How ACTEMRA Works
ACTEMRA—the biologic that targets the action of interleukin-6 (IL-6)
ACTEMRA targets the action of a cytokine called IL-6. Cytokines are a type of protein that is part of the immune system. IL-6 activates white blood cells. Children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) may have higher-than-normal levels of IL-6 in their bodies and joints. This can contribute to the signs and symptoms of SJIA.
In order for IL-6 to cause cell activation, it needs to connect to the cell. ACTEMRA blocks IL-6 from connecting to the cell.
Serious Infections
ACTEMRA is a medicine that affects your child's immune system. ACTEMRA can lower the ability of your child's immune system to fight infections. 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.
Your child's doctor should monitor your child for TB before and during treatment with ACTEMRA.
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 SJIA.
With ACTEMRA
ACTEMRA blocks IL-6 from connecting to the cell.
Important Side Effect Information
ACTEMRA® (tocilizumab) may not be right for your child. Before starting ACTEMRA, tell your child's healthcare provider if your child:
- has an infection
- has liver problems
- has any stomach-area (abdominal) pain or has been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in his or her stomach or intestines
- has had a reaction to tocilizumab or any of the ingredients in ACTEMRA before
- has or had a condition that affects his or her nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
- has recently received or is scheduled to receive a vaccine. People who take ACTEMRA should not receive live vaccines. People taking ACTEMRA can receive non-live vaccines
- plans to have surgery or a medical procedure
- has any other medical conditions
- plans to become pregnant or is pregnant. It is not known if ACTEMRA will harm your child's unborn baby
NEXT: How ACTEMRA is Given
This information does not take the place of talking to your child's healthcare provider about either your child's medical condition or your child's treatment with ACTEMRA. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if you have any questions about your child's treatment with ACTEMRA.
What is ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA is a prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor. ACTEMRA is used to treat patients with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) 2 years of age and older.
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 SJIA include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, and diarrhea.
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 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.
For additional important safety information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, please visit ACTEMRA.com or call (800) ACTEMRA (800-228-3672).
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