TOCILIZUMAB (TOE si LIZ ue mab) treats autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system. It may also be used to treat severe COVID-19 in people who are hospitalized. It is a monoclonal antibody.

This medication is injected into a vein or under the skin. It may be given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use it exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

If you use a pen, be sure to take off the outer needle cover before using the dose.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Increase in blood pressure
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You will be instructed on how to store this medication. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cancer
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Heart disease
• Hepatitis B or history of hepatitis B infection
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Immune system problems
• Infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, herpes
• Infection, such as tuberculosis (TB), or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, such as low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• Multiple sclerosis
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Stroke
• An unusual or allergic reaction to tocilizumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Biologic medications, such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, secukinumab, ustekinumab
• Certain medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin
• Cyclosporine
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Omeprazole
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Theophylline
• Vaccines
• Warfarin

If you get this medication at the hospital or clinic: It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

If you give yourself this medication at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Call your care team with questions.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while taking this medication.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribes any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.