Actemra 162mg Injection
Manufacturer
Roche Products India Pvt Ltd
Salt Composition
Tocilizumab (162mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Actemra 162mg Injection is a medicine used to treat various inflammatory conditions of the joints, skin, and bowel.
Dosage Form
Injection
Introduction
Actemra 162mg Injection is given by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. You should use it regularly and at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit from it. Continue using it as recommended by your doctor and complete the dose even if you feel better. The most common side effects seen with this medicine include headache, high blood pressure, upper respiratory tract infection, increased liver enzymes, and nasopharyngitis. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or bother you.
Directions for Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self-administer.
How it works
Actemra 162mg Injection blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, swelling, and redness associated with certain joint diseases.
Quick Tips
Actemra 162mg Injection is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) or as an injection directly into a vein. You may be asked for regular blood tests to check blood counts, cholesterol level, and liver functioning during the treatment. It might make you feel dizzy. If this happens, avoid driving or operating on machinery. It makes it hard to fight with an infection. Inform your doctor if you notice fever, cough, or stomach pain. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not stop taking medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to receive Actemra 162mg Injection?
Actemra 162mg Injection is intended for individuals with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection who experience persistent oxygen reduction (hypoxia) that worsens despite receiving corticosteroids and supportive care for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Is Actemra 162mg Injection suitable for all COVID-19 patients? Why or why not?
No, Actemra 162mg Injection is not suitable for all COVID-19 patients. Its potential risks and adverse effects outweigh its benefits in certain circumstances.
What are the potential side effects of Actemra 162mg Injection?
Potential side effects include anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) during infusion, elevated liver enzymes (transaminitis), a decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia), and decreased neutrophils (neutropenia). These can increase the risk of serious infections. Actemra 162mg Injection may also increase the risk of serious bacterial infections, viral infections, and reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) virus.
Who should avoid receiving Actemra 162mg Injection?
Patients with abnormal liver enzyme levels (transaminitis), platelet counts below 50,000, or those who have active TB or other active infections (bacterial or viral) should not receive Actemra 162mg Injection. The medication is also contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to potential complications.
What should be done if there's no improvement after administering Actemra 162mg Injection?
If there's no improvement following Actemra 162mg Injection, the doctor will determine the next course of action. While it prevents lung inflammation, it won't cure damage already caused by the disease. Recovery time for lung function is variable and requires further evaluation to identify other potential issues such as pulmonary intravascular coagulopathy or cardiac dysfunctions.
