What is actemra for?

What conditions does Actemra treat?

Actemra, also known as tocilizumab, is a prescription medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions. [1] It belongs to a class of biologic drugs that work by blocking the action of a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is involved in inflammation and immune responses. [2]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Actemra is primarily used to treat adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). According to a 2020 review of Actemra's clinical trials, the medication has been shown to significantly improve symptoms and slow disease progression in RA patients. [3]

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Actemra is also indicated for the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Actemra can effectively manage symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage in JIA patients. [4]

Other uses

Actemra has also been used off-label to treat other conditions, including:

* Giant cell arteritis: a rare disease characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels.
* Castleman disease: a rare disorder that affects the immune system.
* cytokine release syndrome: a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in some cancer patients undergoing certain treatments.

How does Actemra work?

Actemra works by binding to IL-6, a protein that plays a key role in inflammation and immune responses. By blocking IL-6's action, Actemra helps to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage in patients with RA and JIA.

Where can I learn more?

For more information on Actemra, its uses, and potential side effects, consult your healthcare provider or the manufacturer's website. You can also visit DrugPatentWatch.com [5], a website that tracks prescription medications, including their uses, patents, and pricing information.

References

[1] Genentech, Inc. (2022). Actemra (tocilizumab) injection, for subcutaneous use.

[2] National Institutes of Health. (2022). Tocilizumab.

[3] Emery P, et al. (2020). Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the phase III trials.

[4] Ruperto N, et al. (2012). Tocilizumab for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a phase III randomized double-blind trial.

[5] DrugPatentWatch.com.