ACTEMRA
(+1 other brands)Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING For Intravenous Infusion ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) injection is a preservative-free, sterile clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. ACTEMRA is supplied as 80 mg/4 mL (NDC 50242-135-01), 200 mg/10 mL (NDC 50242-136-01), and 400 mg/20 mL (NDC 50242-137-01) individually packaged 20 mg/mL single-dose vials for further dilution prior to intravenous infusion. For Subcutaneous Injection ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) injection is supplied as a preservative-free, sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellowish solution for subcutaneous administration. The following packaging configurations are available: Each single-dose prefilled syringe delivers 162 mg/0.9 mL (NDC 50242-138-01). Each single-dose ACTPen ® autoinjector delivers 162 mg/0.9 mL (NDC 50242-143-01). Storage and Handling: Do not use beyond expiration date on the container, package, prefilled syringe, or autoinjector. ACTEMRA must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2ºC to 8ºC). Do not freeze. Protect the vials, syringes, and autoinjectors from light by storage in the original package until time of use, and keep syringes and autoinjectors dry. Once removed from the refrigerator, the prefilled syringe and autoinjector can be stored up to 2 weeks at or below 86°F (30°C). The prefilled syringe and autoinjector must always be kept in the carton.; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 80 mg/4 mL Vial Carton NDC 50242-135-01 Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 80 mg/4 mL (20 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion only after dilution. Single-Dose Vial; Discard unused portion ATTENTION PROVIDER: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide No Preservative Rx only Genentech 11037819 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 80 mg/4 mL Vial Carton; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 200 mg/10 mL Vial Carton NDC 50242-136-01 Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion only after dilution. Single-Dose Vial; Discard unused portion ATTENTION PROVIDER: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide No Preservative Rx only Genentech 11037833 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 200 mg/10 mL Vial Carton; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 400 mg/20 mL Vial Carton NDC 50242-137-01 Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 400 mg/20 mL (20 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion only after dilution. Single-Dose Vial; Discard unused portion ATTENTION PROVIDER: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide No Preservative Rx only Genentech 11037818 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 400 mg/20 mL Vial Carton; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Prefilled Syringe Carton NDC 50242-138-01 Rx only Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 162 mg/0.9 mL For Subcutaneous Injection Only Single Dose Prefilled Syringe - Discard Unused Portion Sterile ATTENTION PHARMACIST: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide. Refrigerate Immediately Each Prefilled Syringe Contains: 162 mg/0.9 mL Genentech ↓ TO OPEN ↓ 10249853 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Prefilled Syringe Carton; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Autoinjector Carton NDC 50242-143-01 Rx only Actemra ® ACTPen ® (tocilizumab) Injection 162 mg/0.9 mL For Subcutaneous Injection Only Sterile ATTENTION PHARMACIST: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide. Refrigerate Immediately CAUTION Injection is complete only when the purple indicator stops moving. This may take up to 10 seconds. Refer to instructions for use. 1 Single-dose Autoinjector Discard Unused or Expired Portion Genentech ↓ TO OPEN ↓ 10249859 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Autoinjector Carton
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING For Intravenous Infusion ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) injection is a preservative-free, sterile clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. ACTEMRA is supplied as 80 mg/4 mL (NDC 50242-135-01), 200 mg/10 mL (NDC 50242-136-01), and 400 mg/20 mL (NDC 50242-137-01) individually packaged 20 mg/mL single-dose vials for further dilution prior to intravenous infusion. For Subcutaneous Injection ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) injection is supplied as a preservative-free, sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellowish solution for subcutaneous administration. The following packaging configurations are available: Each single-dose prefilled syringe delivers 162 mg/0.9 mL (NDC 50242-138-01). Each single-dose ACTPen ® autoinjector delivers 162 mg/0.9 mL (NDC 50242-143-01). Storage and Handling: Do not use beyond expiration date on the container, package, prefilled syringe, or autoinjector. ACTEMRA must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2ºC to 8ºC). Do not freeze. Protect the vials, syringes, and autoinjectors from light by storage in the original package until time of use, and keep syringes and autoinjectors dry. Once removed from the refrigerator, the prefilled syringe and autoinjector can be stored up to 2 weeks at or below 86°F (30°C). The prefilled syringe and autoinjector must always be kept in the carton.
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 80 mg/4 mL Vial Carton NDC 50242-135-01 Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 80 mg/4 mL (20 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion only after dilution. Single-Dose Vial; Discard unused portion ATTENTION PROVIDER: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide No Preservative Rx only Genentech 11037819 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 80 mg/4 mL Vial Carton
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 200 mg/10 mL Vial Carton NDC 50242-136-01 Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion only after dilution. Single-Dose Vial; Discard unused portion ATTENTION PROVIDER: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide No Preservative Rx only Genentech 11037833 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 200 mg/10 mL Vial Carton
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 400 mg/20 mL Vial Carton NDC 50242-137-01 Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 400 mg/20 mL (20 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion only after dilution. Single-Dose Vial; Discard unused portion ATTENTION PROVIDER: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide No Preservative Rx only Genentech 11037818 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 400 mg/20 mL Vial Carton
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Prefilled Syringe Carton NDC 50242-138-01 Rx only Actemra ® (tocilizumab) Injection 162 mg/0.9 mL For Subcutaneous Injection Only Single Dose Prefilled Syringe - Discard Unused Portion Sterile ATTENTION PHARMACIST: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide. Refrigerate Immediately Each Prefilled Syringe Contains: 162 mg/0.9 mL Genentech ↓ TO OPEN ↓ 10249853 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Prefilled Syringe Carton
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Autoinjector Carton NDC 50242-143-01 Rx only Actemra ® ACTPen ® (tocilizumab) Injection 162 mg/0.9 mL For Subcutaneous Injection Only Sterile ATTENTION PHARMACIST: Each patient is required to receive the enclosed Medication Guide. Refrigerate Immediately CAUTION Injection is complete only when the purple indicator stops moving. This may take up to 10 seconds. Refer to instructions for use. 1 Single-dose Autoinjector Discard Unused or Expired Portion Genentech ↓ TO OPEN ↓ 10249859 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 162 mg/0.9 mL Autoinjector Carton
Overview
Tocilizumab is a recombinant humanized anti-human interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin IgG1κ (gamma 1, kappa) subclass with a typical H 2 L 2 polypeptide structure. Each light chain and heavy chain consists of 214 and 448 amino acids, respectively. The four polypeptide chains are linked intra- and inter-molecularly by disulfide bonds. ACTEMRA has a molecular weight of approximately 148 kDa. The antibody is produced in mammalian (Chinese hamster ovary) cells. Intravenous Infusion ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) injection is a sterile, clear, colorless to pale yellow, preservative-free solution for further dilution prior to intravenous infusion with a pH of approximately 6.5. Each single-dose vial, formulated with a disodium phosphate dodecahydrate/sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate buffered solution, is available at a concentration of 20 mg/mL containing 80 mg/4 mL, 200 mg/10 mL, or 400 mg/20 mL of ACTEMRA. Each mL of solution contains polysorbate 80 (0.5 mg), sucrose (50 mg), and Water for Injection, USP. Subcutaneous Injection ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) injection is a sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellowish, preservative-free, histidine buffered solution for subcutaneous use with a pH of approximately 6.0. It is supplied in a ready-to-use, single-dose 0.9 mL prefilled syringe (PFS) with a needle safety device or a ready-to-use, single-dose 0.9 mL autoinjector that delivers 162 mg tocilizumab, L-arginine hydrochloride (19 mg), L-histidine (1.52 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (1.74 mg), L-methionine (4.03 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.18 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
Indications & Usage
ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) ( 1.1 ) Adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) ( 1.2 ) Adult patients with giant cell arteritis. Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD) ( 1.3 ) Slowing the rate of decline in pulmonary function in adult patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PJIA) ( 1.4 ) Patients 2 years of age and older with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) ( 1.5 ) Patients 2 years of age and older with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) ( 1.6 ) Adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ( 1.7 ) Hospitalized adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 1.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). 1.2 Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients. 1.3 Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD) ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) is indicated for slowing the rate of decline in pulmonary function in adult patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. 1.4 Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PJIA) ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older. 1.5 Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older. 1.6 Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) ACTEMRA ® (tocilizumab) is indicated for the treatment of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. 1.7 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ACTEMRA® (tocilizumab) is indicated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Dosage & Administration
