What is the cost of Actemra?
Actemra prices without insurance will vary by retailer. As a guide, a one-dose pack of Actemra, typically a month's supply, will cost around $350.
How often are Actemra infusions?
The usual IV infusion dosing of Actemra for RA is 4 mg per kg, given once every 4 weeks. For example, a person weighing 75 kg (about 165 lb) would receive 300 mg of Actemra once every 4 weeks. If needed, your doctor may increase your dosage to 8 mg per kg once every 4 weeks.
How long does it take to infuse actemra?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Tocilizumab is given as a 60 minute single intravenous drip infusion. The recommended dosage initial dose is 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks followed by an increase to 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks based on clinical response.
Should I take Actemra?
FDA warning: Risk of serious infections Actemra may increase your risk of serious infections. In fact, people taking Actemra have developed fungal and viral infections. Some people have also had tuberculosis (TB) while taking Actemra. All of these infections can lead to hospitalization, or in rare cases, even death.
Is ACTEMRA a high risk medication?
Actemra has a boxed warning for risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Some infections from Actemra may be serious enough to cause you to stay in the hospital. In rare cases, infections from Actemra can be fatal.
How do you feel after ACTEMRA infusion?
The most common Actemra (tocilizumab) side effects include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sinus infection, headache, high blood pressure and injection site reactions.
Does ACTEMRA cause weight gain?
Weight gain It's possible to gain weight with Actemra. This side effect was rare in clinical studies of adults using Actemra to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Adults and children using Actemra to treat conditions other than RA didn't report weight gain as a side effect.
How long does ACTEMRA stay in your body?
It generally takes about five half-lives for a drug to leave your body completely. This means Actemra may stay in your body for about 3 to 13 weeks. If you have other questions about how Actemra works or how long it may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can you drink alcohol while taking ACTEMRA?
Doctors advise that you avoid alcohol entirely if you're taking methotrexate, which is broken down in the liver. “Methotrexate can increase the risk of liver toxicity, and chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of liver toxicity and potentially cirrhosis.
What can I use instead of ACTEMRA?
Are Orencia and Actemra the Same Thing? Orencia (abatacept) and Actemra (tocilizumab) are used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Orencia is also used to treat arthritis in children who are at least 6 years old.
Can ACTEMRA cause memory loss?
Undisclosed Side Effects of Actemra Can Be Severe Cognitive sides effects such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating are common complaints of Actemra users according to recent data. There are no warnings on Actemra for such side effects.
Does ACTEMRA cause fatigue?
Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ACTEMRA if you develop new or worsening liver problems during treatment with ACTEMRA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling tired (fatigue) lack of appetite for several days or longer (anorexia)
How long does ACTEMRA infusion last?
ACTEMRA IV Administration ACTEMRA is administered as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion. Doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended.
How long does ACTEMRA last?
It may also depend on your body weight and whether you receive Actemra as an injection under your skin or as an intravenous (IV) infusion. (An IV infusion is an injection into your vein given over time.) Based on the half-life of Actemra, the drug may stay in your system for up to 13 weeks.
What is the best IV infusion for rheumatoid arthritis?
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are widely regarded as the most effective infusion therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. To reduce inflammation, DMARDs target special proteins in your body or inflammatory chemicals that your body produces on a cellular level.
How long do you take ACTEMRA for giant cell arteritis?
ACTEMRA SC + RAPID 6-MONTH STEROID TAPER PROVIDED SUPERIOR RATES OF SUSTAINED REMISSION.
Who should not take ACTEMRA?
Do not take ACTEMRA if you are allergic to tocilizumab, or any of the ingredients in ACTEMRA.
How long after ACTEMRA can you check cholesterol?
Increase in blood cholesterol levels: your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving ACTEMRA.
How to report side effects of Genentech?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Can you take actherma with diverticulitis?
If you have diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine), talk to your healthcare provider before taking ACTEMRA. Some people taking ACTEMRA may develop a hole in the wall of their stomach or intestines (also known as a perforation). This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.
Can you die from actherma?
Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with ACTEMRA. These reactions can happen with any infusion or injection of ACTEMRA, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion or injection. Tell your healthcare provider before your next dose if you had hives, rash or flushing after your injection.
Can you get multiple sclerosis from actrea?
While rare, Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed in people who take ACTEM RA. It is not known what effect ACTEMRA may have on some nervous system disorders.
Does actuma increase cancer risk?
ACTEMRA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works .
What is ACTEMRA used for?
ACTEMRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). ACTEMRA is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients.
Where to report side effects of Actemra?
You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
How many ISRs are there in ACTEMRA SC?
