Tocilizumab

Generic name: tocilizumab [ TOE-si-LIZ-ue-mab ]
Brand names: Actemra, Tofidence, Tyenne, Actemra ACTPen, Tyenne Prefilled Syringe, Tyenne Autoinjector
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (20 mg/mL; aazg 20 mg/mL; bavi 200 mg/10mL; bavi 400 mg/20mL; bavi 80 mg/4mL), ... show all 2 dosage forms subcutaneous solution (162 mg/0.9 mL; aazg 162 mg/0.9 mL)
Drug class: Interleukin inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 23, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is tocilizumab?

Tocilizumab can be used in adults to treat:

• moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis after other treatments did not work or stopped working;

• giant cell arteritis, (inflammation in the lining of the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body);

• to slow the decline in lung function caused by scleroderma with interstitial lung disease; and

• hospitalized adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who are receiving steroid medicine and require supplemental oxygen, a ventilator, or ECMO (a heart-lung machine that helps increase oxygen in the blood).

Tocilizumab is used in adults and children 2 years and older to treat:

• active polyarticular or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis; and

• severe cytokine release syndrome, an overactive immune response after treatment with a certain type of immunotherapy.

Tocilizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tocilizumab side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tocilizumab may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation;

• nervous system problems--numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• signs of infection--fever, chills, aches, skin sores, diarrhea, burning when you urinate;

• signs of tuberculosis--cough, shortness of breath, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and feeling very tired; or

• signs of perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines--fever, ongoing stomach pain, change in bowel habits.

Common side effects of tocilizumab may include:

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

• headache;

• increased blood pressure;

• abnormal liver function tests; or

• pain, swelling, burning, or irritation where an injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Cimzia, prednisone, naproxen, methotrexate, Paxlovid, hydroxychloroquine, Humira

Warnings

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, aches, tiredness, cough, shortness of breath, skin sores, diarrhea, weight loss, or burning when you urinate.

Tocilizumab may also cause liver problems or a perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines. Tell your doctor right away if you have right-sided stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or fever and stomach pain with a change in your bowel habits.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use tocilizumab if you are allergic to it.

Tocilizumab affects your immune system. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, bloody mucus, weight loss, skin problems, diarrhea, stomach pain, or urination problems.

Tell your doctor where you live and if you have recently traveled or plan to travel. You may have been exposed to infections that are common to certain areas of the world.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• an active, chronic, recent infection, or been prone to infections;

• tuberculosis, or been exposed to tuberculosis;

• low levels of white blood cells or platelets in your blood;

• diverticulitis, ulcers in your stomach or intestines;

• a nerve-muscle disorder such as multiple sclerosis;

• a planned surgery or medical procedure;

• diabetes;

• HIV, or a weak immune system;

• hepatitis B (or if you are a carrier of the virus);

• cancer;

• recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines; or

• liver disease.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start using tocilizumab.

Using tocilizumab may increase your risk of developing certain cancers and nervous system disorders. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Tocilizumab may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using tocilizumab.

If you are using tocilizumab while pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of tocilizumab on you and the baby.

How should I use tocilizumab?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Before you use tocilizumab, your doctor should test you for tuberculosis or other infections.

Doses may be based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

A healthcare provider may inject tocilizumab into a vein. In other cases, doses may be injected under the skin by yourself, your caregiver, or a healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine your treatment schedule based on your age and condition to treat.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. A healthcare provider may teach you or your caregiver how to properly use this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand these instructions.

Prepare a prefilled syringe or autoinjector only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Avoid injecting into skin that is hard, red, bruised, swollen, or tender.

Each prefilled syringe or autoinjector is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests, and your dose or medication schedule may be changed based on the results.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery or medical procedure.

You may be given other medications to help treat your condition. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Store the prefilled syringe or autoinjector in the original container in the refrigerator. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze.

Take the prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before using. Do not warm the medicine with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave.

Tocilizumab may also be stored in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Do not return the medicine to the refrigerator. Throw the medicine away after 2 weeks if stored at room temperature.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose or an appointment for your tocilizumab injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using tocilizumab?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with tocilizumab. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect tocilizumab?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• medicines for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders --etanercept, anakinra, rituximab, certolizumab, abatacept, golimumab, adalimumab, infliximab, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid medicine, or methotrexate.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect tocilizumab. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

More FAQ

• What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
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• Is tocilizumab (Actemra) effective for treating COVID-19?

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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