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The information on this sheet is based on approvals granted by the Japanese regulatory authority. Approval details may vary by country. Medicines have adverse effects (risks) as well as efficacies (benefits). It is important to minimize adverse effects and maximize efficacy. To obtain a better therapeutic response, patients should understand their medication and cooperate with the treatment.
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Brand name :
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ACTEMRA 400mg for Intravenous Infusion
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Active ingredient:
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Tocilizumab (genetical recombination)
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Effects of this medicine
This medicine improves joint pain/swelling and general symptoms accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and prevents progression of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis, by suppressing the actions of Interleukin-6 (IL-6). This medicine also improves general inflammatory conditions, lack of energy and anemia associated with Castleman's disease.
It is usually used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Castleman's disease.
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Before using this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist
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If you have previously experienced any allergic reactions (itch, rash, etc.) to any medicines.
If you have bacterial/viral infection.
If you have tuberculosis or have a history of it.
If anyone who has close contact with you (anyone in your household, etc.) has tuberculosis.
If you have interstitial pneumonia or have a history of it.
If you have intestinal diverticulum.
If you have leukopenia, neutropenia or thrombopenia.
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If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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If you are taking any other medicinal products. (Some medicines may interact to enhance or diminish medicinal effects. Beware of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements as well as other prescription medicines.)
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Dosing schedule (How to take this medicine)
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Your dosing schedule prescribed by your doctor is << to be written by a healthcare professional>>
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In general, you are administered with intravenous infusion once two weeks or four weeks. It will take about one hour for one intravenous infusion.
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The treatment period with this medicine depends on your response to the treatment.
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Blood test and/or ECG test may be performed before and during the treatment with this medicine.
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Precautions while taking this medicine
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You should receive blood test, chest X-ray test, and ECG test regularly during the treatment with this medicine. Receive these tests according to instructions of your doctor.
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Possible adverse effects of this medicine
The most commonly reported adverse reactions include nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infection and hyperlipidaemia. If any of these symptoms occur, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
The symptoms described below are rarely seen as initial symptoms of the adverse effects indicated in brackets. If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor immediately.
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lassitude, lightheadedness, decreased consciousness, impaired mind/judgment, glow, pale face, swelling around the eye/lip, hoarseness, breathlessness, shortness of breath, palpitation, urticaria[anaphylactic shock, anaphylactoid symptoms]
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cold-like symptoms, lassitude, fever, vomiting, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, rash with pain, joint pain, pain on urination[infections]
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fever, dry cough, breathlessness, shortness of breath[interstitial pneumonia]
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nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain[intestinal perforation]
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fever, sore throat[agranulocytosis, leukopenia, neutropenia]
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nose/gum bleeding, continuous bleeding, blue spot, subcutaneous bleeding[thrombopenia]
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lassitude, body swelling, easy breathing in upright position than when lying down, breathlessness, shortness of breath, palpitation on exertion[cardiac failure]
The above symptoms do not describe all the adverse reactions to this medicine. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any symptoms of concern other than those listed above.
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Storage conditions and other information
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Do not receive live vaccines during the treatment with this medicine.
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