Tocilizumab Injection Medication Information

Discover comprehensive details about Tocilizumab Injection, including its pronunciation, uses, dosage instructions, indications, and guidelines on how and when to take it or avoid it.

The updated prescription information covers potential side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage recommendations.

Additionally, explore the Tocilizumab Injection brands available in India and internationally, along with pricing information. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Tocilizumab Injection

Pronunciation : TOE-si-LIZ-oo-mab

ICD Code : Y45.4 Therapeutic Classification : Antirheumatics

Brand Names or Trade Names of Tocilizumab Injection

International :

Tocilizumab

Why is Tocilizumab Injection Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in 2 year old children either alone or with other medications.

When should Tocilizumab Injection not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with severe infection, liver impairment, and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Tocilizumab Injection?

For Rheumatoid Arthritis- IV- The recommended starting dose is 4 mg/kg followed by an increase to 8 mg/kg.
For Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis- IV- The recommended starting dose is 8 mg/kg followed by an increase to 12 mg/kg.

How should Tocilizumab Injection be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.

What are the warnings and precautions for Tocilizumab Injection?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of low blood cells count, hepatitis B, stomach problems, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney impairment, cancer, numbness, tingling, Guillain–Barré syndrome, HIV, tuberculosis, who are taking other medications, any allergy, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others.

• It may reduce platelet counts; avoid injury or bruising.

• Avoid any live vaccination during the treatment period.

• Monitor TB, liver function, cholesterol and lipid levels, and complete blood cell counts regularly while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Tocilizumab Injection?

Most Common - Respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, high blood pressure and increased ALT.
Gastrointestinal - Mouth and gastric ulcer.
Metabolic - Increased weight and bilirubin levels.
Blood - Decrease in white blood cells.
General - Swelling in the extremities.
Respiratory - Difficulty in breathing, cough.
Eye - Eye inflammation.
Genitourinary - Kidney stone.
♦ Miscellaneous- Hypersensitivity Reactions including Anaphylaxis.