Drug
Tocilizumab
Pronounced
"TOE-si-LIZ-oo-mab"
Uses
This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and in children (such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA). It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab can also be used to treat giant cell arteritis. It helps to reduce swelling in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Tocilizumab may be used to treat a reaction (Cytokine Release Syndrome-CRS) caused by certain cancer treatments. Tocilizumab is also used in combination with a corticosteroid (such as dexamethasone) to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients who need supplemental oxygen (including patients on a mechanical ventilator). Tocilizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockers. It works by blocking IL-6, a substance made by the body that causes swelling (inflammation).
This monograph is about the following tocilizumab products: tocilizumab, tocilizumab-aazg, and tocilizumab-bavi.
Warning
This medication may lower your ability to fight an infection. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Your risk may be increased if you are also taking other drugs that can lower your ability to fight an infection (such as methotrexate or corticosteroids). Before using tocilizumab, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any kind of infection. During treatment, get medical help right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, cough, pain when urinating).
Before starting this medication, your doctor should test you for tuberculosis (TB), except if you are using this medication to treat COVID-19. Your doctor should monitor you for symptoms of TB during treatment with this drug. If needed, treatment for tuberculosis or other infections should be given before receiving this medication.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using tocilizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. It is given by slow injection into a vein for 60 minutes. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults, PJIA, or giant cell arteritis, this medication is usually given every 4 weeks. For the treatment of SJIA, this medication is usually given every 2 weeks. For the treatment of CRS or COVID-19, this medication is given once and then as directed by your doctor if more doses are needed.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, lab tests, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.