ACTEMRA INJ

ACTEMRA is an FDA-approved medication primarily used to treat several autoimmune conditions affecting the joints. The conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis & polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Its active ingredient, tocilizumab, belongs to a monoclonal antibody group, a protein formed from specific immune cells. This group of antibodies restricts the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, which is responsible for inflammation. As a result, ACTEMRA lowers the symptoms associated with these conditions. This medicine is administered via injection of two forms: autoinjector or vials. As per your body’s needs and the severity of the conditions, your doctor recommends the most suitable injection form with the appropriate dosage recommendations. Therefore, if you plan to buy ACTEMRA injection online to treat rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disease, always consult a medical professional to avoid the risk of potential side effects.

ACTEMRA is a biologic medication prescribed mainly for treating several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), and giant cell arteritis (GCA). This medicine contains tocilizumab as its active ingredient, which works by restricting a cytokine known as the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. This cytokine is involved in the process of inflammation. By blocking this protein, this medication effectively reduces the symptoms and progression of the mentioned autoimmune disease.

ACTEMRA is available in the form of an injection that comes in different strengths. This includes prefilled syringes/autoinjectors with a strength of 162mg and vials with 80, 200, and 400mg. Autoinjectors are administered subcutaneously every 1 to 2 weeks, whereas vials are given through IV infusions under medical supervision, usually every 4 weeks. This prescription medication is suitable for adults and, in certain cases, for children above 2 years of age. To avoid any potential risks, always buy ACTEMRA injections online after consulting a medical professional.

Despite its uses, this medication can cause certain common and serious side effects. While temporary effects like mild upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, etc., subside within a few days or weeks, serious side effects, such as infections, impaired liver, and gastrointestinal perforations, should not be overlooked and must be reported immediately to a medical expert. Patients considering this treatment must follow the precautions as their doctor advises. Doing so helps avoid the risk of potential complications.

ACTEMRA can be used to treat the following autoimmune conditions:

• Adults with moderate to serious active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Adults with giant cell arteries (GCA).
• Adults and children 2 years of age & above with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA).
• Adults and children 2 years of age & above with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA).
• Minimizes the rate of decline in lung function in adults with SSc-ILD or scleroderma-associated ILD.
• Treats adults with COVID-19, those receiving systemic corticosteroids and requiring mechanical ventilation.

What Form & Strengths Does Actemra Come In?

It is available in the following forms and strengths:

Subcutaneous Injection

• Single-Dose Prefilled Syringe or Autoinjector: 162mg/0.9mL

Intravenous Infusion

• Vials: 80mg/4mL, 200mg/10mL, and 400mg/20mL

What Is the Recommended Dosage for ACTEMRA?

The recommended dosage for ACTEMRA can vary depending on the severity and the type of condition being treated. The following section includes only the average dose; if you plan to buy ACTEMRA injection online, consult a medical expert for appropriate dosage recommendations.

Dosage for RA

Intravenous Dose: It is administered by a medical professional. They will start with 4 mg/kg every four weeks. Then, your doctor may increase the dose to 8mg/kg every four weeks as per your treatment’s response. However, do not exceed more than 800mg per infusion.

Subcutaneous Dose

• Patients Less Than 100 Kg: Inject 162mg dose under the skin every other week, increasing it to every week based on the response. 
• Patients Weighing 100 Kg or More: 162 mg every week.

Dosage for GCA

Subcutaneous Dose: Doctors generally recommend injecting 162mg per week. Your doctor may adjust the frequency to every other week. This medication can be used along with glucocorticoids, which professionals gradually reduce based on your condition.

Dosage for PJIA

Intravenous Dose

• Patients Weighing Less Than 30 Kg: 10mg/kg every four weeks.
• Patients Weighing 30 Kg or More: 8mg/kg every four weeks.

Dosage for SJIA

Intravenous Dose

• Patients Weighing Less Than 30 Kg: 12mg/kg every two weeks.
• Patients Weighing 30 Kg or More: 8mg/kg every two weeks.

