Understanding Your Test Results
Having had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for a while, you most likely have had a number of blood tests that may have included some of the tests described below. These tests were done to diagnose your disease, look for changes in your immune system and monitor for side effects of treatment.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or sed rate) — This test indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Your healthcare provider will monitor your ESR. A lower number indicates less overall inflammation.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) — Another substance in the blood that indicates inflammation. The CRP test can be ordered to evaluate RA and is often repeated to determine the effectiveness of treatment. CRP levels drop as inflammation decreases.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) — Rheumatoid factor is a substance in the blood called an antibody. The body produces RF in response to an overactive immune system. High levels of RF can indicate more severe rheumatoid arthritis.
- Cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) — CCP detects a substance called citrulline, which is present in large amounts in people with RA. CCP works to fight against citrulline.
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) — This test is typically given at time of diagnosis to rule out other autoimmune diseases.
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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