Tocilizumab is a biological therapy and can be prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis (roo-ma-toy-d arth-ri-tus), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or giant cell arteritis.. Important Information. However, the government guidelines say that both men and women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, and that you should spread these through the week rather than having them all in one go.It’s usually recommended that people on tocilizumab avoid the following live vaccines:However, sometimes a live vaccine may be necessary, such as rubella immunisation in women of childbearing age. Tocilizumab may also cause a perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines. This can cause inflammation and damage, and in children can cause a fever and rashes. You may need a course of treatment for latent TB before starting tocilizumab. The current advice is not to breastfeed while taking it. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Tocilizumab affects your immune system. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 01, 2020Copyright © 2020 IBM Watson Health.

These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. If you take tocilizumab subcutaneously (by injection or injection pen), it should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery.It is recommended that you stop taking tocilizumab three months before conceiving. These include:It is important that any infections are treated as soon as possible.If you think you may have an infection, or you become unwell in any way, contact your If you’re prescribed antibiotics, speak to your rheumatology team and cancel your tocilizumab infusion. Do not have any vaccinations during your treatment without talking to your doctor.If you’re offered a shingles vaccination, it’s best if you can have this at least 14 days before starting tocilizumab.Shingles vaccination isn’t recommended for people whilst receiving tocilizumab.Patients older than 50 should undergo vaccination against shingles, unless there is a good reason not to. However I have also been on Prednisolone for 3 years, only managing to get off it 5 weeks ago (not that successfully as deteriorated) so had always blamed the weight gain …

Registered office: Copeman House, St Mary’s Court, St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield S41 7TD. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. unexplained weight loss unsteadiness or awkwardness weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. While taking this drug, it is recommended that you use contraception, and for three months after stopping treatment.It is not recommended that you take tocilizumab during pregnancy. Some services may be fulfilled by Versus Arthritis Trading Ltd. As a result, you will need a blood test every four weeks while taking tocilizumab.You may feel dizzy while taking tocilizumab. It causes joint pain and inflammation. Tocilizumab is a biological therapy and can be prescribed for If you have rheumatoid arthritis, or another autoimmune or inflammatory condition, there may be too much of the IL-6 protein in your body. All rights reserved. it is recommended that all patients receiving biologic therapies continue to have a yearly flu vaccination.If you take tocilizumab intravenously, it should be stopped at least four weeks before surgery. However, if you unintentionally take it during the first three months of your pregnancy, it is unlikely to cause harm to your baby.We don’t yet know whether tocilizumab can pass into breast milk and be harmful to babies. Tocilizumab works by blocking the effects of IL-6.Tocilizumab will work within three to six months, if it is going to work at all. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 207711, SC041156.

However, it is unlikely to be harmful.Versus Arthritis was formed in 2018 following a merger of Arthritis Care and Arthritis Research UK.© Versus Arthritis 2018. Temporarily stop your injections until the infection has cleared up.If you’re living with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, it is important that you discuss any potential risks of taking tocilizumab with your Tocilizumab can increase your cholesterol levels and can also affect liver function tests. Registered Charity Nos. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, or another autoimmune or inflammatory condition, there may be too much of the IL-6 protein in your body. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. The annual flu vaccine is also recommended if you’re taking tocilizumab.If possible, all vaccinations for children should be brought up to date before beginning treatment. You will also have a chest x-ray six months after starting treatment.Rheumatoid arthritis is the UK’s second most common arthritis. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).

Shingles vaccination isn’t recommended for children on tocilizumab.Pneumococcal (new-mow-cock-all) vaccine, which protects against the most common cause of pneumonia, and yearly flu vaccines are safe and recommended.