What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving Actemra?

Question

Accepted Answer

Before receiving Actemra, let your health care provider know if you have any of the following:

An infection or symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, sweating or chills, shortness of breath, a rash or sores, fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, a cough, or pain when urinating
Diabetes, HIV, hepatitis B, or a weak immune system
Tuberculosis (TB)
Have lived in or recently traveled to certain parts of the U.S (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is a higher risk of certain fungal infections such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis
Diverticulitis, ulcers, or tears (perforations) of your stomach or intestines
Liver problems or symptoms that may suggest liver problems, such as yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice), appetite loss, abdominal swelling and pain on the right side of your stomach area, light-colored stools, or dark "tea-colored" urine
Cancer of any type
Multiple sclerosis or any other condition that affects your nervous system.

Also, let your doctor know if:

You have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine
Recent laboratory tests detected low neutrophils, low platelets, or your liver function results were high
You plan to have surgery or a medical procedure
You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
You take any other medications, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

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