Coastal Infusion Administers Actemra

Actemra (tocilizumab) is a biologic medicine used primarily to treat various types of arthritis and related disorders.

The active substance in Actemra, tocilizumab, is a monoclonal antibody, a type of protein designed to recognize and attach to a specific antigen in the body. Tocilizumab attaches to the receptor for a messenger molecule or cytokine called interleukin 6. This messenger is involved with inflammation and is found at high levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic polyarthritis, giant cell arthritis, and cytokine release syndrome.

By preventing interleukin 6 from attaching to its receptors, tocilizumab reduces the inflammation and other symptoms of these diseases.

What It Treats

• Moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Giant cell arteritis (GCA)
• Polyarticular Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
• Systematic Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JRA)
• Cytokine Release syndrome (CRS)

Prescribed By

Actemra is most often prescribed by Rheumatologists.

How it’s Administered

Most Actemra infusions are intravenous, although sometimes Actemra is injected subcutaneously. Actemra infusions take about an hour.

Frequency

Once every 4 weeks for RA, more frequently for other diagnoses.

Additional Resources

• Actemra Website
• Prescribing Information
• Co-Pay Assistance

The information on this page is compiled from a variety of online sources. Coastal Infusion has made every effort to verify its accuracy, but patients are advised to discuss any planned or current treatments with their doctor. Report inaccuracies