[ "Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Receptor Antagonists" ]
[ "Immunomodulators", "Monoclonal Antibodies" ]
[ "Immunomodulatory Agents", "Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs" ]
00529b23-850a-42b9-a152-125a95b5242c
TOFIDENCE (tocilizumab-bavi) 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).
TOFIDENCE™ (tocilizumab-bavi) is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients.
TOFIDENCE™ (tocilizumab-bavi) is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older.
TOFIDENCE™ (tocilizumab-bavi) is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older.
TOFIDENCE™ (tocilizumab-bavi) is indicated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized adult patients who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Not Recommended for Concomitant Use with Biological DMARDs
Tocilizumab products have 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 TOFIDENCE with biological DMARDs.
Baseline Laboratory Evaluation Prior to Treatment
Obtain and assess baseline complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests prior to treatment.
TOFIDENCE may be used as monotherapy or concomitantly with methotrexate or other non-biologic DMARDs as an intravenous infusion.
Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen:
The recommended dosage of TOFIDENCE 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.
When transitioning from intravenous therapy with TOFIDENCE to subcutaneous therapy with another tocilizumab product, administer the first subcutaneous dose instead of the next scheduled intravenous dose.
Interruption of dose is recommended for management of certain dose-related laboratory changes including elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)and Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4).
Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen:
The recommended dosage of TOFIDENCE 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.
TOFIDENCE can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids.
When transitioning from intravenous therapy with TOFIDENCE to subcutaneous therapy with another tocilizumab product, administer the first subcutaneous dose instead of the next scheduled intravenous dose.
TOFIDENCE may be used as an intravenous infusion 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 TOFIDENCE for PJIA patients given once every 4 weeks as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="75%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="45%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="55%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">Recommended Intravenous PJIA Dosage Every 4 Weeks</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients less than 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10 mg per kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients at or above 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8 mg per kg</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
When transitioning from intravenous therapy with TOFIDENCE to subcutaneous therapy with another tocilizumab product, 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 (2.8)].
TOFIDENCE may be used as an intravenous infusion 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 TOFIDENCE for SJIA patients given once every 2 weeks as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="75%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="45%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="55%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">Recommended Intravenous SJIA Dosage Every 2 Weeks</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients less than 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">12 mg per kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients at or above 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8 mg per kg</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
When transitioning from intravenous therapy with TOFIDENCE to subcutaneous therapy with another tocilizumab product, 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 (2.8)].
Administer TOFIDENCE by intravenous infusion only.
The recommended dosage of TOFIDENCE for treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 is 8 mg per kg administered as a single 60-minute intravenous infusion. If clinical signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve after the first dose, one additional infusion of TOFIDENCE may be administered at least 8 hours after the initial infusion.
TOFIDENCE for intravenous infusion should be diluted by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique as follows:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="80%"> <col align="left" valign="middle" width="10%"/> <col align="left" valign="middle" width="50%"/> <col align="left" valign="middle" width="40%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3">For Intravenous Use: Volume of TOFIDENCE Injection per kg of Body Weight</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Dosage</th><th align="left" class="Rrule">Indication</th><th align="left" class="Rrule">Volume of TOFIDENCE injection per kg of body weight</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">4 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Adult RA</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.2 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">6 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Adult GCA</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.3 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">8 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Adult RA <br/> Adult COVID-19 <br/> SJIA and PJIA (greater than or equal to 30 kg of body weight) </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.4 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">10 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">PJIA (less than 30 kg of body weight)</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.5 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">12 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">SJIA (less than 30 kg of body weight)</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.6 mL/kg</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Serious Infections
Hold TOFIDENCE treatment if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled.
