Actemra SC™
Active ingredients: Tocilizumab
Consumer medicine information
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What this medicine 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).
Source: ARTG
Storage conditions
- Shelf lifetime is 36 Months
- Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light; Do not Freeze; Refrigerate
Source: ARTG
How to use this medicine
Non-composite pack
This medicine contains one component only.
Component
- Injection, solution
- Subcutaneous
- Clear to strongly opalescent, colourless to slightly yellowish solution
Source: ARTG
Do I need a prescription?
These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.
- 1 syringe
- 4 syringes
Source: ARTG
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Talk to your pharmacist about how much it will cost.
Source: PBS
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.
Source: AHT
Reporting side effects
If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)
Source: ARTG
Data sources
- Australian Health Thesaurus (AHT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Medicines Information Pty Ltd (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 4 March 2026
Disclaimer
Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).
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