Glossary
ACTEMRA® (tocilizumab):
The brand name for the IL-6 receptor inhibitor drug, tocilizumab. It is delivered by an IV infusion every 2 weeks and can be taken alone or in combination with the drug methotrexate.
Cytokines:
Chemical messengers in the blood that communicate with white blood cells. Normally, cytokines help fight infection through the process of inflammation. In children with SJIA, the body produces too many cytokines, which may contribute to the signs and symptoms of SJIA.
Flare or Flare-up:
A sudden recurrence of the signs and symptoms of a disease.
IL-6:
The abbreviation for interleukin-6, a type of cytokine in the immune system. In children with SJIA, there is more IL-6 in the body than normal.
Immune system:
A complex network of organs and cells that protect the body from foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. In children with SJIA, the immune system becomes too active and starts to harm the body.
Inflammation:
Occurs when the immune system defends the body against harmful events and results in pain, swelling, redness and heat. Chronic inflammation is a symptom of SJIA.
Infusion:
Delivery of liquid medication through a needle directly into a vein. Also known as an IV infusion.
Joint:
The place where 2 bones meet.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA):
Another term for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). JIA is often used in place of JRA because it is very different from adult RA. The word "idiopathic" is used because the origin of this disease is unknown. There are different recognized types of JIA, all of which affect children aged 16 years and younger.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA):
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects up to 50,000 children in the United States.
Pediatric rheumatologist:
A doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the joints of children. Pediatric rheumatologists are experts in treating bone and joint diseases like SJIA.
Steroid:
A type of medicine that reduces inflammation.
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA):
One of the various types of JIA, SJIA is a rare form of chronic, or persistent, arthritis. Like other forms of arthritis, SJIA is a disease that usually causes swelling and pain at the joints. While there are multiple kinds of arthritis that affect children aged 2 years and older, SJIA is rare in that it affects the whole body and not just the joints. SJIA is characterized by arthritis, fever and a salmon-pink rash.
See Important Side Effect Information
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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