During the 1-year study, a frequency of 28.8% (15/52) ISRs was observed in ACTEMRA-SC treated PJIA patients. These ISRs occurred in a greater proportion of patients at or above 30 kg (44.0%) compared with patients below 30 kg (14.8%). All ISRs were mild in severity and none of the ISRs required patient withdrawal from treatment or dose interruption.
What are the most common adverse reactions to methotrexate?
The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections. The most common serious infections included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. In the ACTEMRA-IV monotherapy clinical study, the rate of serious infections was 3.6 per 100 patient-years in the ACTEMRA group and 1.5 per 100 patient-years in the methotrexate group. The rate of serious infections in the 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA plus DMARD groups was 4.4 and 5.3 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo plus DMARD group.
How long does it take for ACTEMRA to show signs of liver damage?
Some of these cases have resulted in liver transplant or death. Time to onset for cases ranged from months to years after treatment initiation. Most cases presented with marked elevations of transaminases (> 5 times ULN), and some cases presented with signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction and only mildly elevated transaminases.
What are the most common adverse events in ACTEMRA IV?
The most common adverse events (at least 5%) seen in ACTEMRA-IV treated patients in the 12-week controlled portion of the study were: upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nasopharyngitis, and diarrhea.
What is the rate of infection in actrea IV?
The rate of infections in the ACTEMRA-IV all-exposure population was 163.7 per 100 patient-years. The most common events observed were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The rate of serious infections was numerically higher in patients weighing less than 30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg ACTEMRA-IV (12.2 per 100 patient-years) compared to patients weighing at or above 30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA-IV (4.0 per 100 patient-years). The incidence of infections leading to dose interruptions was also numerically higher in patients weighing less than 30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg ACTEMRA-IV (21%) compared to patients weighing at or above 30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA-IV (8%).
What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA may not be right for you. Before receiving ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider if you:
What are the side effects of ACTEMRA?
These blood tests are to check for the following side effects of ACTEMRA: Low neutrophil count: neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight infection. Low platelet count: platelets are blood cells that help with clotting, which stops bleeding. Increase in liver function test levels.
How long after ACTEMRA can you check cholesterol?
Increase in blood cholesterol levels: your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving ACTEMRA.
How to report side effects of Genentech?
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555. Please see full Prescribing Information and the Medication Guide, including Serious Side Effects, for more Important Safety Information.
What to do if you don't have insurance for Genentech?
If you do not have insurance, or if your insurance does not cover your Genentech medicine, you must meet a different set of income requirements. To find out if you are eligible for any of our programs, please use the tool below or call 1-800-ACTEMRA (1-800-228-3672) to talk with a specialist.
Can you take actherma with diverticulitis?
If you have diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine), talk to your healthcare provider before taking ACTEMRA. Some people taking ACTEMRA may develop a hole in the wall of their stomach or intestines (also known as a perforation). This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.
Should you test for TB before taking ACTEMRA?
Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with ACTEMRA. Before starting ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider if you have: an infection, think you may have an infection, are being treated for an infection, or get a lot of infections that return.
How many infections are there in ACTEMRA IV?
In the 12-week controlled phase, the rate of all infections in the ACTEMRA-IV group was 345 per 100 patient-years and 287 per 100 patient-years in the placebo group. In the open-label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, the overall rate of infections was 304 per 100 patient-years.
What are the most common adverse events seen in ACTEMRA IV?
The most common adverse events seen in ACTEMRA-IV all-exposure population included: upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nasopharyngitis, and diarrhea.
How many ISRs are there in ACTEMRA SC?
During the 1-year study, a frequency of 28.8% (15/52) ISRs was observed in ACTEMRA-SC treated PJIA patients. These ISRs occurred in a greater proportion of patients at or above 30 kg (44.0%) compared with patients below 30 kg (14.8%). All ISRs were mild in severity and none of the ISRs required patient withdrawal from treatment or dose interruption.
What are the most common adverse reactions to methotrexate?
The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections. The most common serious infections included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. In the ACTEMRA-IV monotherapy clinical study, the rate of serious infections was 3.6 per 100 patient-years in the ACTEMRA group and 1.5 per 100 patient-years in the methotrexate group. The rate of serious infections in the 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA plus DMARD groups was 4.4 and 5.3 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo plus DMARD group.
How long does it take for ACTEMRA to show signs of liver damage?
Some of these cases have resulted in liver transplant or death. Time to onset for cases ranged from months to years after treatment initiation. Most cases presented with marked elevations of transaminases (> 5 times ULN), and some cases presented with signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction and only mildly elevated transaminases.
