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Tocilizumab

This form:

Pronounced

"TOE-si-LIZ-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Actemra

Uses

This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and in children (such as polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA). It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab is used to treat giant cell arteritis. It helps to reduce swelling in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication is also used to slow down the decrease in lung function in people with a certain type of lung disease (systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease - SSc-ILD). Tocilizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockers. It works by blocking IL-6, a substance made by the body that causes swelling (inflammation).

This monograph is about the following tocilizumab products: tocilizumab and tocilizumab-aazg.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using tocilizumab and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, labs, and response to treatment.

Depending on your product, take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30 or 45 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave, place it in hot water, or leave it in direct sunlight). Check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, red, hard, or broken, or into moles, scars, or bruises. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days you need to inject the medication on a calendar.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.