Healthcare Professionals

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatments are available that can help provide relief from the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The key to finding the RA medication that's right for you is good communication with your healthcare professional — and continuing to communicate as your condition changes.

If you are not getting enough relief from your current RA treatment, it might be time to talk to your rheumatologist. He or she can give you information about other treatment options, including biologics. Biologics block the action of certain substances in the body and are approved to reduce the signs and symptoms associated with RA.

Talk to your rheumatologist today to seek the relief you deserve.

Next: Assessing Your Current Treatment

The RA Profiler is an interactive resource that can help you talk to your rheumatologist.

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.

INDICATION

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 SAFETY 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, hepatitis B infection in those already carrying the virus, nervous system problems, and serious allergic reactions.

Common side effects with ACTEMRA include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, and increased blood pressure (hypertension).

Tell your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. It is not known if ACTEMRA will harm your unborn baby. Genentech has a registry for pregnant women who take ACTEMRA. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking ACTEMRA, contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 and talk to your healthcare provider.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about any side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for additional important safety information.

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