Warnings


What may interact with Actemra?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-live virus vaccines
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-biologic medicines such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, secukinumab, ustekinumab
-birth control pills
-certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
-cyclosporine
-omeprazole
-steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
-theophylline
-vaccines
-warfarin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Actemra?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-cancer
-diabetes (high blood sugar)
-heart disease
-hepatitis B or history of hepatitis B infection
-high blood pressure
-high cholesterol
-immune system problems
-infection especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
-infection such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal or viral infections
-liver disease
-low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
-multiple sclerosis
-recent or upcoming vaccine
-stomach or intestine problems
-stroke
-an unusual or allergic reaction to tocilizumab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Actemra?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine. If your doctor prescribes any medicine for TB, you should start taking the TB medicine before starting this medicine. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medicine.
This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care provider for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your health care provider about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

-Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medicine, ask your pharmacist or health care provider how to get rid of this medicine safely.