• Tuberculosis has been seen in patients started on this medicine. These patients were exposed to tuberculosis in the past, but never actually developed the infection. You should be tested to see if you have been exposed to tuberculosis before starting this medicine.
• Serious infections have occurred in patients who take these types of medicines. Talk with healthcare provider.
• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
• Please read the medication guide.
• If you have an allergy to tocilizumab or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you are breast-feeding.
• Tocilizumab is an arthritis-changing medicine. It reduces inflammation and helps reduce symptoms and protect joints from further harm.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• You will need a tuberculosis test before starting this medicine.
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
Created: 2010-01-18 14:25:19.0
Modified: 2010-03-15 13:30:21.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Hepatitis B testing may be suggested. Unrecognized hepatitis B infection may worsen during treatment.
• Long-term use may increase your risk of cancer.
• Serious infections have been reported with use of this medicine. If you have any infection, are taking antibiotics now or in the recent past, or have many infections, talk with healthcare provider.
• Talk with healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. Use with this medicine may either increase the risk of serious infection or make the vaccination less effective.
• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have stomach ulcers, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have multiple sclerosis or other nerve disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Headache.
• High blood pressure.
• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Severe allergic reactions can rarely occur.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of legs or belly.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Severe headache.
• Feeling extremely tired or weak.
• Not able to eat.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