Dosage for CRS

Intravenous Dose

• Patients Weighing Less Than 30 Kg: 12mg/kg.
• Patients Weighing 30 Kg or More: 8mg/kg.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

Proper administration is a must for the safe and effective use of any medication. If you plan to buy ACTEMRA injection online from Canada, follow the below steps on how to use the medication properly:

• Firstly, read the medication guide & follow the instructions exactly as they are mentioned.
• Do not take more or less medicine than what your doctor has prescribed.
• For IV infusion, you need to visit a healthcare facility, where injections are given by a medical professional directly into your vein.
• For subcutaneous injection, learn how to administer the dose.
• Once you know the correct administration technique, you can inject the dose yourself.
• Always inject under the skin, especially on the thighs, upper arm, abdomen, and buttocks.
• Avoid injecting the dose on tender, bruised, or damaged skin.
• Change the injection site each time when you inject the medication. The site should be at least 1 inch away from the previous injection site.
• Prefilled syringes are meant for single use. Do not reuse it.
• Do not share your medication with others, even if they share the same condition. Doing so may cause severe side effects or increase the risk of infection.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

ACTEMRA works by targeting a particular protein in the body, known as interleukin-6 (IL-6). This protein is responsible for causing inflammation. When IL-6 is overactive, it can result in inflammation and symptoms of autoimmune diseases. By blocking IL-6 from sending inflammation-causing signals, the drug provides relief from inflammation and alleviates symptoms associated with various autoimmune diseases.

Common Side Effects of ACTEMRA: Like all medications, ACTEMRA can cause various side effects. These effects are generally temporary and occur during the first week of the treatment. These reactions subside within a few days or weeks. However, if they become severe or persist more than the mentioned period, contact your doctor. Some of these common side effects may include:

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: This side effect affects the upper respiratory parts of the body, including the throat, nose, sinuses, and larynx. It is a common effect experienced by many people after taking this medication. It usually happens due to the medication’s effects on the immune system, which makes it easier for infections to take hold. In such a situation, users may notice symptoms like runny nose, cold, sore throat, cough, and congestion. These symptoms can be managed if you practice good hygiene & keep a distance from sick people. 
• Headache: Due to changes in blood flow or blood pressure within the brain, you may experience this side effect. It usually happens at the start of the treatment and subsides within a few days or weeks. To manage headaches, drink plenty of water, get proper rest, and take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Injection Site Reactions: Frequent use of the injection can cause reactions at the injection site, leading to redness, swelling, or pain. This usually happens because your body’s immune system responds to the injection. To minimize these reactions, apply a cold compress to the reacted site and avoid doing intense activities immediately after taking the injection. Rotating the injection site can also reduce the chances of injection site reactions.
• High Cholesterol Levels: This medication can result in high cholesterol levels caused by changes in how the body processes the fat. To manage this side effect, maintain a healthy diet, low in saturated fats and cholesterol, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
• Dizziness: It is a common side effect that may happen due to changes in blood pressure. This effect occurs at the start of the treatment and usually subsides within a few days or weeks. To manage dizziness, stay hydrated and avoid sudden movements, especially when standing from a lying or sitting position. 
• Mild Stomach Pain: Many people experience mild stomach pain or cramps during the start of their treatment. This side effect happens due to changes in the digestive system caused by the medication. To reduce the pain, eat small and frequent meals and avoid foods that are spicy or high in fat. 

Serious Side Effects of ACTEMRA: This medication contains tocilizumab as its active ingredient, which may cause certain serious side effects. These effects, if left overlooked, can lead to life-threatening situations. If you notice any unusual signs during your treatment with ACTEMRA, seek immediate medical attention. Some of these serious side effects may include:

