What is Tocilizumab?
Tocilizumab is a medication that blocks the action of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the body. It is used by adults to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Interleukin-6 (IL-6)?
Interleukin-6 is a protein produced by the immune system that the body uses to control infection. It also plays a major role in the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis have excessive levels of IL-6 protein.
How is Tocilizumab used?
Tocilizumab is used with methotrexate (MTX) or as monotherapy in cases of MTX intolerance or when continuing MTX treatment is inappropriate.
How is Tocilizumab administered?
Tocilizumab is given by intravenous infusion, with each dose taking one hour to inject into the vein, usually into the arm. The dosage amount depends on the person’s weight, so each person’s dose may differ. Your doctor may change the dose based on how Tocilizumab affects you. Tocilizumab is given every 4 weeks.
What are the possible side effects of this medication?
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Patients treated with Tocilizumab are at risk for serious illnesses, including tuberculosis, bacterial, invasive, fungal, and viral infections, and other opportunistic infections.
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Tocilizumab rarely causes allergic reactions during infusion.
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Tocilizumab rarely causes bowel damage (perforation of the intestinal wall). Please notify your doctor if you experience abdominal pain during treatment with Tocilizumab.
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It is unknown whether Tocilizumab treatment has any effect on the possibility of developing demyelinating neuropathy, although multiple sclerosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy have rarely been detected in clinical studies.
What should I do if I need surgery while undergoing Tocilizumab treatment?
Tocilizumab treatment should be stopped before any surgery. If you need surgery, please ask your doctor when to stop Tocilizumab treatment.
What do I need to know before starting Tocilizumab treatment?
Before starting Tocilizumab treatment, please ask your doctor about the following conditions:
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If you have any infection or are being treated for any infection.
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If you have skin infections with open skin sores.
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If you have diabetes or other conditions that may increase your chance of infection.
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If you have tuberculosis or have been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis.
Do I need to undergo tuberculosis tests before starting Tocilizumab treatment?
All patients must undergo tuberculin skin tests and chest X-rays before starting Tocilizumab treatment.
Can I become pregnant while taking this medication?
The effects of Tocilizumab on pregnancy have not been studied. Women should notify their doctor if they are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
