Is actemra a steroid?

Is Actemra (tocilizumab) a steroid?

No. Actemra (tocilizumab) is not a steroid. It is a biologic medicine (an IL-6 receptor inhibitor) used to reduce inflammation in several autoimmune conditions [1].

What type of medicine is Actemra instead of a steroid?

Actemra works by blocking the interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway, which is involved in inflammatory signaling. Steroids (like prednisone) act differently and broadly suppress immune activity [1].

Why do people confuse Actemra with steroids?

Some people are compared or used alongside steroids because both can reduce inflammation. Also, steroid side effects (like weight gain, mood changes, and higher infection risk) are common topics when discussing autoimmune treatment, which can make other anti-inflammatory drugs seem “steroid-like,” even when they are not [1].

Sources:
1. https://www.drugs.com/actemra.html