Actemra IV/Sub-Q

Actemra (tocilizumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in children and adults.

Infusion Experience

Weighing in

Your ACTEMRA IV infusion dose is based on your weight, so before every infusion you’ll be weighed. If your weight changes, you and your healthcare provider will decide if a change in dose is necessary.

During your IV infusion

Monitoring

A healthcare provider or nurse should always be on hand during your ACTEMRA IV infusion to monitor you and to respond to any reactions and answer any questions you may have. It’s important to pay close attention to how you’re feeling during and after an IV infusion. ACTEMRA may lead to serious allergic reactions, including death, that may happen even if they have not happened before. Let your healthcare provider or nurse know if you’re experiencing:

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
  • Chest pain
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Moderate or severe abdominal pain or vomiting

After your IV infusion

Note how you’re feeling after each ACTEMRA IV infusion. Tell your healthcare provider or nurse right away if you’re experiencing any reactions during or after treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects of Actemra include:

  • runny or stuffy nose,
  • sinus pain,
  • sore throat,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • itching,
  • mild stomach cramps, or
  • urinary tract infection (UTI).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Actemra including:

  • severe stomach pain with constipation,
  • bloody or tarry stools,
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds,
  • painful blistering skin rash with burning/itching/tingly feeling,
  • upper stomach pain,
  • vomiting,
  • loss of appetite,
  • dark urine,
  • clay-colored stools, or
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).