Actemra
Actemra Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Actemra is a brand name. Its generic name is Tocilizumab.
Introduction
Actemra, also known as Actemra and RoActemra, is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist monoclonal antibody prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis. The mAb is approved by the US Food and Drug administration and is commercially available in Europe, U.S.A, Japan, and India.Uses
Actemra is used to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have received one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate. It is also used to treat active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in children 2 years of age and older.Mechanism of Action
Actemra is a monoclonal antibody which binds to and neutralizes interleukin-6 (IL-6) and blocks its action on cells. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with inflammation and destruction of joint tissues in RA. Blockade of IL-6 activity reduces inflammation and preserves joint tissue.How Long Does It Take to Work?
The onset of action of tocilizumab occurs 5–10 days after the first dose and is usually experienced within 4–6 weeks of initial treatment.Absorption
Actemra is administered intravenously and is generally well absorbed into the bloodstream.Route of Elimination
Actemra is cleared from the body by the kidneys, and metabolites are excreted in urine.Dosage
The usual starting dose of tocilizumab is 162 mg every other week, given as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour. In rheumatoid arthritis, after six months of treatment, dose may be increased up to 324 mg every other week (or 8 mg/kg every other week or 4 mg/kg every week). In systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, dose may be increased to 248 mg every week.Administration
Actemra is administered intravenously and is generally well absorbed into the bloodstream.Side Effects
The most common side effects of tocilizumab include headache, fever, cough, nausea, abdominal pain, rash, and fatigue. More serious side effects may include increased risk of infections, stroke , blood clots, and liver damage.Toxicity
The toxic effects of tocilizumab can occur at any dose of therapy. The most commonly seen problems are allergic reactions, acute infusion reactions, and cytopenias.Precautions
Actemra should be used with caution in patients with a history of infections, stroke, or liver impairment.Interaction
Actemra has the potential to interact with several drugs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and warfarin.Disease Interaction
Actemra may interact with other underlying diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and congestive heart failure.Drug Interaction
Actemra has the potential to interact with several drugs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and warfarin.Food Interaction
Actemra has no known specific food interactions.Pregnancy Use
Actemra should be used with caution in pregnant women.Lactation Use
Actemra should not be used in breastfeeding women.Acute Overdose
An acute overdose of tocilizumab can cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, or liver damage.Contraindication
Actemra should not be used in cases of hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.Use Direction
Actemra must be administered as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour. The usual starting dose of tocilizumab is 162 mg every other week. In rheumatoid arthritis, after six months of treatment, dose may be increased up to 324 mg every other week (or 8 mg/kg every other week or 4 mg/kg every week). In systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, dose may be increased to 248 mg every week.Storage Condition
Actemra should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture and heat.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of tocilizumab is 53.4 ±18.9 L.Half Life
The half-life of tocilizumab is 8.5 ±3.2 days.Clearance
The clearance of tocilizumab is 4.9 ± 1.6 L/day.Here you find in details version of Actemra
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Actemra
https://www.medicinesfaq.com/brand/actemra,
http://www.genome.jp/dbget-bin/www_bget?drug:D02596,
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?sid=347910344,
https://mor.nlm.nih.gov/RxNav/search?searchBy=RXCUI&searchTerm=612865,
https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chembldb/index.php/compound/inspect/CHEMBL1237022,
http://www.pharmgkb.org/drug/PA165292659,
http://www.rxlist.com/actemra-drug.htm,
https://www.drugs.com/international/tocilizumab.html,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocilizumab,