Tocilizumab (By injection)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tocilizumab or if you have an active infection.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for at least 1 hour.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

Make sure your doctor knows if you use cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), methotrexate (Trexall®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), medicine to lower cholesterol (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, Lipitor®, Vytorin®), an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Voltaren®), a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®, Jantoven®), or birth control pills. Tell your doctor if you use medicines that weaken your immune system, such as cancer medicines or steroids (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone).
Make sure your doctor knows if you also use other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis (such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, Cimzia®, Enbrel®, Humira®, Kineret®, Orencia®, Remicade®, Rituxan®, Simponi®).
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. Your child's vaccines need to be current before he or she begins using tocilizumab. Ask your child's doctor if you have questions about this.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, HIV or AIDS, an infection, high cholesterol, liver disease (including hepatitis B), multiple sclerosis, stomach or bowel problems (such as diverticulosis, perforations, ulcers), or an immune system problem. Tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis (TB), a history of TB, or have been in close contact with someone who has active TB.
You will need to have a skin test for tuberculosis before you start receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a tuberculosis skin test.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may increase your risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
You may get infections more easily while you use this medicine. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or a cough.
This medicine may cause serious stomach and bowel problems, especially if you have a history of ulcers or diverticulosis. Check with your doctor right away if you have severe stomach cramps or pain, black, tarry stools, diarrhea, fever, or vomiting while being treated with this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bloody, black, or tarry stools
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and body aches
Severe stomach pain
Trouble breathing
Vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

Headache
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle was placed

Last Updated: 1/27/2017