Actemra 80 mg Injection

Actemra 80 mg Injection belongs to the class of 'immunosuppressants', primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis (inflammation of the lining of your arteries) in adults. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children, such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and cause joint pain with inflammation. Actemra 80 mg Injection is currently being trialled to treat breathing complications in COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-19) patients. 

Actemra 80 mg Injection consists of 'Tocilizumab' that belongs to the class of 'interleukin inhibitors.' It works by blocking the Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance released by the body that causes inflammation. Lately, Actemra 80 mg Injection is also being used in COVID-19 infection to reduce the severity of inflammation and damage in the lungs. It is thought to decrease the cytokine storm, an excessive immune response that occurs in the lungs of a COVID-19 infected person.

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the medical condition. Common side effects of Actemra 80 mg Injection include runny nose, sinus pain, sore throat, increased blood pressure, pain and swelling at the injection site, and headache. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. However, if the side effects are persistent, please reach out to your doctor.

Before starting Actemra 80 mg Injection, inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers, multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and active infections. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Actemra 80 mg Injection. Actemra 80 mg Injection may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Actemra 80 mg Injection should not be given to children under two years of age as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Actemra 80 mg Injection as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of liver damage. 

Actemra 80 mg Injection treats pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis. It contains 'Tocilizumab,' an 'interleukin inhibitor.' It works by blocking the Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance released by the body that causes inflammation. Lately, Actemra 80 mg Injection is also being used in COVID-19 infection to reduce breathing complications, the severity of inflammation, and damage in the lungs. It is used to decrease the cytokine storm, an excessive immune response that occurs in the lungs of a COVID-19 infected person. 

Inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers (diverticulitis), multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), low blood cell count, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and active infections before starting Actemra 80 mg Injection. Avoid close contact with people who have infections like chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis, and flu that can be easily spread. Thoroughly wash your hands to prevent the spread of infection. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Actemra 80 mg Injection to prevent any serious consequences. Actemra 80 mg Injection may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Actemra 80 mg Injection as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers. Actemra 80 mg Injection is not recommended in children younger than two years of age as safety and efficacy is not established. Store Actemra 80 mg Injection at temperatures of 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze the vial.

• It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
• It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Actemra 80 mg Injection.