For RA, pJIA and sJIA, ACTEMRA may be used alone or in combination with methotrexate: and in RA, other non-biologic DMARDs may be used. ( 2 ) General Administration and Dosing Information ( 2.1 ) RA, GCA, SSc-ILD, PJIA and SJIA – It is recommended that ACTEMRA not be initiated in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2000 per mm 3 , platelet count below 100,000 per mm 3 , or ALT or AST above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) ( 5.3 , 5.4 ) . COVID-19 – It is recommended that ACTEMRA not be initiated in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 1000 per mm 3 , platelet count below 50,000 mm 3 , or ALT or AST above 10 times ULN ( 5.3 , 5.4 ) . In RA, CRS or COVID-19 patients, ACTEMRA doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended. ( 2.2 , 2.7 , 12.3 ) In GCA patients, ACTEMRA doses exceeding 600 mg per infusion are not recommended. ( 2.3 , 12.3 ) Rheumatoid Arthritis ( 2.2 ) Recommended Adult Intravenous Dosage: When used in combination with non-biologic DMARDs or as monotherapy the recommended starting dose is 4 mg per kg every 4 weeks followed by an increase to 8 mg per kg every 4 weeks based on clinical response. Recommended Adult Subcutaneous Dosage: Patients less than 100 kg weight 162 mg administered subcutaneously every other week, followed by an increase to every week based on clinical response Patients at or above 100 kg weight 162 mg administered subcutaneously every week Giant Cell Arteritis ( 2.3 ) Recommended Adult Intravenous Dosage: The recommended dose is 6 mg per kg every 4 weeks in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids. ACTEMRA can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids. Recommended Adult Subcutaneous Dosage: The recommended dose is 162 mg given once every week as a subcutaneous injection, in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids. A dose of 162 mg given once every other week as a subcutaneous injection, in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids, may be prescribed based on clinical considerations. ACTEMRA can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids. Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD) ( 2.4 ) Recommended Adult Subcutaneous Dosage: The recommended dose of ACTEMRA for adult patients with SSc-ILD is 162 mg given once every week as a subcutaneous injection. Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ( 2.5 ) Recommended Intravenous PJIA Dosage Every 4 Weeks Patients less than 30 kg weight 10 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg Recommended Subcutaneous PJIA Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 162 mg once every three weeks Patients at or above 30 kg weight 162 mg once every two weeks Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ( 2.6 ) Recommended Intravenous SJIA Dosage Every 2 Weeks Patients less than 30 kg weight 12 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg Recommended Subcutaneous SJIA Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 162 mg every two weeks Patients at or above 30 kg weight 162 mg every week Cytokine Release Syndrome ( 2.7 ) Recommended Intravenous CRS Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 12 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg Alone or in combination with corticosteroids. Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( 2.8 ) Recommended Intravenous COVID-19 Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 12 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg Administered by a 60-minute intravenous infusion Administration of Intravenous formulation ( 2.9 ) For patients with RA, GCA, COVID-19, CRS, PJIA, and SJIA patients at or above 30 kg, dilute to 100 mL in 0.9% or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP for intravenous infusion using aseptic technique. For PJIA, SJIA, CRS and COVID-19 patients less than 30 kg, dilute to 50 mL in 0.9% or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP for intravenous infusion using aseptic technique. Administer as a single intravenous drip infusion over 1 hour; do not administer as bolus or push. Administration of Subcutaneous formulation ( 2.10 ) Follow the Instructions for Use for prefilled syringe and prefilled ACTPen ® autoinjector Dose Modifications ( 2.11 ) Recommended for management of certain dose-related laboratory changes including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. 2.1 General Considerations for Administration Not Recommended for Concomitant Use with Biological DMARDs ACTEMRA has not been studied in combination with biological DMARDs such as TNF antagonists, IL-1R antagonists, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and selective co-stimulation modulators because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection. Avoid using ACTEMRA with biological DMARDs. Baseline Laboratory Evaluation Prior to Treatment Obtain and assess baseline complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests prior to treatment. RA, GCA, SSc-ILD, PJIA and SJIA – It is recommended that ACTEMRA not be initiated in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2000 per mm 3 , platelet count below 100,000 per mm 3 , or ALT or AST above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) ] . CRS – Patients with severe or life-threatening CRS frequently have cytopenias or elevated ALT or AST due to the lymphodepleting chemotherapy or the CRS. The decision to administer ACTEMRA should take into account the potential benefit of treating the CRS versus the risks of short-term treatment with ACTEMRA. COVID-19 – It is recommended that ACTEMRA not be initiated in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 1000 per mm 3 , platelet count below 50,000 mm 3 , or ALT or AST above 10 times ULN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis ACTEMRA may be used as monotherapy or concomitantly with methotrexate or other non-biologic DMARDs as an intravenous infusion or as a subcutaneous injection. Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen: The recommended dosage of ACTEMRA for adult patients given as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is 4 mg per kg every 4 weeks followed by an increase to 8 mg per kg every 4 weeks based on clinical response. Reduction of dose from 8 mg per kg to 4 mg per kg is recommended for management of certain dose-related laboratory changes including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) , and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended in RA patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen: Patients less than 100 kg weight 162 mg administered subcutaneously every other week, followed by an increase to every week based on clinical response Patients at or above 100 kg weight 162 mg administered subcutaneously every week When transitioning from ACTEMRA intravenous therapy to subcutaneous administration administer the first subcutaneous dose instead of the next scheduled intravenous dose. Interruption of dose or reduction in frequency of administration of subcutaneous dose from every week to every other week dosing is recommended for management of certain dose-related laboratory changes including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) , and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Giant Cell Arteritis Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen: The recommended dosage of ACTEMRA for adult patients given as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is 6 mg per kg every 4 weeks in combination with tapering course of glucocorticoids. ACTEMRA can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids. Interruption of dosing may be needed for management of dose-related laboratory abnormalities including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) ] . Doses exceeding 600 mg per infusion are not recommended in GCA patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen: The recommended dose of ACTEMRA for adult patients with GCA is 162 mg given once every week as a subcutaneous injection in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids. A dose of 162 mg given once every other week as a subcutaneous injection in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids may be prescribed based on clinical considerations. ACTEMRA can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids. When transitioning from ACTEMRA intravenous therapy to subcutaneous administration, administer the first subcutaneous dose instead of the next scheduled intravenous dose. Interruption of dose or reduction in frequency of administration of subcutaneous dose from every week to every other week dosing may be needed for management of dose-related laboratory abnormalities including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) ] . 2.4 Recommended Dosage for Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease The recommended dose of ACTEMRA for adult patients with SSc-ILD is 162 mg given once every week as a subcutaneous injection. Interruption of dosing may be needed for management of dose-related laboratory abnormalities including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) ] . Subcutaneous administration with the prefilled ACTPen ® autoinjector has not been studied in SSc-ILD. Intravenous administration is not approved for SSc-ILD. 2.5 Recommended Dosage for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ACTEMRA may be used as an intravenous infusion or as a subcutaneous injection alone or in combination with methotrexate. Do not change dose based solely on a single visit body weight measurement, as weight may fluctuate. Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen: The recommended dosage of ACTEMRA for PJIA patients given once every 4 weeks as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is: Recommended Intravenous PJIA Dosage Every 4 Weeks Patients less than 30 kg weight 10 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen: Recommended Subcutaneous PJIA Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 162 mg once every 3 weeks Patients at or above 30 kg weight 162 mg once every 2 weeks When transitioning from ACTEMRA intravenous therapy to subcutaneous administration, administer the first subcutaneous dose instead of the next scheduled intravenous dose. Interruption of dosing may be needed for management of dose-related laboratory abnormalities including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.11 ] . 2.6 Recommended Dosage for Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ACTEMRA may be used as an intravenous infusion or as a subcutaneous injection alone or in combination with methotrexate. Do not change a dose based solely on a single visit body weight measurement, as weight may fluctuate. Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen: The recommended dose of ACTEMRA for SJIA patients given once every 2 weeks as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is: Recommended Intravenous SJIA Dosage Every 2 Weeks Patients less than 30 kg weight 12 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen: Recommended Subcutaneous SJIA Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 162 mg once every two weeks Patients at or above 30 kg weight 162 mg once every week When transitioning from ACTEMRA intravenous therapy to subcutaneous administration, administer the first subcutaneous dose when the next scheduled intravenous dose is due. Interruption of dosing may be needed for management of dose-related laboratory abnormalities including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) ] . 2.7 Recommended Dosage for Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) Use only the intravenous route for treatment of CRS. The recommended dose of ACTEMRA for treatment of CRS given as a 60-minute intravenous infusion is: Recommended Intravenous CRS Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 12 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg Alone or in combination with corticosteroids If no clinical improvement in the signs and symptoms of CRS occurs after the first dose, up to 3 additional doses of ACTEMRA may be administered. The interval between consecutive doses should be at least 8 hours. Doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended in CRS patients. Subcutaneous administration is not approved for CRS. 2.8 Recommended Dosage for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Administer ACTEMRA by intravenous infusion only. The recommended dosage of ACTEMRA for treatment of patients with COVID-19 given as a single 60-minute intravenous infusion is: Recommended Intravenous COVID-19 Dosage Patients less than 30 kg weight 12 mg per kg Patients at or above 30 kg weight 8 mg per kg If clinical signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve after the first dose, one additional infusion of ACTEMRA may be administered at least 8 hours after the initial infusion. Doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended in patients with COVID-19. Subcutaneous administration is not approved for COVID-19. 2.9 Preparation and Administration Instructions for Intravenous Infusion ACTEMRA for intravenous infusion should be diluted by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique as follows: Use a sterile needle and syringe to prepare ACTEMRA. Patients less than 30 kg : use a 50 mL infusion bag or bottle of 0.9% or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, and then follow steps 1 and 2 below. Patients at or above 30 kg weight : use a 100 mL infusion bag or bottle, and then follow steps 1 and 2 below. Step 1. Withdraw a volume of 0.9% or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, equal to the volume of the ACTEMRA injection required for the patient's dose from the infusion bag or bottle [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.5 , 2.6 , 2.7) ] . For Intravenous Use: Volume of ACTEMRA Injection per kg of Body Weight Dosage Indication Volume of ACTEMRA injection per kg of body weight 4 mg/kg Adult RA 0.2 mL/kg 6 mg/kg Adult GCA 0.3 mL/kg 8 mg/kg Adult RA SJIA, PJIA, CRS and COVID-19 (greater than or equal to 30 kg of body weight) 0.4 mL/kg 10 mg/kg PJIA (less than 30 kg of body weight) 0.5 mL/kg 12 mg/kg SJIA, CRS and COVID-19 (less than 30 kg of body weight) 0.6 mL/kg Step 2. Withdraw the amount of ACTEMRA for intravenous infusion from the vial(s) and add slowly into the 0.9% or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP infusion bag or bottle. To mix the solution, gently invert the bag to avoid foaming. The fully diluted ACTEMRA solutions for infusion using 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP may be stored at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) or room temperature for up to 24 hours and should be protected from light. The fully diluted ACTEMRA solutions for infusion using 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP may be stored at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) for up to 24 hours or room temperature for up to 4 hours and should be protected from light. ACTEMRA solutions do not contain preservatives; therefore, unused product remaining in the vials should not be used. Allow the fully diluted ACTEMRA solution to reach room temperature prior to infusion. The infusion should be administered over 60 minutes, and must be administered with an infusion set. Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus. ACTEMRA should not be infused concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other drugs. No physical or biochemical compatibility studies have been conducted to evaluate the co-administration of ACTEMRA with other drugs. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. If particulates and discolorations are noted, the product should not be used. Fully diluted ACTEMRA solutions are compatible with polypropylene, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride infusion bags and polypropylene, polyethylene and glass infusion bottles. 2.10 Preparation and Administration Instructions for Subcutaneous Injection ACTEMRA for subcutaneous injection is not intended for intravenous drip infusion. Assess suitability of patient for subcutaneous home use and instruct patients to inform a healthcare professional before administering the next dose if they experience any symptoms of allergic reaction. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of serious allergic reactions. ACTEMRA subcutaneous injection is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. After proper training in subcutaneous injection technique, a patient may self-inject ACTEMRA or the patient's caregiver may administer ACTEMRA if a healthcare practitioner determines that it is appropriate. PJIA and SJIA patients may self-inject with the ACTEMRA prefilled syringe or ACTPen ® autoinjector, or the patient's caregiver may administer ACTEMRA if both the healthcare practitioner and the parent/legal guardian determines it is appropriate [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . Patients, or patient caregivers, should be instructed to follow the directions provided in the Instructions for Use (IFU) for additional details on medication administration. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use ACTEMRA prefilled syringes (PFS) or prefilled ACTPen ® autoinjectors exhibiting particulate matter, cloudiness, or discoloration. ACTEMRA for subcutaneous administration should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. Do not use if any part of the PFS or ACTPen ® autoinjector appears to be damaged. Patients using ACTEMRA for subcutaneous administration should be instructed to inject the full amount in the syringe (0.9 mL) or full amount in the ACTPen ® autoinjector (0.9 mL), which provides 162 mg of ACTEMRA, according to the directions provided in the IFU. Injection sites should be rotated with each injection and should never be given into moles, scars, or areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, or not intact. 2.11 Dosage Modifications due to Serious Infections or Laboratory Abnormalities Serious Infections Hold ACTEMRA treatment if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled. Laboratory Abnormalities Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis and Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Liver Enzyme Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) ] Lab Value Recommendation for RA and SSc-ILD Recommendation for GCA Greater than 1 to 3× ULN Dose modify concomitant DMARDs if appropriate For persistent increases in this range: For patients receiving intravenous ACTEMRA, reduce dose to 4 mg per kg or hold ACTEMRA until ALT or AST have normalized For patients receiving subcutaneous ACTEMRA, reduce injection frequency to every other week or hold dosing until ALT or AST have normalized. Resume ACTEMRA at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate. Dose modify immunomodulatory agents if appropriate For persistent increases in this range: For patients receiving intravenous ACTEMRA, hold ACTEMRA until ALT or AST have normalized For patients receiving subcutaneous ACTEMRA, reduce injection frequency to every other week or hold dosing until ALT or AST have normalized. Resume ACTEMRA at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate Greater than 3 to 5× ULN (confirmed by repeat testing) Hold ACTEMRA dosing until less than 3× ULN and follow recommendations above for greater than 1 to 3× ULN For persistent increases greater than 3× ULN, discontinue ACTEMRA Hold ACTEMRA dosing until less than 3x ULN and follow recommendations above for greater than 1 to 3x ULN For persistent increases greater than 3x ULN, discontinue ACTEMRA Greater than 5× ULN Discontinue ACTEMRA Discontinue ACTEMRA Low Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Lab Value (cells per mm 3 ) Recommendation for RA and SSc-ILD Recommendation for GCA ANC greater than 1000 Maintain dose Maintain dose ANC 500 to 1000 Hold ACTEMRA dosing When ANC greater than 1000 cells per mm 3 : For patients receiving intravenous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at 4 mg per kg and increase to 8 mg per kg as clinically appropriate For patients receiving subcutaneous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate Hold ACTEMRA dosing When ANC greater than 1000 cells per mm 3 : For patients receiving intravenous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at 6 mg per kg For patients receiving subcutaneous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate ANC less than 500 Discontinue ACTEMRA Discontinue ACTEMRA Low Platelet Count [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Lab Value (cells per mm 3 ) Recommendation for RA and SSc-ILD Recommendation for GCA 50,000 to 100,000 Hold ACTEMRA dosing When platelet count is greater than 100,000 cells per mm 3 : For patients receiving intravenous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at 4 mg per kg and increase to 8 mg per kg as clinically appropriate For patients receiving subcutaneous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate Hold ACTEMRA dosing When platelet count is greater than 100,000 cells per mm 3 : For patients receiving intravenous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at 6 mg per kg For patients receiving subcutaneous ACTEMRA, resume ACTEMRA at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate Less than 50,000 Discontinue ACTEMRA Discontinue ACTEMRA Polyarticular and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Dose reduction of ACTEMRA has not been studied in the PJIA and SJIA populations. Dose interruptions of ACTEMRA are recommended for liver enzyme abnormalities, low neutrophil counts, and low platelet counts in patients with PJIA and SJIA at levels similar to what is outlined above for patients with RA and GCA. If appropriate, dose modify or stop concomitant methotrexate and/or other medications and hold ACTEMRA dosing until the clinical situation has been evaluated. In PJIA and SJIA the decision to discontinue ACTEMRA for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the medical assessment of the individual patient.
