Actemra® 400 mg/20 mL (Tocilizumab) Injection in Pakistan

Actemra® 400 mg/20 mL is a prescription biologic medicine containing tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. The 400 mg/20 mL presentation is a concentrated solution intended for intravenous infusion after dilution.

Active Ingredient

• Brand: Actemra®
• Generic name: Tocilizumab
• Strength: 400 mg/20 mL
• Concentration: 20 mg/mL
• Dosage form: Concentrate for solution for infusion
• Route: Intravenous (IV) infusion
• Presentation: Single-dose vial

Uses

Actemra® may be prescribed for certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Giant cell arteritis
• Other approved inflammatory conditions depending on the patient's age and applicable prescribing information

The exact indication, dose and treatment schedule should be determined by the treating specialist.

How Does Actemra® Work?

Tocilizumab blocks the IL-6 receptor. IL-6 is an important signalling protein involved in inflammation. By inhibiting IL-6 signalling, tocilizumab can reduce inflammation and other disease-related symptoms.

Dosage & Administration

Actemra® 400 mg/20 mL is administered by intravenous infusion after appropriate dilution. The dose is individualized according to the medical condition, body weight, age and clinical response.

It should be prepared and administered by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.

Important Safety Information

Because Actemra affects the immune system, treatment may increase the risk of serious infections. Doctors may perform appropriate tests and monitoring before and during treatment.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about fever, persistent cough, unusual infections or other concerning symptoms.

Possible Side Effects

Possible adverse effects may include:

• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Increased blood pressure
• Injection/infusion-related reactions
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Changes in blood-cell counts

Serious infections, liver problems, gastrointestinal complications and severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur and require prompt medical attention.

Storage

Actemra is a cold-chain biological medicine. The concentrate should generally be stored refrigerated at 2°C–8°C, protected from light and not frozen. Proper cold-chain handling is important during transportation and storage.

Actemra® 400 mg/20 mL in Pakistan

Roche Pakistan lists Actemra 80 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg IV (tocilizumab) among its pharmaceutical products in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority documentation has also listed Actemra 400 mg/20 mL as a tocilizumab concentrate for infusion imported by Roche Pakistan Limited.