What Is SJIA?
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is a rare form of arthritis that affects children aged 2 years and older. "Systemic" means it is a disease that affects the whole body, causing fever, rash, swelling and pain in the joints. Sometimes the fever and rash symptoms appear first, and the joint pain of arthritis happens later.
SJIA is different from other forms of JIA
Systemic JIA is the most rare of the various types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It's different because the signs and symptoms of SJIA, like fever and rash, affect the whole body and not just the joints.
SJIA is a disease of the immune system
The immune system is complex. It has many different kinds of cells that protect the body by fighting harmful things like germs and viruses. When the immune system is not working correctly, it can lead to the signs and symptoms of SJIA.
- Pain or limited motion in 1 or more joints
- Muscle pain
- 2 weeks of spiking or daily fever
- Salmon-pink rash
No one knows the exact cause of SJIA, if it's passed on from family members or if it arises on its own. Doctors continue to search for the answer to this question and for new ways to get the immune system back under control.
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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