• Tuberculosis: This medication can reactive latent tuberculosis as it suppresses the immune system, making it easier for the TB bacteria to become active. This is a serious side effect that can become life-threatening if left overlooked. If you notice any signs of TB, like persistent cough, fever, or weight loss, consult your doctor.
• Perforation of the Stomach or Intestines: This condition can cause a hole in the stomach or intestines. This effect occurs due to underlying conditions like gastrointestinal issues. Watch out for signs like fever and worsening abdominal pain. 
• Liver Problems: ACTERMA can cause various problems, such as increased liver enzymes and severe liver damage in extreme cases. This occurs when the medication affects the liver function. Therefore, if you plan to buy an ACTERMA injection to treat rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disease, consult a medical professional. They will closely monitor your liver and adjust the dosage accordingly.
• Cancer: This medication can raise the risk of developing some types of cancer as a result of the drug’s impact on the immune system. To avoid this risk, regular check-ups and screenings should be conducted. If you notice any unusual symptoms like lupus, persistent pain, or sudden weight loss, inform your doctor.
• Hepatitis B Infection: People with a history of infections can develop hepatitis B. This happens because the medicine suppresses the immune system, enabling the virus to become active again. So, be alert for signs like fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: This medication can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which, if left overlooked, can result in life-threatening situations. This occurs due to the immune response to the medication. Therefore, patients are advised to inform their doctors beforehand if they have any allergies. If you suspect symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling on the face or throat, seek immediate medical assistance.
• Nervous System Problems: This includes problems like headache, dizziness, and seizures due to changes in blood flow or pressure within the brain. While these signs can be prevented by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sudden movements, it is important to consult a medical professional if the condition persists.
• Nosebleeds: Due to changes in blood clotting or blood pressure, you may experience nosebleeds after taking ACTEMRA. Do not overlook this situation; report any unusual signs to a medical professional.
• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This medication can cause changes in hormone levels or blood clotting, leading to abnormal vaginal bleeding. This is a serious side effect that should not be overlooked. Ensure to keep a check on your menstrual cycle and report any irregularities to your doctor.
• Loss of Appetite: ACTEMRA can cause metabolism changes or gastrointestinal problems, thus resulting in loss of appetite. If your appetite is suppressed after taking this medication, talk to your doctor, as this can worsen the situation further.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: These changes include constipation and diarrhea, which happen due to the medication’s effects on the digestive system. If your bowel habit changes are severe or persistent, report them immediately to your medical provider.

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Yes, ACTEMRA can cause several warnings, which, if left overlooked, can lead to serious complications. If you plan to buy ACTEMRA injection to treat rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disease, beware of the following warnings:

• Gastrointestinal Perforations: Some ACTEMRA users have reported cases of gastrointestinal perforations, often caused by conditions like diverticulitis. Therefore, patients at risk of these perforations should use the medicine carefully.
• Neutropenia: This medication can reduce neutrophil counts, increasing the risk of infections. If you have a low neutrophil count, do not take this drug. To avoid this risk, frequently check the levels after starting the treatment.
• Thrombocytopenia: Patients can also experience a drop in platelet counts, so avoid using this medication if you have low platelet counts.
• Increased Liver Enzymes: When combined with other liver-damaging drugs, ACTEMRA can raise liver enzyme levels. So, inform your doctor about the products you are taking during the treatment.
• Lipid Abnormalities: ACTERMA treatment can cause increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. If you are considering using this drug, consult a medical professional to avoid this risk.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Patients have reported cases of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, after taking ACTEMRA. If left overlooked, it can cause life-threatening situations, especially when taking the dose through IV infusion. 
• Demyelinating Disorders: While rare, certain clinical studies have reported disorders like multiple sclerosis. Watch out for any unusual signs and report them immediately to your doctor.
• Active Hepatic Disease and Hepatic Impairment: People with active liver disease or impairments are not recommended to use this medication.

What Is the FDA Black Box Warning for ACTEMRA?

FDA-boxed warnings are among the most stringent warnings issued by the FDA that alert patients and doctors about the harmful effects of the medication. ACTEMRA also carries boxed warning associated with its use:

• Patients using this medication are at high risk of developing severe infections that could result in hospitalization and even death. This infection is more likely to happen in people who also take other immune-weakening medications, such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. If a patient experiences any serious infection, they are advised to stop using ACTEMRA until the condition gets back to normal. Users have reported the following infections while taking this medicine:
  • Active tuberculosis affecting the lungs or other parts of the body. Therefore, it is important to test for the same condition before and during the treatment.
  • Invasive fungal infections, including pneumocystis, aspergillosis, and candidiasis. These infections can spread throughout the body.
  • Bacterial, viral, or other infections caused by opportunistic pathogens.