Warnings & Precautions
Serious Infections – do not administer ACTEMRA during an active infection, including localized infections. If a serious infection develops, interrupt ACTEMRA until the infection is controlled. ( 5.1 ) Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation—use with caution in patients who may be at increased risk. ( 5.2 ) Hepatotoxicity- Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hepatic injury. Modify or discontinue ACTEMRA if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop. ( 2.10 , 5.3 ) Laboratory monitoring—recommended due to potential consequences of treatment-related changes in neutrophils, platelets, lipids, and liver function tests. ( 2.10 , 5.4 ) Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and death, and serious cutaneous reactions including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) – discontinue ACTEMRA, treat promptly, and monitor until reaction resolves. ( 5.6 ) Live vaccines—Avoid use with ACTEMRA. ( 5.9 , 7.3 ) 5.1 Serious Infections Serious and sometimes fatal infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, protozoal, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including ACTEMRA. The most common serious infections included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Among opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, cryptococcus, aspergillosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystosis were reported with ACTEMRA. Other serious infections, not reported in clinical studies, may also occur (e.g., histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, listeriosis). Patients have presented with disseminated rather than localized disease, and were often taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids which in addition to rheumatoid arthritis may predispose them to infections. Do not administer ACTEMRA in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating ACTEMRA in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to tuberculosis; with a history of serious or an opportunistic infection; who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with ACTEMRA, as signs and symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened due to suppression of the acute phase reactants [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) , and Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . Hold ACTEMRA if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with ACTEMRA should undergo a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient, initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and closely monitor the patient. COVID-19 In patients with COVID-19, monitor for signs and symptoms of new infections during and after treatment with ACTEMRA. There is limited information regarding the use of ACTEMRA in patients with COVID-19 and concomitant active serious infections. The risks and benefits of treatment with ACTEMRA in COVID-19 patients with other concurrent infections should be considered. Tuberculosis Evaluate patients for tuberculosis risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating ACTEMRA. In patients with COVID-19, testing for latent infection is not necessary prior to initiating treatment with ACTEMRA. Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of ACTEMRA in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis is recommended to aid in the decision whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate for an individual patient. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of tuberculosis including patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. The incidence of tuberculosis in worldwide clinical development programs is 0.1%. Patients with latent tuberculosis should be treated with standard antimycobacterial therapy before initiating ACTEMRA. Viral Reactivation Viral reactivation has been reported with immunosuppressive biologic therapies and cases of herpes zoster exacerbation were observed in clinical studies with ACTEMRA. No cases of Hepatitis B reactivation were observed in the trials; however patients who screened positive for hepatitis were excluded. 5.2 Gastrointestinal Perforations Events of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in clinical trials, primarily as complications of diverticulitis in patients treated with ACTEMRA. Use ACTEMRA with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation. Promptly evaluate patients presenting with fever, new onset abdominal symptoms, and a change in bowel habits for early identification of gastrointestinal perforation [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.3 Hepatotoxicity Serious cases of hepatic injury have been observed in patients taking intravenous or subcutaneous ACTEMRA. Some of these cases have resulted in liver transplant or death. Time to onset for cases ranged from months to years after treatment initiation with tocilizumab. While most cases presented with marked elevations of transaminases (> 5 times ULN), some cases presented with signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction and only mildly elevated transaminases. During randomized controlled studies, treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with a higher incidence of transaminase elevations [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2 , 6.6 , 6.8) ]. Increased frequency and magnitude of these elevations was observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., MTX) were used in combination with ACTEMRA. For RA, GCA and SSc-ILD patients, obtain a liver test panel (serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) before initiating ACTEMRA, every 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy for the first 6 months of treatment and every 3 months thereafter. It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in RA, GCA or SSc-ILD patients with elevated transaminases ALT or AST greater than 1.5× ULN. In patients who develop elevated ALT or AST greater than 5× ULN, discontinue ACTEMRA. For recommended modifications based upon increase in transaminases see Dosage and Administration (2.11) . Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 may have elevated ALT or AST levels. Multi-organ failure with involvement of the liver is recognized as a complication of severe COVID-19. The decision to administer ACTEMRA should balance the potential benefit of treating COVID-19 against the potential risks of acute treatment with ACTEMRA. It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in COVID-19 patients with elevated ALT or AST above 10 × ULN. Monitor ALT and AST during treatment. Measure liver tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, such as fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice. In this clinical context, if the patient is found to have abnormal liver tests (e.g., ALT greater than three times the upper limit of the reference range, serum total bilirubin greater than two times the upper limit of the reference range), ACTEMRA treatment should be interrupted and investigation done to establish the probable cause. ACTEMRA should only be restarted in patients with another explanation for the liver test abnormalities after normalization of the liver tests. A similar pattern of liver enzyme elevation is noted with ACTEMRA treatment in the PJIA and SJIA populations. Monitor liver test panel at the time of the second administration and thereafter every 4 to 8 weeks for PJIA and every 2 to 4 weeks for SJIA. 5.4 Changes in Laboratory Parameters Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Neutropenia Treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with a higher incidence of neutropenia. Infections have been uncommonly reported in association with treatment-related neutropenia in long-term extension studies and postmarketing clinical experience. – It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in RA, GCA and SSc-ILD patients with a low neutrophil count, i.e., absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 2000 per mm 3 . In patients who develop an absolute neutrophil count less than 500 per mm 3 treatment is not recommended. – Monitor neutrophils 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . For recommended modifications based on ANC results see Dosage and Administration (2.11) . – It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in COVID-19 patients with an ANC less than 1000 per mm 3 . Neutrophils should be monitored. Thrombocytopenia Treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with a reduction in platelet counts. Treatment-related reduction in platelets was not associated with serious bleeding events in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ] . – It is not recommended to initiate ACTEMRA treatment in RA, GCA and SSc-ILD patients with a platelet count below 100,000 per mm 3 . In patients who develop a platelet count less than 50,000 per mm 3 treatment is not recommended. – Monitor platelets 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter. For recommended modifications based on platelet counts see Dosage and Administration (2.11) . – In COVID-19 patients with a platelet count less than 50,000 per mm 3 , treatment is not recommended. Platelets should be monitored. Elevated Liver Enzymes Refer to 5.3 Hepatotoxicity. For recommended modifications [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) ] Lipid Abnormalities Treatment with ACTEMRA was associated with increases in lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and/or HDL cholesterol [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ] . – Assess lipid parameters approximately 4 to 8 weeks following initiation of ACTEMRA therapy. – Subsequently, manage patients according to clinical guidelines [e.g., National Cholesterol Educational Program (NCEP)] for the management of hyperlipidemia. Patients with Polyarticular and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis A similar pattern of liver enzyme elevation, low neutrophil count, low platelet count and lipid elevations is noted with ACTEMRA treatment in the PJIA and SJIA populations. Monitor neutrophils, platelets, ALT and AST at the time of the second administration and thereafter every 4 to 8 weeks for PJIA and every 2 to 4 weeks for SJIA. Monitor lipids as above for approved adult indications [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) ] . 5.5 Immunosuppression The impact of treatment with ACTEMRA on the development of malignancies is not known but malignancies were observed in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . ACTEMRA is an immunosuppressant, and treatment with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of malignancies. 5.