Actemra (tocilizumab)

Information on this site is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with qualified doctor.

ACTEMRA/ RoACTEMRA is the first humanized IL-6 receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).1

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease estimated to affect 70+ million people worldwide, including children. Joints become chronically inflamed, painful and swollen, and patients can become increasingly disabled as cartilage and bone is damaged.1

 

In Bangladesh Actemra is approved for the following indications.2

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) [IV and SC formulations]

Tocilizumab is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients. Tocilizumab can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) and/or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Tocilizumab has been shown to inhibit progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray and to improve physical function.

 

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) [SC formulation only]

Tocilizumab is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients.

 

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [IV formulation only]

Tocilizumab is indicated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized adults who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation

 

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA) [IV and SC formulations]

Tocilizumab is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older. Tocilizumab can be given alone or in combination with MTX.

 

Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA)

Tocilizumab is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older. Tocilizumab can be given alone or in combination with MTX.

 

Subcutaneous Formulation

Tocilizumab is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 1 year of age and older.

Tocilizumab IV and SC can be given alone or in combination with MTX.

 

For more disease and medicine related queries you may discuss with your physician.

 

In Bangladesh Actemra is available as

  • Vials 80 mg/4 ml
  • Vials 200 mg/10 ml
  • Vials 400 mg/20 ml
  • Pre-filled syringes (SC)162 mg/0.9 ml

 

References

1. Global Website: Investors. FDA approves expanded indication for ACTEMRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis. (2012, October 15). [Internet; cited 2018, November 25]. Retrieved from https://www.roche.com/investors/updates/inv-update-2012-10-15.htm

2. Actemra-Product-Information-BD-Ro-4877533-August 2022