Tocilizumab is an lnterleukin-6 inhibitor (IL-6i). IL-6i belongs to a class of medication called biologics or more specifically, biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).
Biologics are small molecules that work by blocking certain parts of the immune system that cause inflammation in the body.
IL-6i targets and blocks natural substances called cytokines which causes inflammation in the body. This improves symptoms, reduces flares, slows disease progression and improves quality of life.
It may be used alone or together with other DMARDs.
Common side effects include:
You have a condition that affects the nervous system. such as multiple sclerosis.
Avoid overcrowded places and stay away from people who are sick to prevent getting an infection.
Reactivation of infections such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B may happen when you are on this medication, hence, your doctor will check for such infections before starting Tocilizumab.
Avoid eating raw, undercooked or half-cooked food.
Tocilizumab may interact w ith other medicines or supplements that you are taking. These include:
Inform the doctor, pharmacist or specialty nurse before starting on a new medicine or supplement.
Pneumococcal, influenza (flu} and Hepatitis B vaccinations are safe and may be given if required. Avoid live vaccines such as MMR (measles. mumps and rubella), OPV (oral polio vaccine}, yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis). Discuss with your doctor before receiving any vaccines. Also, direct contact with persons who have taken oral polio vaccine or those with infections should be avoided.
If you forget to inject a dose, do it as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
If you miss your infusion appointment, book another appointment as soon as possible. Inform your doctor about the missed/late dose.
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