AskTried or prescribed Tocilizumab? Share your experience.
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(toe si LIZ oo mab)
U.S. Brand Names
Actemra®
Pharmacologic Category
Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying; Interleukin-6 Receptor Antagonist
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
• 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.
Reasons not to take this medicine
• 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.
How does it work?
• Tocilizumab is an arthritis-changing medicine. It reduces inflammation and helps reduce symptoms and protect joints from further harm.
How is it best taken?
• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Call healthcare provider for instructions.
What should I monitor?
• 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.
How should I store this medicine?
• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
• 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.
Created: 2010-01-18 14:25:19.0
Modified: 2010-03-15 13:30:21.0
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