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What are the potential side effects of Actemra? Actemra, also known as tocilizumab, is a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory disorders. Like any medication, Actemra can cause side effects. According to the FDA [1], the most common side effects of Actemra include upper respiratory tract infections, neutropenia, and injection site reactions. Can Actemra increase the risk of infections? Actemra may increase the risk of infections, including serious infections such as pneumonia and cellulitis. Patients taking Actemra should be closely monitored for signs of infection [2]. Is Actemra safe for patients with a history of cancer? Actemra has been shown to be safe for patients with a history of cancer. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that tocilizumab (Actemra) was effective in treating cancer-related cachexia without increasing the risk of adverse events [3]. What happens if Actemra is taken in combination with other medications? Combining Actemra with other medications, such as biologic or conventional RA therapy, can increase the risk of infections. Patients should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare provider [4]. What are the long-term effects of Actemra use? The long-term effects of Actemra use are not well established. However, a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that continued use of tocilizumab (Actemra) for more than 2 years was associated with an increased risk of bone fractures [5]. Is there a safer alternative to Actemra? Patients should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider. For example, biologics such as Enbrel (etanercept) or Remicade (infliximab) may be alternative options for RA treatment. Source: [1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requires-additional-postmarketing-studies-rems-for-interleukin-6-receptor-antibody-therapy [2] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/tocilizumab-side-effects.html [3] https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2015.64.1118 [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5767615/ [5] https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/56/10/1793/2661424
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