ACTEMRA is the first and only treatment of its kind
ACTEMRA works differently
ACTEMRA targets the action of a cytokine in your immune system called IL-6.
Everyone has cytokines in their body. But most people with RA have too many cytokines in their body, including IL-6. In fact, people with RA may have more IL-6 in the areas surrounding the joints than any other cytokine.
One of the things these cytokines do is tell the body to make more white blood cells. In RA, because there are too many cytokines, the white blood cells may start to work too hard. These white blood cells start to attack the body itself. This contributes to the signs and symptoms of RA.
Having too many cytokines can cause other problems throughout the body. It causes the body to create cells that attack the joints and some that wear away at bones.
Having too much IL-6, in particular, can also change the way the body stores and uses a helpful mineral called iron, which is needed to make red blood cells. When the body is low on iron, this can contribute to you feeling tired.
ACTEMRA—targeting the action of IL-6
In order for IL-6 to deliver the message to the cell, IL-6 needs to connect to the cell. When IL-6 connects to the cell, IL-6 tells the cell to activate. When the cell activates, it contributes to the signs and symptoms of RA. ACTEMRA is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks IL-6 from connecting to the cell.
Since ACTEMRA is a medication that targets cells that affect your immune system, taking it can lower your immune system's ability to fight infections.
ACTEMRA works differently than other RA treatments. It blocks the activity of IL-6.
Without ACTEMRA
IL-6 connects to the cell, and tells the cell to activate. When the cell activates, it may contribute to the signs and symptoms of RA.
With ACTEMRA
ACTEMRA blocks IL-6 from connecting to the cell.
See Important Side Effect Information
This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about either your medical condition or your treatment with ACTEMRA. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your treatment with ACTEMRA.
What is ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA is a prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor Inhibitor. ACTEMRA is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) antagonist has been used and did not work well
IMPORTANT SIDE EFFECT INFORMATION
Some people have serious infections while taking ACTEMRA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections.
Other serious side effects of ACTEMRA include tears (perforation) of the stomach and intestines, changes in blood test results (including low neutrophil count, low platelet count, increase in certain liver function tests and increase in blood cholesterol levels), hepatitis B infection becoming an active infection again and nervous system problems.
ACTEMRA affects the immune system and may increase your risk of certain cancers.
Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with ACTEMRA. These reactions may happen with any infusion of ACTEMRA, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion. Patients must tell their doctor if they have had a previous reaction to ACTEMRA. Patients should not take ACTEMRA if they are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
Common side effects with ACTEMRA in patients with RA include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache and increased blood pressure (hypertension).
Patients must tell their healthcare provider if they plan to become pregnant or are
pregnant. It is not known if ACTEMRA will harm an unborn baby. Genentech has a registry
for pregnant women who take ACTEMRA. Patients who are pregnant or become pregnant while
taking ACTEMRA must contact the registry at 1-877- 311-8972 or
register online
at https://www.otispregnancy.org/
forms/otis_survey-f161
and talk to their healthcare provider.
Patients must call their healthcare provider for medical advice about any side effects. Patients or caregivers may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Patients or caregivers may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, for additional important safety information.
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