Tocilizumab

Trade name

Actemra

Strength

Vial: 20 mg/mL (volume: 4 mL, 10 mL, 20 mL)

Prefilled syringe: 162 mg/0.9 mL

Prefilled pen: 162 mg/0.9 mL

IV administration

Vial only:

Patients less than 30 kg:

Dilute dose to a final volume of 50 mL and gently invert the bag to mix. Do not shake. Give over 1 hour.

Patients equal to or more than 30 kg:

Dilute dose to a final volume of 100 mL and gently invert the bag to mix. Do not shake. Give over 1 hour.

Allow diluted solution to reach room temperature prior to administration.

Other routes of administration

IM: Not recommended.

SC: Suitable. Prefilled syringe and prefilled pen only. Do not shake. Give undiluted. 

Prefilled syringe: Remove from refrigerator, allow to come to room temperature for 25 to 30 minutes before injecting. After removing the cap, the injection should be started within 5 minutes.

Prefilled pen (12 years and above): Remove from refrigerator, allow to come to room temperature for 45 minutes before injecting. After removing the cap, the injection should be started within 3 minutes.

Compatible IV fluids

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Additional information

Observe closely for anaphylactic reactions.

Solution should be clear to opalescent, colourless to pale yellow.

Refrigerate, do not freeze.

Protect from light during storage and administration. 

Discard any unused vial, syringe, or pen contents.

Infusion only: Use only when facilities for cardiac monitoring and cardio-respiratory resuscitation exist. Observe closely for 30 minutes after completion of infusion.

SC administration with prefilled syringe/prefilled pen: First dose should be administered under medical supervision.

Changing from IV to SC: Start SC administration when next IV dose is due.