Tocilizumab; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Tocilizumab; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Tocilizumab is an immunosuppressive drug, mainly for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a severe form of arthritis in children. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R). Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that plays an important role in immune response and is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, multiple myeloma and prostate cancer.

Mechanism of action of Tocilizumab

Interleukin (IL)-6 plays essential roles not only in the immune response, but also in haematopoiesis and the central nervous system. Unregulated production of IL-6 has been found in chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (soJIA), Crohn’s disease (CD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and vasculitis. Furthermore, IL-6 activities can explain many symptoms of these diseases. More importantly, serum levels of IL-6 are correlated with disease activity. Tocilizumab binds specifically to both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors (sIL-6R and mIL-6R), and has been shown to inhibit IL-6-mediated signaling through these receptors.

Indications of Tocilizumab

  • Giant cell arteritis
  • Cytokine release syndrome
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic sclerosis
  • Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Severe aplastic anemia
  • Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Refractory aplastic anemia

Contra Indication of Tocilizumab

  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Low amount of magnesium in the blood
  • Low amount of phosphate in the blood
  • Low amount of calcium in the blood
  • Low amount of sodium in the blood
  • High amount of potassium in the blood
  • Low amount of potassium in the blood
  • Anemia
  • Decreased blood Platelets
  • Decreased neutrophils a type of white blood cell
  • High blood pressure
  • Very Rapid Heartbeat – torsades de Pointes
  • prolonged QT interval on EKG
  • Abnormal EKG with QT changes from Birth
  • Hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup
  • Liver problems
  • High Amount of Bilirubin in the Blood
  • High Blood Sugar
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Pregnancy
  • A mother who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • Relapse of Hepatitis B Infection Symptoms
  • Pancreatitis
  • past history of complete removal of stomach
  • Reduced UGT1A1 Enzyme Activity due to 28 Polymorphism
  • High Blood Levels of the Lipase Enzyme
  • High Blood Levels of the Amylase Enzyme
You Might Also Like   Chikungunya Fever; Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Dosage of Tocilizumab

Strengths: 20 mg/mL; 162 mg/0.9 mL

Rheumatoid Arthritis

IV

  • 4 mg/kg IV as a 60-minute single drip infusion once every 4 weeks, followed by an increase to 8 mg/kg IV given once every 4 weeks as a 60-minute single drip infusion based on clinical response
  • Dose adjustment: Reduction from 8 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg is recommended for management of certain dose-related laboratory changes including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
  • Maximum dose: 800 mg per infusion

Subcutaneous

  • Patients less than 100 kg: 162 mg subcutaneously every other week, followed by an increase to every week based on clinical response
  • Patients 100 kg or greater: 162 mg subcutaneously every week
  • Dose adjustment: Interruption of dose or reduction in frequency of administration from every week to every other week is recommended for management of certain dose-related laboratory changes including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Giant Cell Arteritis

  • 162 mg subcutaneously once a week in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids
  • Dose adjustment: 162 mg subcutaneously every other week in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids may be appropriate based on clinical considerations

Pediatric Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PJIA)
2 years or older

  • Weight less than 30 kg: 10 mg/kg IV as a 60-minute single drip infusion

once every 4 weeks

  • Weight 30 kg or more: 8 mg/kg as a 60-minute single drip infusion

once every 4 weeks

  • Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA)

2 years or older

  • Weight less than 30 kg: 12 mg/kg IV as a 60-minute single drip infusion

Once every 2 weeks

  • Weight 30 kg or more: 8 mg/kg IV as a 60-minute single drip infusion

once every 2 weeks

Side Effects of Tocilizumab

The most common

You Might Also Like   Hydroxymethylbenzene - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

More common

Less common

Drug Interactions of Tocilizumab

Nilotinib may interact with following drugs ,suppliments & may chane the efficacy of drug
You Might Also Like   Ramipril; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Pregnancy

Pregnancy & Lactation of Tocilizumab

 FDA Pregnancy Category C

Pregnancy

This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Effective birth control must be used to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of tocilizumab. If you become pregnant while receiving this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Lactation

It is not known if tocilizumab passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are receiving this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Tocilizumab

Loading

If the article is helpful, please Click to Star Icon and Rate This Post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]

About the author

Translate »