|
The FDA has approved Actemra® (tocilizumab) for use in the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have failed to achieve adequate control with one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapies. Actemra® is a monoclonal antibody that acts to inhibit the interleukin-6 receptor. It is the first of its kind to receive FDA approval for the treatment of RA. This medication can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.
Genentech, the manufacturer of Actemra®, received approval for the drug after conducting five multi-national phase III trials which enrolled more than 4,000 patients. Actemra®, either alone or in combination, was found to significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of RA. In trials, some serious side effects did occur, including tears in the stomach and intestines, hepatitis B infection in those already carrying the virus, nervous system problems, and serious allergic reactions. Other common, less serious side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, inflammation of the nose and throat, headache, high blood pressure, and increased liver enzymes. Actemra® is available as a 20mg/ml injection to be given as an intravenous infusion once every four weeks.
References:
Peck P. FDA OKs Drug for Refractory RA. Medpage Today. Published 1-11-2010. Accessed 1-24-2010.
Actemra [package insert]. San Francisco, CA; Genentech, Inc. 2010.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and is in no way intended to take the place of proper medical supervision and advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your client''s health, please contact a medical prescriber. The information contained herein is known to be correct at the time of posting; however, the content is not guaranteed due to the dynamic nature of healthcare.
|