Knowing the important precautions is important to avoid the risk of potential side effects. If you decide to buy ACTEMRA injection online, be aware of the following safety information:

• If you have any allergies or are allergic to tocilizumab or any of the ingredients present in the formulation of ACTEMRA, inform your doctor beforehand. The product may contain certain components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
• When considering treatment with this medication, share your complete medical history with a medical professional.
• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider about every product you use. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.
• It is not known if ACTEMRA will harm your developing baby or not. If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, consult your medical provider before using this medication. Discuss every risk and benefit associated with its use to avoid any potential complications.
• It is unknown whether the drug passes into the breast milk. If you are a nursing mother, talk to your medical provider to determine if the medication is safe for use or not.
• This medication increases the risk of infections, so avoid close contact with ill people.
• Seek medical assistance right away if you start to develop a persistent cough, sudden weight loss, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, fever, chills, and blurred vision. These may be signs of an infection.
• ACTEMRA can lead to severe stomach and bowel problems, especially if you have a history of ulcers. If you notice any severe stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or black stools, immediately contact your doctor.
• Make sure to change the injection sites every time you use the injection. Doing so avoids the risk of developing injection site reactions.

This medication is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity reactions to ACTEMRA.

If you miss an appointment for your ACTEMRA IV infusion, consult your doctor or hospital and get it scheduled right away. However, if you forget to take a dose of your subcutaneous injection, take it as soon as possible if your next scheduled dose is not close. Always remember not to take double doses of the medication, as it can cause overdose, leading to various serious side effects. To avoid skipping doses in the future, use medication apps or set timers on your mobile devices. However, if you are still unsure of what to do next, contact your doctor.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

Taking more than the recommended dose of ACTEMRA can lead to various harmful effects due to its impact on the immune system and other bodily functions. This can further increase the risk of developing severe infections, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and fungal infections. If you are experiencing overdose symptoms, like high fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and persistent cough, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

To maintain the long-term effectiveness of any medication, a controlled environment is a must. If you decide to buy ACTEMRA injection online, follow the below storage instructions:

• Store the medication at a temperature of 2 to 8ºC.
• Do not refrigerate the product.
• Protect the product from extreme heat, light, and moisture. Do not take out the vials and syringes from their original packaging.
• Do not use any damaged or expired products.
• Keep the medication away from the reach and sight of children.
• Discard the medication when it is not in use.
• Dispose of syringes or injections in a sharps disposal container.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Drug interactions can reduce the effectiveness of the medication, thus increasing the risk of side effects. Therefore, patients are advised to always consult their medical provider before combining any two or more drugs. If you plan to buy ACTEMRA injection online from Canada, you must be aware of the drugs that can interact with your medication. Here are some of these drugs:

• Corticosteroids: Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, and Prednisone
• Biologic DMARDs: Anakinra, Secukinumab, Tofacitinib, and Sarilumab
• Statins: Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, and Simvastatin
• Other Major Drugs: Abatacept, Baricitinib, Canakinumab, Deferiprone, Etanercept, Fexinidazole, Golimumab, Infliximab, Ketoconazole, Lomitapide, and Ustekinumab

What Are the Other ACTEMRA Interactions?

Other than the drugs, many medications can interact with certain herbs, vitamins, diseases, vaccines, and supplements. While there are no reports on ACTEMRA interaction with herbs and vitamins, some vaccines and diseases may cause certain side effects. The list is mentioned below:

• Diseases
  • Infections
  • Tuberculosis
  • Demyelinating disorders
  • Gastrointestinal perforation
  • Lipid abnormalities
  • Liver dysfunction
  • Neutropenia/thrombocytopenia
  • Renal impairment
• Vaccines
  • Measles, mumps, rubella
  • Rotavirus
  • Chickenpox
  • Nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist)

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with ACTEMRA. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

Drug alternatives provide a convenient way for people to switch from one treatment option to another. People often make this decision when they do not get the desired results. While many drug alternatives are available in the market, it is important to consult a medical professional. They will determine the best drug substitute as per your body’s needs. Some of the popular drug alternatives to ACTEMRA include:

For Giant Cell Arteries

• Prednisone
• Abatacept
• Azathioprine

For Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Methotrexate
• Leflunomide
• Infliximab
• Tofacitinib

For Cytokine Release Syndrome

• Siltuximab

For Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

• Etanercept
• Adalimumab
• Canakinumab

For Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

• Infliximab
• Anakinra

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

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