Actemra (RoActemra) conc perf 200mg/10ml vial 10ml 

Roche 

958.50 

949.01 

737.31 

RoActemra is a concentrate that is made up into a solution for infusion (drip into a vein). It contains the active substance tocilizumab. 

RoActemra is used to treat adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (an immune system disease causing inflammation of the joints). It is used in combination with methotrexate (another medicine used in rheumatoid arthritis) in patients who have not responded adequately to or who could not tolerate other treatments, including conventional medicines for rheumatoid arthritis (such as methotrexate) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. RoActemra can be used on its own in patients who cannot take methotrexate. The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription. 

The most common side effect with RoActemra (seen in more than 1 patient in 10) is upper respiratory tract infections (colds). For the full list of all side effects reported with RoActemra, see the Package Leaflet. RoActemra should not be used in people who may be hypersensitive (allergic) to tocilizumab or any of the other ingredients. It must not be used in patients who have an active, severe infection. Doctors should monitor patients carefully for signs of infection during treatment, and should prescribe RoActemra with caution in patients who have had recurring or long-term infections, or diseases that could increase the risk of infections, such as diverticulitis (a disease affecting the gut) or diabetes. 

Treatment with RoActemra should be started by a doctor who has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. RoActemra is given once every four weeks as an infusion lasting an hour. The recommended dose is 8 mg per kilogram body weight. The minimum dose is 480 mg, and doses above 1,200 mg have not been tested. The dose of RoActemra or methotrexate may need to be adjusted or treatment interrupted in patients who develop liver or blood problems. Doctors should monitor the kidneys carefully in patients with moderate or severe kidney problems. Patients who receive RoActemra should be given the special alert card that summarises the safety information about the medicine.