TOCILIZUMAB

Overview

TOCILIZUMAB is a Schedule H drug.
Tocilizumab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation.Tocilizumab treats certain types of arthritis and inflammation of the lining of the arteries.Tocilizumab blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, swelling and redness associated with certain joint diseases.

Usage

TOCILIZUMAB is generally used to treat: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Arthritis, Juvenile, Giant Cell Arteritis
TOCILIZUMAB can address symptoms like: Joint Pain, Muscle Stiffness, Fatigue (tiredness), Loss Of Appetite, Weight Loss (unintentional), Fever, Eyes Pain, Head Headache, Abdomen Pain, Jaws Pain, Eyes Blurred Vision

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Not Safe

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Not Advised for age < 2yrs

How Do I Take It?

Route of Administration: IV (Intravenous)

Precautions

  • You should not use tocilizumab if you are allergic to it.
  • Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using tocilizumab.
  • Tocilizumab is sometimes injected under the skin.
  • Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.
  • Do not use tocilizumab if you don’t understand all instructions for proper use.
  • Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it.
  • Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.
  • Tocilizumab is usually given every 1 to 4 weeks.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions.Tocilizumab affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
  • Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using tocilizumab. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease.
  • Have a tuberculosis skin test & chest x-ray done before starting Tocilizumab.It can rarely cause reactions at the injection site. Tell your doctor if these are severe.

Common Side-Effects

TOCILIZUMAB : Heartburn, Indigestion, Hives, Skin Rash, Itchy Skin, Diarrhoea, Runny Nose, Throat Soreness, Head Headache, Skin Irritation, Redness, Cough, Dizziness, Fever, Chills, Nasal Congestion, Nausea, Nervousness, Pale Skin, Sneezing, Abdomen Pain, Chest Discomfort, Fatigue (tiredness), Chest Burn, Dark Colored (brown) Urine, Confusion, Irregular Heartbeat, Body Discomfort, Joint Pain, Muscle Stiffness, Body Muscle Cramps Or Spasms (painful), Back Pain, Abdomen Upset Stomach, Abdomen Tenderness To Touch, Difficulty Sleeping, Vomit

Serious Side-Effects

TOCILIZUMAB : Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Breathlessness, Black (tar) Colored Stools, Blood Or Red Colored Urine, Eyes Blurred Vision, Body Pain, Chest Pain, Pain With Urination, Difficulty Urinating, Difficulty Breathing, Difficulty Swallowing, Rapid Heart Rate (pulse), Frequent Urge To Urinate, Loss Of Voice, Loss Of Appetite, Lower Back Pain, Eyes Swelling, Ear Pounding, Easy Bleeding, Eyes Dry Eyes, Eyes Itching, Eyes Discharge Or Mucus, Mouth Swelling

Rare Side-Effects

TOCILIZUMAB : Hearing Loss, Dry Skin, Belching, Body Discoloration, Bloody Or Red Colored Vomit, Neck Pain, Night Sweats, Noisy Breathing, Slow Or Irregular Breathing, Feet Swelling, Hearing Voices, Fruity Odor On Breath, Weight Loss (unintentional)

Disease Interactions

TOCILIZUMAB can interfere with: Bacterial Infection, Viral Inection, Protozoal Infection, Fungal Infection, Latent Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis, Vaccination, Multiple Sclerosis, Intestinal Perforation, Acute Liver Failure, Acute Renal Failure

Technical Classification

TOCILIZUMAB is categorized as: INTERLEUKIN INHIBITORS / IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE AGENTS / IMMUNOLOGIC AGENTS

Storage Conditions

Refrigeration (Between 2 To 8 C)

Available Alternatives

Common Drugs with TOCILIZUMAB as Ingredient

ACTEMRA INJTOCILIZUMAB 20 MG