r enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How will I receive ACTEMRA?
You will receive ACTEMRA from a healthcare provider through a needle placed in a vein in your arm (IV or intravenous infusion). The infusion will take about 1 hour to give you the full dose of medicine.
You will receive a dose of ACTEMRA about every 4 weeks.
If you miss a scheduled dose of ACTEMRA, ask your healthcare provider when to schedule your next infusion.
While taking ACTEMRA, you may continue to use other medicines that help treat your rheumatoid arthritis such as methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prescription steroids, as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Keep all of your follow-up appointments and get your blood tests as ordered by your healthcare provider.
What are the possible side effects with ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA can cause serious side effects, including:
See "What is the most important information I should know about ACTEMRA?"
Hepatitis B infection in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that affects the liver), the virus may become active while you use ACTEMRA. This happens with other biologic medicines used to treat RA. Your doctor may do blood tests before you start treatment with ACTEMRA and while you are using ACTEMRA. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a possible hepatitis B infection: feel very tired
skin or eyes look yellow
little or no appetite
vomiting
clay-colored bowel movements
fevers
chills
stomach discomfort
muscle aches
dark urine
skin rash
Nervous system problems. Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed rarely in people who take ACTEMRA. It is not known what effect ACTEMRA may have on some nervous system disorders.
Allergic Reactions. Serious allergic reactions can happen with ACTEMRA. These reactions may not happen with your first infusion, and may happen with future infusions of ACTEMRA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction: shortness of breath or trouble breathing
skin rash
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
chest pain
feeling dizzy or faint
Common side effects of ACTEMRA include:
upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections)
headache
increased blood pressure (hypertension)
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of ACTEMRA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
General information about ACTEMRA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about ACTEMRA.
If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about ACTEMRA that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.ACTEMRA.com or call 1
