TOCILIZUMAB

Tocilizumab, also known as atlizumab, is an immunosuppressive drug, mainly for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R). Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. It is used for the treatment of certain inflammatory conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The drug works by inhibiting the signaling of IL-6, which plays a key role in the inflammatory response.

Indications

Adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients, active olyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older, active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

Dosage

-Dose vary as per clinical recommendation Rheumatoid Arthritis. -Dosage varies based on the specific condition being treated. It is administered intravenously or subcutaneously. The dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Contra-Indications

-Tocilizumab is contraindicated in individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to the drug. It is also not recommended during active infections or in patients with certain pre-existing conditions. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential. -Known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab.

Special Precautions

Paediatric: The safety and effectiveness of TOCILIZUMAB in pediatric patients with conditions other than PJIA, SJIA or CRS have not been established. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 have not been established in PJIA, SJIA, or CRS. The ability of pediatric patients to self-inject with the autoinjector has not been tested. Pregnancy: It may cause fetal harm. Lactation: Data not sufficient. Elderly: Data not sufficient.

Side Effects

Upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis (common cold), headache, and high blood pressure, enzyme alanine transaminase elevation, but in most cases without symptoms. Elevated total cholesterol levels were common. Among the less common side effects were dizziness, various infections, as well as reactions of the skin and mucosae like mild rashes, gastritis and mouth ulcer. Rare but severe reactions were gastrointestinal perforations and anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

-Concurrent use with other immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infections. -Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment.