Actemra Side Effects Center
- Generic Name: tocilizumab injection
- Brand Name: Actemra
- Drug Class: DMARDs, Immunomodulators
Actemra (Tocilizumab Injection) side effects drug center
Actemra Side Effects Center
What Is Actemra?
Actemra (tocilizumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in children and adults.
What Are Side Effects of Actemra?
Common side effects of Actemra include:
- runny or stuffy nose,
- sinus pain or sore throat,
- headache or dizziness,
- itching,
- mild stomach cramps, or
- urinary tract infection (UTI).
Actemra may cause serious side effects including:
- severe stomach pain, cramping, bloating, or change in bowel habits;
- bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or any bleeding that will not stop;
- signs of liver problems (loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice);
- signs of infection (fever, chills, skin sores, or burning when you urinate);
- painful blistering skin rash with burning/itching/tingly feeling; and
- unexplained weight loss or severe tiredness.
Get medical help right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Dosage for Actemra
Actemra is given once every four weeks by intravenous (IV) infusion by your doctor. Actemra can be taken with or without methotrexate (or other DMARDs).
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Actemra?
Actemra may interact with other drugs, including birth control pills, blood thinners, cyclosporine, digoxin, omeprazole, sirolimus, theophylline, abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, cholesterol-lowering medications, seizure medications, heart rhythm medications, drugs that weaken your immune system, and pain or arthritis medications. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you take.
Actemra During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, only take Actemra if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known if Actemra passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.