ACTEMRA®

ACTEMRA at a Glance

ACTEMRA® is an IL-6 receptor inhibitor approved for adults and children with inflammatory joint diseases. It’s designed for IV or subcutaneous use and delivers measurable reductions in inflammation, structural damage, and symptom severity.

• Indications: RA, PJIA, SJIA (IV); RA (SC)
• Formulations: IV vials (80 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg) and SC prefilled syringe (162 mg)
• Mechanism: IL-6 pathway blockade—reduces inflammation and halts joint destruction
• Onset: Clinical improvement often within 4–8 weeks

Performance Benefits for Clinical Use

ACTEMRA delivers durable improvements in disease activity and physical function across multiple autoimmune indications.

• ACR response and CRP reduction in RA within weeks
• Up to 75% vertebral fracture reduction in combination regimens
• Effective as monotherapy or with methotrexate
• Reduces joint damage progression in RA
• IV and SC options allow for treatment flexibility

Available ACTEMRA Options – Product Range

ACTEMRA is available in several strengths and formats for precise, weight-based dosing.

• IV Formulations (20 mg/mL):
  • 80 mg/4 mL
  • 200 mg/10 mL
  • 400 mg/20 mL
• SC Formulation:
  • 162 mg/0.9 mL in a prefilled syringe

Ideal ACTEMRA Use Cases and Patient Profiles

ACTEMRA is intended for patients with moderate to severe disease not controlled by conventional therapy.

• RA: Adults unresponsive to ≥1 DMARD
• PJIA: Children ≥2 years, IV only
• SJIA: Children ≥2 years, IV only
• For SC use: Approved only for adult RA

ACTEMRA Core Ingredients and Their Roles

Each formulation contains tocilizumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody against IL-6R.

• Active compound: Tocilizumab (20 mg/mL)
• Stabilizers: L-arginine, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, L-methionine
• Diluent: Sterile water for injection
• Preservative-free single-use units

ACTEMRA Injection Techniques and Application Guide

IV Administration

• Adult RA: Start at 4 mg/kg → escalate to 8 mg/kg q4w

• PJIA:
  • <30 kg: 10 mg/kg IV q4w
  • ≥30 kg: 8 mg/kg IV q4w
• SJIA:
  • <30 kg: 12 mg/kg IV q2w
  • ≥30 kg: 8 mg/kg IV q2w
• Infuse over 60 min, diluted in 0.9% NaCl

SC Administration

• <100 kg: 162 mg q2w, may escalate to weekly
• ≥100 kg: 162 mg q1w
• Rotate sites; avoid inflamed or scarred skin

ACTEMRA Storage, Shelf Life, and Handling

• Refrigeration required: 2–8°C (36–46°F)
• Protect from light
• Do not freeze or shake
• Diluted IV solutions: Use within 24 hours
• Inspect visually for cloudiness or particulates before use

ACTEMRA Side Effects: What to Monitor

Monitor labs and symptoms closely. Serious adverse events are dose- and population-dependent.

Common Adverse Events (≥5%)

• Upper respiratory infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension, ALT elevation, injection site reactions

Serious Risks

• Infections: Including TB, fungal, and opportunistic
• GI perforations: Especially in RA + NSAIDs/corticosteroids
• Liver enzymes: ALT/AST >5× ULN—discontinue
• Neutropenia: ANC <500/mm³—discontinue
• Thrombocytopenia: Platelets <50,000/mm³—discontinue
• Anaphylaxis: Risk present from first infusion

Key Practitioner Questions About ACTEMRA Answered

Q: Can ACTEMRA be used with other biologics?
A: No. Avoid co-administration with other biologics due to infection risk.

Q: What labs should be monitored?
A: ANC, platelets, ALT/AST, lipids—check at 4–8 weeks, then q3 months.

Q: What about TB screening?
A: Test for latent TB before starting. Treat if positive. Monitor during therapy.

Q: Can patients self-inject?
A: Yes, with proper training and supervision, SC ACTEMRA may be self-administered for RA.

Q: Is there a dose limit?
A: Yes. Max 800 mg/infusion in RA patients.

How to Order ACTEMRA for Your Practice

ACTEMRA is a prescription biologic available through authorized distributors. Only licensed professionals may purchase and administer.

Contact Doctor Medica’s customer service representatives and they will give you guidance on how to order ACTEMRA online today!