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in association with ACTEMRA and anaphylactic events with a fatal outcome have been reported with intravenous infusion of ACTEMRA. Anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation were reported in 0.1% (3 out of 2644) of patients in the 6-month controlled trials of intravenous ACTEMRA, 0.2% (8 out of 4009) of patients in the intravenous all-exposure RA population, 0.7% (8 out of 1068) in the subcutaneous 6-month controlled RA trials, and in 0.7% (10 out of 1465) of patients in the subcutaneous all-exposure population. In the SJIA controlled trial with intravenous ACTEMRA, 1 out of 112 patients (0.9%) experienced hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation. In the PJIA controlled trial with intravenous ACTEMRA, 0 out of 188 patients (0%) in the ACTEMRA all-exposure population experienced hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation. Reactions that required treatment discontinuation included generalized erythema, rash, and urticaria. Injection site reactions were categorized separately [ s ee Adverse Reactions (6) ] . In the postmarketing setting, events of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and death have occurred in patients treated with a range of doses of intravenous ACTEMRA, with or without concomitant therapies. Events have occurred in patients who received premedication. Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis events, have occurred both with and without previous hypersensitivity reactions and as early as the first infusion of ACTEMRA [see Adverse Reactions (6.12) ] . In addition, serious cutaneous reactions, including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), have been reported in patients with autoinflammatory conditions treated with ACTEMRA. ACTEMRA for intravenous use should only be infused by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis. For ACTEMRA subcutaneous injection, advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately discontinue ACTEMRA, treat promptly and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. 5.7 Demyelinating Disorders The impact of treatment with ACTEMRA on demyelinating disorders is not known, but multiple sclerosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy were reported rarely in RA clinical studies. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms potentially indicative of demyelinating disorders. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use of ACTEMRA in patients with preexisting or recent onset demyelinating disorders. 5.8 Active Hepatic Disease and Hepatic Impairment Treatment with ACTEMRA is not recommended in patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . 5.9 Vaccinations Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with ACTEMRA as clinical safety has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving ACTEMRA. No data are available on the effectiveness of vaccination in patients receiving ACTEMRA. Because IL-6 inhibition may interfere with the normal immune response to new antigens, it is recommended that all patients, particularly pediatric or elderly patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating ACTEMRA therapy. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of ACTEMRA therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Boxed Warning
RISK OF SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with ACTEMRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. If a serious infection develops, interrupt ACTEMRA until the infection is controlled. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Patients, except those with COVID-19, should be tested for latent tuberculosis before ACTEMRA use and during therapy. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to ACTEMRA use. Invasive fungal infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, and pneumocystis. Patients with invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens. The risks and benefits of treatment with ACTEMRA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with ACTEMRA, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Serious infections leading to hospitalization or death including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections have occurred in patients receiving ACTEMRA. ( 5.1 ) If a serious infection develops, interrupt ACTEMRA until the infection is controlled. ( 5.1 ) Perform test for latent TB (except patients with COVID-19); if positive, start treatment for TB prior to starting ACTEMRA. ( 5.1 ) Monitor all patients for active TB during treatment, even if initial latent TB test is negative. ( 5.1 )
Contraindications
ACTEMRA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ACTEMRA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]. Known hypersensitivity to ACTEMRA. ( 4 )
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Gastrointestinal Perforations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Laboratory Parameters [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Demyelinating Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Active Hepatic Disease and Hepatic Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population in clinical practice. Most common adverse reactions (incidence of at least 5%): upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension, increased ALT, injection site reactions. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Intravenous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-IV) The ACTEMRA-IV data in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) includes 5 double-blind, controlled, multicenter studies. In these studies, patients received doses of ACTEMRA-IV 8 mg per kg monotherapy (288 patients), ACTEMRA-IV 8 mg per kg in combination with DMARDs (including methotrexate) (1582 patients), or ACTEMRA-IV 4 mg per kg in combination with methotrexate (774 patients). The all exposure population includes all patients in registration studies who received at least one dose of ACTEMRA-IV. Of the 4009 patients in this population, 3577 received treatment for at least 6 months, 3309 for at least one year; 2954 received treatment for at least 2 years and 2189 for 3 years. All patients in these studies had moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. The study population had a mean age of 52 years, 82% were female and 74% were Caucasian. The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . The most commonly reported adverse reactions in controlled studies up to 24 weeks (occurring in at least 5% of patients treated with ACTEMRA-IV monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension and increased ALT. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reactions during the double-blind, placebo-controlled studies was 5% for patients taking ACTEMRA-IV and 3% for placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions that required discontinuation of ACTEMRA-IV were increased hepatic transaminase values (per protocol requirement) and serious infections. Overall Infections In the 24 week, controlled clinical studies, the rate of infections in the ACTEMRA-IV monotherapy group was 119 events per 100 patient-years and was similar in the methotrexate monotherapy group. The rate of infections in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA-IV plus DMARD group was 133 and 127 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 112 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo plus DMARD group. The most commonly reported infections (5% to 8% of patients) were upper respiratory tract infections and nasopharyngitis. The overall rate of infections with ACTEMRA-IV in the all exposure population remained consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies. Serious Infections In the 24 week, controlled clinical studies, the rate of serious infections in the ACTEMRA-IV monotherapy group was 3.6 per 100 patient-years compared to 1.5 per 100 patient-years in the methotrexate group. The rate of serious infections in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA-IV plus DMARD group was 4.4 and 5.3 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the all-exposure population, the overall rate of serious infections remained consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies. The most common serious infections included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Cases of opportunistic infections have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In the cardiovascular outcomes Study WA25204, the rate of serious infections in the ACTEMRA 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks group, with or without DMARD, was 4.5 per 100 patient-years, and the rate in the etanercept 50 mg weekly SC group, with or without DMARD, was 3.2 per 100 patient-years [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Gastrointestinal Perforations During the 24 week, controlled clinical trials, the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.26 events per 100 patient-years with ACTEMRA-IV therapy. In the all-exposure population, the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation remained consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies. Reports of gastrointestinal perforation were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including generalized purulent peritonitis, lower GI perforation, fistula and abscess. Most patients who developed gastrointestinal perforations were taking concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . The relative contribution of these concomitant medications versus ACTEMRA-IV to the development of GI perforations is not known. Infusion Reactions In the 24 week, controlled clinical studies, adverse events associated with the infusion (occurring during or within 24 hours of the start of infusion) were reported in 8% and 7% of patients in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA-IV plus DMARD group, respectively, compared to 5% of patients in the placebo plus DMARD group. The most frequently reported event on the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg dose during the infusion was hypertension (1% for both doses), while the most frequently reported event occurring within 24 hours of finishing an infusion were headache (1% for both doses) and skin reactions (1% for both doses), including rash, pruritus and urticaria. These events were not treatment limiting. Anaphylaxis Hypersensitivity reactions requiring treatment discontinuation, including anaphylaxis, associated with ACTEMRA-IV were reported in 0.1% (3 out of 2644) in the 24 week, controlled trials and in 0.2% (8 out of 4009) in the all-exposure population. These reactions were generally observed during the second to fourth infusion of ACTEMRA-IV. Appropriate medical treatment should be available for immediate use in the event of a serious hypersensitivity reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Laboratory Abnormalities Neutropenia In the 24 week, controlled clinical studies, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1000 per mm 3 occurred in 1.8% and 3.4% of patients in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA-IV plus DMARD group, respectively, compared to 0.1% of patients in the