Diagnosing SJIA
Doctors can diagnose systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) using a number of methods, including identifying the key signs and symptoms
There is no special test to diagnose SJIA. Many times, the doctor looks at all the signs and symptoms your child has and must rule out what the disease isn't before determining what the disease is. This can take time and involve different tests, so be patient.
Your child's signs and symptoms may come and go, and they might not all happen at the same time. Your doctor will ultimately be able to determine whether or not your child has SJIA.
What can SJIA lead to?
SJIA is a serious disease. Even with treatment, children may feel the negative effects of SJIA throughout their lives. Talk with your child's doctor about what can happen if SJIA is left untreated.
SJIA may continue into adulthood and cause problems later in life. Complications associated with the disease can be fatal. Your child's doctor may be able to give you more information about the long-term treatment of SJIA and what to do if the disease progresses into adulthood.
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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