Is ACTEMRA recommended for elevated liver enzymes?
Elevated Liver Enzymes: It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in patients with elevated transaminases ALT or AST >1.5x ULN. In patients who develop elevated ALT or AST >5x ULN, treatment is not recommended.
Is actema contraindicated?
ACTEMRA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ACTEMRA.
What is ACTEMRA used for?
ACTEMRA is used: To treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well. To treat adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA)
Who should not take ACTEMRA?
Do not take ACTEMRA if you are allergic to tocilizumab, or any of the ingredients in ACTEMRA.
How to report side effects of Genentech?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Can you take an ice pack with an ACTEMRA SC?
You are eligible to receive a free Travel Pack and sharps container (optional) The Travel Pack will help you travel with your ACTEMRA SC. It includes an ice pack and a TSA card to help you bring your ACTEMRA through the airport. The sharps container will allow you to safely dispose of your ACTEMRA injection devices.
Can you take actherma with diverticulitis?
If you have diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine), talk to your healthcare provider before taking ACTEMRA. Some people taking ACTEMRA may develop a hole in the wall of their stomach or intestines (also known as a perforation). This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.
Can you die from actherma?
Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with ACTEMRA. These reactions can happen with any infusion or injection of ACTEMRA, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion or injection. Tell your healthcare provider before your next dose if you had hives, rash or flushing after your injection.
Can you get multiple sclerosis from actrea?
While rare, Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed in people who take ACTEM RA. It is not known what effect ACTEMRA may have on some nervous system disorders.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA may not be right for you. Before receiving ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider if you:
How long after ACTEMRA can you check cholesterol?
Increase in blood cholesterol levels: your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving ACTEMRA.
How to report side effects of Genentech?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Is ACTEMRA a copay?
This ACTEMRA Co-pay Program is valid ONLY for patients with commercial insurance who have a valid prescription for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indication of a Genentech medication. Patients using Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state government program to pay for their medications are not eligible.
Can you take actherma with diverticulitis?
If you have diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine), talk to your healthcare provider before taking ACTEMRA. Some people taking ACTEMRA may develop a hole in the wall of their stomach or intestines (also known as a perforation). This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.
Can you die from actherma?
Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with ACTEMRA. These reactions can happen with any infusion or injection of ACTEMRA, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion or injection. Tell your healthcare provider before your next dose if you had hives, rash or flushing after your injection.
Can actuma harm a baby?
plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. It is not known if ACTEMRA will harm your unborn baby.
How to contact Genentech about Actemra?
Medicine Information Support. Ask about possible side effects and any other medical questions related to your prescribed Genentech medicine. Call us at (800) 821-8590, Monday-Friday, 5am-5pm PT. Chat with us using our live chat feature, Monday-Friday, 5am-5pm PT.
How to report side effects of Genentech?
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555. Please see full Prescribing Information and the Medication Guide, including Serious Side Effects, for more Important Safety Information.
Can ACTEMRA cause multiple sclerosis?
While rare, Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed in people who take ACTEMRA.
Does actuma increase cancer risk?
ACTEMRA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works .
Can you get actherma if your neutrophils are low?
Changes in Blood Test Results. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and after you start receiving ACTEMRA. You should not receive ACTEMRA if your neutrophil and platelet counts are too low or your liver function test levels are too high.
Can you take actherma with diverticulitis?
If you have diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine), talk to your healthcare provider before taking ACTEMRA. Some people taking ACTEMRA may develop a hole in the wall of their stomach or intestines (also known as a perforation).
Can you die from actherma?
Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with ACTEMRA. These reactions can happen with any infusion or injection of ACTEMRA, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion or injection.
Enrolling in the Genentech Patient Foundation
The Genentech Patient Foundation gives free Genentech medicine to people who don't have insurance or who have financial concerns and meet eligibility criteria. Two forms are needed to enroll in the Genentech Patient Foundation:
Considerations for Composing a Letter of Medical Necessity
This guide provides tips to help you draft a letter of medical necessity. A sample letter is also included for your reference. Use the links below to find additional information to enclose in your letter.
Considerations for Composing a Sample Appeal Letter
This guide provides tips to help you draft an appeal letter. A sample letter is also included for your reference. Use the links below to find additional information to enclose in your letter.
Rheumatology Subsequent Verification Program (RSVP) Enrollment Form
ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) patients enrolled in ACTEMRA Access Solutions are automatically enrolled in RSVP. Use this form to opt out of this program.
Fax Cover Letter
Use this cover sheet when faxing documents to ACTEMRA Access Solutions.
