Actemra, a biologic therapy, is recommended for:

• Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) unresponsive to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA)

• Active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

About Actemra:

Actemra (tocilizumab) is an FDA-approved medication administered exclusively in Infuse One centers via IV infusion. As an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist, Actemra modulates the immune system to address various complex conditions effectively.

How Actemra Functions:

Actemra hinders interleukin-6 (IL-6), a bodily protein believed to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. By blocking IL-6, Actemra interrupts the cellular activation process associated with RA symptoms.

Physicians prescribe Actemra for:

• Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) unresponsive to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA)

• Active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Dosage and Administration:

Actemra is administered intravenously, typically over approximately 60 minutes at Infuse One centers. Dosage is weight-dependent and adjusted before each infusion based on patient weight fluctuations. The usual administration frequency is every four weeks.

Actemra Infusion Process:

During IV infusion, the nurse sterilizes the injection site, secures the IV line, and connects it to the medication bag. Vital signs are monitored every half-hour.

Side Effects of Actemra Infusion:

Possible side effects include upper respiratory infections, headaches, increased blood pressure, and injection site reactions. Rare effects may include allergic reactions, nervous system issues, hepatitis B infection, cancer, liver problems, and gastrointestinal complications.

Preparation for Actemra Infusion:

Patients should disclose relevant medical history, including diabetes, HIV, weakened immunity, tuberculosis exposure, hepatitis B, allergies, and prior infections. Blood tests are conducted before and after treatment.

Referral for Actemra IV Infusions:

Physician referrals for Actemra IV infusions should include patient details, diagnosis, and supporting clinical documentation. This documentation may include recent tuberculosis testing and clinical assessments confirming the indicated medical conditions.