placebo plus DMARD group. Approximately half of the instances of ANC below 1000 per mm 3 occurred within 8 weeks of starting therapy. Decreases in neutrophil counts below 500 per mm 3 occurred in 0.4% and 0.3% of patients in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA-IV plus DMARD, respectively, compared to 0.1% of patients in the placebo plus DMARD group. There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1000 per mm 3 and the occurrence of serious infections. In the all-exposure population, the pattern and incidence of decreases in neutrophil counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 24 week controlled clinical studies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Thrombocytopenia In the 24 week, controlled clinical studies, decreases in platelet counts below 100,000 per mm 3 occurred in 1.3% and 1.7% of patients on 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA-IV plus DMARD, respectively, compared to 0.5% of patients on placebo plus DMARD, without associated bleeding events. In the all-exposure population, the pattern and incidence of decreases in platelet counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 24 week controlled clinical studies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Elevated Liver Enzymes Liver enzyme abnormalities are summarized in Table 1 . In patients experiencing liver enzyme elevation, modification of treatment regimen, such as reduction in the dose of concomitant DMARD, interruption of ACTEMRA-IV, or reduction in ACTEMRA-IV dose, resulted in decrease or normalization of liver enzymes [see Dosage and Administration (2.11) ] . These elevations were not associated with clinically relevant increases in direct bilirubin, nor were they associated with clinical evidence of hepatitis or hepatic insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) ] . Table 1 Incidence of Liver Enzyme Abnormalities in the 24 Week Controlled Period of Studies I to V For a description of these studies, see Section 14, Clinical Studies . ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg MONOTHERAPY Methotrexate ACTEMRA 4 mg per kg + DMARDs ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg + DMARDs Placebo + DMARDs N = 288 (%) N = 284 (%) N = 774 (%) N = 1582 (%) N = 1170 (%) ULN = Upper Limit of Normal AST (U/L) > ULN to 3× ULN 22 26 34 41 17 > 3× ULN to 5× ULN 0.3 2 1 2 0.3 > 5× ULN 0.7 0.4 0.1 0.2 < 0.1 ALT (U/L) > ULN to 3× ULN 36 33 45 48 23 > 3× ULN to 5× ULN 1 4 5 5 1 > 5× ULN 0.7 1 1.3 1.5 0.3 In the all-exposure population, the elevations in ALT and AST remained consistent with what was seen in the 24 week, controlled clinical trials. In Study WA25204, of the 1538 patients with moderate to severe RA [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] and treated with tocilizumab, elevations in ALT or AST >3 × ULN occurred in 5.3% and 2.2% patients, respectively. One serious event of drug induced hepatitis with hyperbilirubinemia was reported in association with tocilizumab. Lipids Elevations in lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) were first assessed at 6 weeks following initiation of ACTEMRA-IV in the controlled 24 week clinical trials. Increases were observed at this time point and remained stable thereafter. Increases in triglycerides to levels above 500 mg per dL were rarely observed. Changes in other lipid parameters from baseline to week 24 were evaluated and are summarized below: – Mean LDL increased by 13 mg per dL in the ACTEMRA 4 mg per kg+DMARD arm, 20 mg per dL in the ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg+DMARD, and 25 mg per dL in ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg monotherapy. – Mean HDL increased by 3 mg per dL in the ACTEMRA 4 mg per kg+DMARD arm, 5 mg per dL in the ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg+DMARD, and 4 mg per dL in ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg monotherapy. – Mean LDL/HDL ratio increased by an average of 0.14 in the ACTEMRA 4 mg per kg+DMARD arm, 0.15 in the ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg+DMARD, and 0.26 in ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg monotherapy. – ApoB/ApoA1 ratios were essentially unchanged in ACTEMRA-treated patients. Elevated lipids responded to lipid lowering agents. In the all-exposure population, the elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with what was seen in the 24 week, controlled clinical trials. Immunogenicity As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to tocilizumab in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading. In the 24 week, controlled clinical studies, a total of 2876 patients have been tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies. Forty-six patients (2%) developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies, of whom 5 had an associated, medically significant, hypersensitivity reaction leading to withdrawal. Thirty patients (1%) developed neutralizing antibodies. Malignancies During the 24 week, controlled period of the studies, 15 malignancies were diagnosed in patients receiving ACTEMRA-IV, compared to 8 malignancies in patients in the control groups. Exposure-adjusted incidence was similar in the ACTEMRA-IV groups (1.32 events per 100 patient-years) and in the placebo plus DMARD group (1.37 events per 100 patient-years). In the all-exposure population, the rate of malignancies remained consistent with the rate observed in the 24 week, controlled period [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Other Adverse Reactions Adverse reactions occurring in 2% or more of patients on 4 or 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA-IV plus DMARD and at least 1% greater than that observed in patients on placebo plus DMARD are summarized in Table 2 . Table 2 Adverse Reactions Occurring in at Least 2% or More of Patients on 4 or 8 mg per kg ACTEMRA plus DMARD and at Least 1% Greater Than That Observed in Patients on Placebo plus DMARD 24 Week Phase 3 Controlled Study Population ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg MONOTHERAPY Methotrexate ACTEMRA 4 mg per kg + DMARDs ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg + DMARDs Placebo + DMARDs Preferred Term N = 288 (%) N = 284 (%) N = 774 (%) N = 1582 (%) N = 1170 (%) Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 7 5 6 8 6 Nasopharyngitis 7 6 4 6 4 Headache 7 2 6 5 3 Hypertension 6 2 4 4 3 ALT increased 6 4 3 3 1 Dizziness 3 1 2 3 2 Bronchitis 3 2 4 3 3 Rash 2 1 4 3 1 Mouth Ulceration 2 2 1 2 1 Abdominal Pain Upper 2 2 3 3 2 Gastritis 1 2 1 2 1 Transaminase increased 1 5 2 2 1 Other infrequent and medically relevant adverse reactions occurring at an incidence less than 2% in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with ACTEMRA-IV in controlled trials were: Infections and Infestations: oral herpes simplex Gastrointestinal disorders: stomatitis, gastric ulcer Investigations: weight increased, total bilirubin increased Blood and lymphatic system disorders: leukopenia General disorders and administration site conditions: edema peripheral Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders : dyspnea, cough Eye disorders: conjunctivitis Renal disorders: nephrolithiasis Endocrine disorders: hypothyroidism 6.2 Clinical Trials Experience in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Subcutaneous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-SC) The ACTEMRA-SC data in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) includes 2 double-blind, controlled, multicenter studies. Study SC-I was a non-inferiority study that compared the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab 162 mg administered every week subcutaneously and 8 mg/kg intravenously every four weeks in 1262 adult subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. Study SC-II was a placebo controlled superiority study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab 162 mg administered every other week subcutaneously or placebo in 656 patients. All patients in both studies received background non-biologic DMARDs. The safety observed for ACTEMRA-SC administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous ACTEMRA, with the exception of injection site reactions (ISRs), which were more common with ACTEMRA-SC compared with placebo SC injections (IV arm). Injection Site Reactions In the 6-month control period, in SC-I, the frequency of ISRs was 10.1% (64/631) and 2.4% (15/631) for the weekly ACTEMRA-SC and placebo SC (IV-arm) groups, respectively. In SC-II, the frequency of ISRs was 7.1% (31/437) and 4.1% (9/218) for the every other week ACTEMRA-SC and placebo groups, respectively. These ISRs (including erythema, pruritus, pain and hematoma) were mild to moderate in severity. The majority resolved without any treatment and none necessitated drug discontinuation. Immunogenicity In the 6-month control period in SC-I, 0.8% (5/625) in the ACTEMRA-SC arm and 0.8% (5/627) in the IV arm developed anti-tocilizumab antibodies; of these, all developed neutralizing antibodies. In SC-II, 1.6% (7/434) in the ACTEMRA-SC arm compared with 1.4 % (3/217) in the placebo arm developed anti- tocilizumab antibodies; of these, 1.4% (6/434) in the ACTEMRA-SC arm and 0.5% (1/217) in the placebo arm also developed neutralizing antibodies. A total of 1454 (>99%) patients who received ACTEMRA-SC in the all exposure group have been tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies. Thirteen patients (0.9%) developed anti-tocilizumab antibodies, and, of these, 12 patients (0.8%) developed neutralizing antibodies. The rate is consistent with previous intravenous experience. No correlation of antibody development to adverse events or loss of clinical response was observed. Laboratory Abnormalities Neutropenia During routine laboratory monitoring in the 6-month controlled clinical trials, a decrease in neutrophil count below 1 × 10 9 /L occurred in 2.9% and 3.7% of patients receiving ACTEMRA-SC weekly and every other week, respectively. There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 × 10 9 /L and the occurrence of serious infections. Thrombocytopenia During routine laboratory monitoring in the ACTEMRA-SC 6-month controlled clinical trials, none of the patients had a decrease in platelet count to ≤50,000/mm 3 . Elevated Liver Enzymes During routine laboratory monitoring in the 6-month controlled clinical trials, elevation in ALT or AST ≥3 × ULN occurred in 6.5% and 1.4% of patients, respectively, receiving ACTEMRA-SC weekly and 3.4% and 0.7% receiving ACTEMRA-SC every other week. Lipid Parameters Elevations During routine laboratory monitoring in the ACTEMRA-SC 6-month clinical trials, 19% of patients dosed weekly and 19.6% of patients dosed every other week and 10.2% of patients on placebo experienced sustained elevations in total cholesterol > 6.2 mmol/l (240 mg/dL), with 9%, 10.4% and 5.1% experiencing a sustained increase in LDL to 4.1 mmol/l (160 mg/dL) receiving ACTEMRA-SC weekly, every other week and placebo, respectively. 6.3 Clinical Trials Experience in Giant Cell Arteritis Patients Treated with Subcutaneous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-SC) The safety of subcutaneous ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) has been studied in one Phase III study (WA28119) with 251 GCA patients. The total patient years duration in the ACTEMRA-SC GCA all exposure population was 138.5 patient years during the 12-month double blind, placebo-controlled phase of the study. The overall safety profile observed in the ACTEMRA-SC treatment groups was generally consistent with the known safety profile of ACTEMRA. There was an overall higher incidence of infections in GCA patients relative to RA patients. The rate of infection/serious infection events was 200.2/9.7 events per 100 patient years in the ACTEMRA-SC weekly group and 160.2/4.4 events per 100 patient years in the ACTEMRA-SC every other week group as compared to 156.0/4.2 events per 100 patient years in the placebo + 26 week prednisone taper and 210.2/12.5 events per 100 patient years in the placebo + 52 week taper groups. 6.4 Clinical Trials Experience in Giant Cell Arteritis Patients Treated With Intravenous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-IV) The safety of ACTEMRA-IV was studied in an open label PK-PD and safety study in 24 patients with GCA who were in remission on ACTEMRA-IV at time of enrollment. Patients received ACTEMRA 7 mg/kg every 4 weeks for 20 weeks, followed by 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. The total patient years exposure to treatment was 17.5 years. The overall safety profile observed for ACTEMRA administered intravenously in GCA patients was consistent with the known safety profile of ACTEMRA. 6.5 Clinical Trials Experience in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Patients Treated with Subcutaneous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-SC) The safety of subcutaneous ACTEMRA was evaluated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies (WA29767 and WA27788). In the Phase 3 Study WA29767, 212 patients with SSc were randomized to tocilizumab 162 mg administered every week subcutaneously or placebo for 48 weeks, followed by open-label tocilizumab 162 mg administered subcutaneously every week for another 48 weeks. In the Phase 2/3 Study WA27788, 87 patients were randomized to tocilizumab 162 mg administered every week subcutaneously or placebo for 48 weeks, followed by open-label tocilizumab 162 mg administered subcutaneously every week for another 48 weeks. The safety profile for ACTEMRA through week 48 in WA29767 was comparable for SSc-ILD and SSc patients overall, and in both studies was consistent with the known safety profile of ACTEMRA. Immunogenicity In the two clinical studies, WA29767 and WA27788, the incidence of treatment-induced anti-TCZ antibodies at week 96 was low (3 out of 169 patients, 1.8%). These anti-drug antibodies were of neutralizing potential, and none of the patients experienced hypersensitivity reactions. 6.6 Clinical Trials Experience in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients Treated With Intravenous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-IV) The safety of ACTEMRA-IV was studied in 188 pediatric patients 2 to 17 years of age with PJIA who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to methotrexate. The total patient exposure in the ACTEMRA-IV all exposure population (defined as patients who received at least one dose of ACTEMRA-IV) was 184.4 patient years. At baseline, approximately half of the patients were taking oral corticosteroids and almost 80% were taking methotrexate. In general, the types of adverse drug reactions in patients with PJIA were consistent with those seen in RA and SJIA patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 and 6.8) ] . Infections The rate of infections in the ACTEMRA-IV all exposure population was 163.7 per 100 patient years. The most common events observed were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The rate of serious infections was numerically higher in patients weighing less than 30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (12.2 per 100 patient years) compared to patients weighing at or above 30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (4.0 per 100 patient years). The incidence of infections leading to dose interruptions was also numerically higher in patients weighing less than 30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (21%) compared to patients weighing at or above 30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (8%). Infusion Reactions In PJIA patients, infusion-related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the ACTEMRA-IV all exposure population, 11 patients (6%) experienced an event during the infusion, and 38 patients (20.2%) experienced an event within 24 hours of an infusion. The most common events occurring during infusion were headache, nausea and hypotension, and occurring within 24 hours of infusion were dizziness and hypotension. In general, the adverse drug reactions observed during or within 24 hours of an infusion were similar in nature to those seen in RA and SJIA patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 and 6.8) ] . No clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported. Immunogenicity One patient, in the 10 mg/kg less than 30 kg group, developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies without developing a hypersensitivity reaction and subsequently withdrew from the study. Laboratory Abnormalities Neutropenia During routine laboratory monitoring in the ACTEMRA-IV all exposure population, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 × 10 9 per L occurred in 3.7% of patients. There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 × 10 9 per L and the occurrence of serious infections. Thrombocytopenia During routine laboratory monitoring in the ACTEMRA-IV all exposure population, 1% of patients had a decrease in platelet count at or less than 50,000 per mm 3 without associated bleeding events. Elevated Liver Enzymes During routine laboratory monitoring in the ACTEMRA-IV all exposure population, elevation in ALT or AST at or greater than 3 × ULN occurred in 4% and less than 1% of patients, respectively. Lipids During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, elevation in total cholesterol greater than 1.5-2 × ULN occurred in one patient (0.5%) and elevation in LDL greater than 1.5-2 × ULN occurred in one patient (0.5%). 6.7 Clinical Trials Experience in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients Treated With Subcutaneous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-SC) The safety of ACTEMRA-SC was studied in 52 pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age with PJIA who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to methotrexate. The total patient exposure in the PJIA ACTEMRA-SC population (defined as patients who received at least one dose of ACTEMRA-SC and accounting for treatment discontinuation) was 49.5 patient years. In general, the safety observed for ACTEMRA administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous ACTEMRA, with the exception of injection site reactions (ISRs), and neutropenia. Injection Site Reactions During the 1-year study, a frequency of 28.8% (15/52) ISRs was observed in ACTEMRA-SC treated PJIA patients. These ISRs occurred in a greater proportion of patients at or above 30 kg (44.0%) compared with patients below 30 kg (14.8%). All ISRs were mild in severity and none of the ISRs required patient withdrawal from treatment or dose interruption. A higher frequency of ISRs was observed in ACTEMRA-SC treated PJIA patients compared to what was seen in adult RA or GCA patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.2 and 6.3) ] . Immunogenicity Three patients, 1 patient below 30 kg and 2 patients at or above 30 kg, developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies with neutralizing potential without developing a serious or clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction. One patient subsequently withdrew from the study. Neutropenia During routine laboratory monitoring in the ACTEMRA-SC all exposure population, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 × 10 9 per L occurred in 15.4% of patients, and was more frequently observed in the patients less than 30 kg (25.9%) compared to patients at or above 30 kg (4.0%). There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 × 10 9 per L and the occurrence of serious infections. 6.8 Clinical Trials Experience in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients Treated with Intravenous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-IV) The data described below reflect exposure to ACTEMRA-IV in one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 112 pediatric patients with SJIA 2 to 17 years of age who had an inadequate clinical response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids due to toxicity or lack of efficacy. At baseline, approximately half of the patients were taking 0.3 mg/kg/day corticosteroids or more, and almost 70% were taking methotrexate. The trial included a 12 week controlled phase followed by an open-label extension. In the 12 week double-blind, controlled portion of the clinical study 75 patients received treatment with ACTEMRA-IV (8 or 12 mg per kg based upon body weight). After 12 weeks or at the time of escape, due to disease worsening, patients were treated with ACTEMRA-IV in the open-label extension phase. The most common adverse events (at least 5%) seen in ACTEMRA-IV treated patients in the 12 week controlled portion of the study were: upper respiratory tract infection, headache, nasopharyngitis and diarrhea. Infections In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of all infections in the ACTEMRA-IV group was 345 per 100 patient-years and 287 per 100 patient-years in the placebo group. In the open label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, the overall rate of infections was 304 per 100 patient-years. In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of serious infections in the ACTEMRA-IV group was 11.5 per 100 patient years. In the open label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, the overall rate of serious infections was 11.4 per 100 patient years. The most commonly reported serious infections included pneumonia, gastroenteritis, varicella, and otitis media. Macrophage Activation Syndrome In the 12 week controlled study, no patient in any treatment group experienced macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) while on assigned treatment; 3 per 112 (3%) developed MAS during open-label treatment with ACTEMRA-IV. One patient in the placebo group escaped to ACTEMRA-IV 12 mg per kg at Week 2 due to severe disease activity, and ultimately developed MAS at Day 70. Two additional patients developed MAS during the long-term extension. All 3 patients had ACTEMRA-IV dose interrupted (2 patients) or discontinued (1 patient) for the MAS event, received treatment, and the MAS resolved without sequelae. Based on a limited number of cases, the incidence of MAS does not appear to be elevated in the ACTEMRA-IV SJIA clinical development experience; however no definitive conclusions can be made. Infusion Reactions Patients were not premedicated, however most patients were on concomitant corticosteroids as part of their background treatment for SJIA. Infusion related reactions were defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours after an infusion. In the 12 week controlled phase, 4% of ACTEMRA-IV and 0% of placebo treated patients experienced events occurring during infusion. One event (angioedema) was considered serious and life-threatening, and the patient was discontinued from study treatment. Within 24 hours after infusion, 16% of patients in the ACTEMRA-IV treatment group and 5% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event. In the ACTEMRA-IV group the events included rash, urticaria, diarrhea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache. One of these events, urticaria, was considered serious. Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis was reported in 1 out of 112 patients (less than 1%) treated with ACTEMRA-IV during the controlled and open label extension study [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Immunogenicity All 112 patients were tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies at baseline. Two patients developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies: one of these patients experienced serious adverse events of urticaria and angioedema consistent with an anaphylactic reaction which led to withdrawal; the other patient developed macrophage activation syndrome while on escape therapy and was discontinued from the study. Laboratory Abnormalities Neutropenia During routine monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, a decrease in neutrophil below 1 × 10 9 per L occurred in 7% of patients in the ACTEMRA-IV group, and in no patients in the placebo group. In the open label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, a decreased neutrophil count occurred in 17% of the ACTEMRA-IV group. There was no clear relationship between decrease in neutrophils below 1 × 10 9 per L and the occurrence of serious infections. Thrombocytopenia During routine monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, 1% of patients in the ACTEMRA-IV group and 3% in the placebo group had a decrease in platelet count to no more than 100,000 per mm 3 . In the open label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, decreased platelet count occurred in 4% of patients in the ACTEMRA-IV group, with no associated bleeding. Elevated Liver Enzymes During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in ALT or AST at or above 3× ULN occurred in 5% and 3% of patients, respectively in the ACTEMRA-IV group and in 0% of placebo patients. In the open label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, the elevation in ALT or AST at or above 3× ULN occurred in 13% and 5% of ACTEMRA-IV treated patients, respectively. Lipids During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in total cholesterol greater than 1.5× ULN – 2× ULN occurred in 1.5% of the ACTEMRA-IV group and in 0% of placebo patients. Elevation in LDL greater than 1.5× ULN – 2× ULN occurred in 1.9% of patients in the ACTEMRA-IV group and 0% of the placebo group. In the open label extension study over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with the 12 week controlled study data. 6.9 Clinical Trials Experience in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients Treated with Subcutaneous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-SC) The safety profile of ACTEMRA-SC was studied in 51 pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age with SJIA who had an inadequate clinical response to NSAIDs and corticosteroids. In general, the safety observed for ACTEMRA administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous ACTEMRA, with the exception of ISRs where a higher frequency was observed in ACTEMRA-SC treated SJIA patients compared to PJIA patients and adult RA or GCA patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.2 , 6.3 and 6.7) ] . Injection Site Reactions (ISRs) A total of 41.2% (21/51) SJIA patients experienced ISRs to ACTEMRA-SC. The most common ISRs were erythema, pruritus, pain, and swelling at the injection site. The majority of ISRs reported were Grade 1 events and all ISRs reported were non-serious and none required patient withdrawal from treatment or dose interruption. Immunogenicity Forty-six of the 51 (90.2%) patients who were tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies at baseline had at least one post-baseline screening assay result. No patient developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies post-baseline. 6.10 Clinical Trials Experience in Patients with Cytokine Release Syndrome Treated with Intravenous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-IV) In a retrospective analysis of pooled outcome data from multiple clinical trials 45 patients were treated with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (12 mg/kg for patients less than 30 kg) with or without additional high-dose corticosteroids for severe or life-threatening CAR T-cell-induced CRS. A median of 1 dose of tocilizumab (range, 1-4 doses) was administered. No adverse reactions related to tocilizumab were reported [see Clinical Studies (14.10) ] . 6.11 Clinical Trials Experience in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Intravenous ACTEMRA (ACTEMRA-IV) The safety of ACTEMRA in hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients was evaluated in a pooled safety population that includes patients enrolled in EMPACTA, COVACTA, AND REMDACTA. The analysis of adverse reactions included a total of 974 patients exposed to ACTEMRA. Patients received a single, 60-minute infusion of intravenous ACTEMRA 8 mg/kg (maximum dose of 800 mg). If clinical signs or symptoms worsened or did not improve, one additional dose of ACTEMRA 8 mg/kg could be administered between 8- 24 hours after the initial dose. Adverse reactions summarized in Table 3 occurred in at least 3% of ACTEMRA-treated patients and more commonly than in patients on placebo in the pooled safety population. Table 3 Adverse Reactions Patients are counted once for each category regardless of the number of reactions Identified From the Pooled COVID-19 Adult Safety Population Adverse Reaction ACTEMRA 8 mg per kg Placebo N = 974 (%) N = 483 (%) Hepatic Transaminases increased 10% 8% Constipation 9 % 8% Urinary tract infection 5% 4% Hypertension 4% 1% Hypokalaemia 4% 3% Anxiety 4% 2% Diarrhea 4% 2% Insomnia 4% 3% Nausea 3% 2% In the pooled safety population, the rates of infection/serious infection events were 30%/19% in patients receiving ACTEMRA versus 32%/23% receiving placebo. Laboratory Abnormalities In the pooled adult safety population of EMPACTA, COVACTA, and REMDACTA, neutrophil counts <1000 cells/mcl occurred in 3.4% of patients who received ACTEMRA and 0.5% of patients who received placebo. Platelet counts <50,000 cells/mcl occurred in 3.2% of patients who received ACTEMRA and 1.5% of patients who received placebo. ALT or AST at or above 5× ULN occurred in 11.7% of patients who received ACTEMRA and 9.9% of patients who received placebo. 6.12 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ACTEMRA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Fatal anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Pancreatitis Drug-induced liver injury, Hepatitis, Hepatic failure, Jaundice [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypofibrinogenemia
Drug Interactions
7.1 Concomitant Drugs for Treatment of Adult Indications In RA patients, population pharmacokinetic analyses did not detect any effect of methotrexate (MTX), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids on tocilizumab clearance. Concomitant administration of a single intravenous dose of 10 mg/kg ACTEMRA with 10-25 mg MTX once weekly had no clinically significant effect on MTX exposure. ACTEMRA has not been studied in combination with biological DMARDs such as TNF antagonists [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . In GCA patients, no effect of concomitant corticosteroid on tocilizumab exposure was observed. 7.2 Interactions with CYP450 Substrates Cytochrome P450s in the liver are down-regulated by infection and inflammation stimuli including cytokines such as IL-6. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling in RA patients treated with tocilizumab may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels than those in the absence of tocilizumab leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates. In vitro studies showed that tocilizumab has the potential to affect expression of multiple CYP enzymes including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Its effect on CYP2C8 or transporters is unknown. In vivo studies with omeprazole, metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, and simvastatin, metabolized by CYP3A4, showed up to a 28% and 57% decrease in exposure one week following a single dose of ACTEMRA, respectively. The effect of tocilizumab on CYP enzymes may be clinically relevant for CYP450 substrates with narrow therapeutic index, where the dose is individually adjusted. Upon initiation or discontinuation of ACTEMRA, in patients being treated with these types of medicinal products, perform therapeutic monitoring of effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) and the individual dose of the medicinal product adjusted as needed. Exercise caution when coadministering ACTEMRA with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where decrease in effectiveness is undesirable, e.g., oral contraceptives, lovastatin, atorvastatin, etc. The effect of tocilizumab on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Live Vaccines Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with ACTEMRA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] .
Storage & Handling
Storage and Handling: Do not use beyond expiration date on the container, package, prefilled syringe, or autoinjector. ACTEMRA must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2ºC to 8ºC). Do not freeze. Protect the vials, syringes, and autoinjectors from light by storage in the original package until time of use, and keep syringes and autoinjectors dry. Once removed from the refrigerator, the prefilled syringe and autoinjector can be stored up to 2 weeks at or below 86°F (30°C). The prefilled syringe and autoinjector must always be kept in the carton.
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