How much is the Actemra Prescription Assistance Program?
Eligible commercially insured patients who are prescribed ACTEMRA for an FDA-approved use can receive up to $15,000 in assistance annually for drug costs. See terms and conditions for each program. Program limits apply.
What is Actemra used to treat?
Important Safety Information & Indication. 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).
How do I Opt Out of RSVP with Actemra?
ACTEMRA patients enrolled in ACTEMRA Access Solutions are automatically enrolled in RSVP. Use this form to opt out of this program. Use this cover sheet when faxing documents to ACTEMRA Access Solutions.
What are the contraindications for Actemra?
ACTEMRA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ACTEMRA. Other serious or potentially life-threatening adverse reactions that have been reported in clinical trials with ACTEMRA include gastrointestinal perforations. Use ACTEMRA with caution in patients who may be at risk for GI perforations.
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.
What is Genentech Patient Foundation?
The Genentech Patient Foundation gives free Genentech medicine to people who don't have insurance coverage or who have financial concerns and meet eligibility criteria.
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 weight based?
Dosage for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis For polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA), Actemra may be given as an IV infusion or a subcutaneous injection. For this condition, your Actemra dosage is based on your body weight in kilograms (kg).
What drugs does Genentech make?
Our Medicines & ProductsMedicines.Actemra® (TOCILIZUMAB [authorized for Emergency Use])Actemra® (tocilizumab)Activase® (alteplase)Alecensa® (alectinib)Avastin® (bevacizumab)Boniva Tablets® (ibandronate sodium)Cathflo Activase® (alteplase)More items...
Who makes Valganciclovir?
Genentech: Valcyte® (valganciclovir hydrochloride) - Information for Patients.
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 long should you take ACTEMRA?
The recommended dose of ACTEMRA intravenous (IV) infusions for GCAEvery 4 weeks, you will receive a 60-minute-long IV infusion in combination with a tapering steroid treatment.The dose of ACTEMRA IV you receive will be based on your weight.ACTEMRA IV can be used alone after steroids have been stopped.
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.
How often do you inject ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA can be taken in different ways for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) symptoms. Intravenous (IV) infusion: This medicine is a liquid solution placed into a vein with a needle. It is given at a doctor's office or an infusion center every 4 weeks.
How long do you take ACTEMRA for GCA?
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.
How old is ACTEMRA?
Actemra has appeared on the FDA's radar at least three times since it was approved in 2010, but most safety concerns have been set aside — once after Genentech pushed back against an agency recommendation to expand the warning label.
What is Genentech famous?
Genentech is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Who acquired Genentech?
Roche Holding'sRoche Holding's agreement on Thursday to acquire full ownership of Genentech for $46.8 billion is the third big drug industry merger this year.
Where is Genentech headquarters?
South San Francisco, CAGenentech / HeadquartersGenentech's corporate headquarters are in South San Francisco, California (37.657°N 122.379°W), with additional manufacturing facilities in Vacaville, California; Oceanside, California; and Hillsboro, Oregon.
Who started Genentech?
Robert A. SwansonHerbert BoyerGenentech/Founders
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 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:
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.
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.
What is ACTEMRA used for?
ACTEMRA is a prescription medicine 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)
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 actembra safe for children?
It is not known if ACTEMRA is safe and effective in children with PJIA or SJIA under 2 years of age or in children with conditions other than PJIA or SJIA . ACTEMRA can cause serious side effects. Serious Infections. ACTEMRA changes the way your immune system works.
Can actema cause diverticulitis?
ACTEMRA can cause other serious side effects. These include: 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).
Does ACTEMRA make you sick?
ACTEMRA changes the way your immune system works. This can make you more likely to get infections or make any current infection worse. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with ACTEMRA.
Does actherma cause cancer?
Cancer. ACTEMRA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Hepatitis B Infection. If you have or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that affects the liver), the virus may become active while you use ACTEMRA.
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.
