab
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems