Often used for:
Treatment of cytokine release syndrome, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
About tocilizumab
Tocilizumab blocks IL-6 receptors to manage CRS and inflammatory conditions. Patients are monitored with lab tests and vital signs, and screened for infections such as TB and hepatitis B.
Abacavir and lamivudine at home
- Take with or without food. Taking with meals may lessen stomach problems.
- Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break unless directed by the pharmacist.
- Talk to your care team about ways to make swallowing the medicine easier.
- If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
- Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Follow pharmacy instructions if the medicine needs protection from light.
- Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
Possible side effects
- Increased infection risk
- Headache
- Cold-like symptoms
- Injection-site irritation
- High blood pressure
- Low blood counts
- Liver problems
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Tears in the stomach or intestines
- Infusion reactions (chills, shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, low blood pressure, facial swelling)
- Not all patients experience these effects. Report all symptoms.
Tips for patients and families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your care provider or pharmacist.
- Tell all of your child's health care providers that your child is taking this medicine. This includes your child's doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If your child stops taking this medicine for any reason, they should not restart it without talking to your care team.
- Do not give your child other medicines that contain alcohol or allow your child to drink alcohol while they take this medicine.
- It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