Laboratory Abnormalities
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Giant Cell Arteritis
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="80%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="40%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="40%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="center" class="Botrule Lrule Rrule" colspan="3">Liver Enzyme Abnormalities <span class="Italics">[see <a href="#S5.3">Warnings and Precautions (5.3</a>, <a href="#S5.4">5.4)</a>] </span></th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Lab Value</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for RA</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for GCA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Greater than 1 to 3× ULN</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Dose modify concomitant DMARDs if appropriate. <br/> For persistent increases in this range: <ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous TOFIDENCE, reduce dose to 4 mg per kg or hold TOFIDENCE until ALT or AST have normalized.</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Dose modify immunomodulatory agents if appropriate <br/> For persistent increases in this range: <ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous TOFIDENCE, hold TOFIDENCE until ALT or AST have normalized.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Greater than 3 to 5× ULN <br/> (confirmed by repeat testing) </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold TOFIDENCE dosing until less than 3× ULN and follow recommendations above for greater than 1 to 3× ULN. <br/> For persistent increases greater than 3× ULN, discontinue TOFIDENCE. </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold TOFIDENCE dosing until less than 3× ULN and follow recommendations above for greater than 1 to 3× ULN. <br/> For persistent increases greater than 3× ULN, discontinue TOFIDENCE. </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Greater than 5× ULN</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue TOFIDENCE.</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue TOFIDENCE.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="80%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="24%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="38%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="38%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="left" class="Botrule Lrule Rrule" colspan="3">Low Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) <span class="Italics">[see <a href="#S5.4">Warnings and Precautions (5.4)</a>] </span></th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Lab Value <br/> (cells per mm <span class="Sup">3</span>) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for RA</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for GCA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ANC greater than 1000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Maintain dose.</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Maintain dose.</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ANC 500 to 1000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold TOFIDENCE dosing. <br/> When ANC greater than 1000 cells per mm <span class="Sup">3:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous TOFIDENCE, resume TOFIDENCE at 4 mg per kg and increase to 8 mg per kg as clinically appropriate.</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold TOFIDENCE dosing. <br/> When ANC greater than 1000 cells per mm <span class="Sup">3</span>: <ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous TOFIDENCE, resume TOFIDENCE at 6 mg per kg.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ANC less than 500</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue TOFIDENCE.</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue TOFIDENCE.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="80%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="24%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="38%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="38%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="left" class="Botrule Lrule Rrule" colspan="3">Low Platelet Count <span class="Italics">[see <a href="#S5.4">Warnings and Precautions (5.4)</a>] </span></th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Lab Value (cells per mm <span class="Sup">3</span>) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for RA</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for GCA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">50,000 to 100,000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold TOFIDENCE dosing. <br/> When platelet count is greater than 100,000 cells per mm <span class="Sup">3</span>: <ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous TOFIDENCE, resume TOFIDENCE at 4 mg per kg and increase to 8 mg per kg as clinically appropriate.</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold TOFIDENCE dosing When platelet count is greater than 100,000 cells per mm <span class="Sup">3</span>: <ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous TOFIDENCE, resume TOFIDENCE at 6 mg per kg.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Less than 50,000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue TOFIDENCE.</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue TOFIDENCE.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Polyarticular and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Dose reduction of tocilizumab products has not been studied in the PJIA and SJIA populations. Dose interruptions of TOFIDENCE 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 TOFIDENCE dosing until the clinical situation has been evaluated. In PJIA and SJIA the decision to discontinue TOFIDENCE for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the medical assessment of the individual patient.
Intravenous Infusion
Injection: 80 mg/4 mL, 200 mg/10 mL, 400 mg/20 mL as a clear to opalescent, colorless to light yellow solution in 20 mg/mL single-dose vials for further dilution prior to intravenous infusion.
TOFIDENCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
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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 tocilizumab products. 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 tocilizumab products. 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 TOFIDENCE in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating TOFIDENCE in patients:
Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with TOFIDENCE, as signs and symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened due to suppression of the acute phase reactants [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Adverse Reactions (6.1), and Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Hold TOFIDENCE if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with TOFIDENCE 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 TOFIDENCE. There is limited information regarding the use of tocilizumab products in patients with COVID-19 and concomitant active serious infections. The risks and benefits of treatment with TOFIDENCE 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 TOFIDENCE. In patients with COVID-19, testing for latent infection is not necessary prior to initiating treatment with TOFIDENCE.
Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of TOFIDENCE 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 TOFIDENCE.
Viral Reactivation
Viral reactivation has been reported with immunosuppressive biologic therapies and cases of herpes zoster exacerbation were observed in clinical studies with tocilizumab. No cases of Hepatitis B reactivation were observed in the trials; however patients who screened positive for hepatitis were excluded.
Events of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in clinical trials, primarily as complications of diverticulitis in patients treated with tocilizumab. Use TOFIDENCE 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)].
Serious cases of hepatic injury have been observed in patients taking intravenous tocilizumab products. 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 products. 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 tocilizumab was associated with a higher incidence of transaminase elevations [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.3, 6.4)]. Increased frequency and magnitude of these elevations was observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., MTX) were used in combination with tocilizumab.
For RA and GCA patients, obtain a liver test panel (serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) before initiating TOFIDENCE, 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 TOFIDENCE treatment in RA or GCA 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 TOFIDENCE. For recommended modifications based upon increase in transaminases [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)].
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 TOFIDENCE should balance the potential benefit of treating COVID-19 against the potential risks of acute treatment with TOFIDENCE. It is not recommended to initiate TOFIDENCE 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), TOFIDENCE treatment should be interrupted and investigation done to establish the probable cause. TOFIDENCE 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 tocilizumab products 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.
Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis and Coronavirus Disease 2019
Neutropenia
Treatment with tocilizumab products 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 TOFIDENCE treatment in RA and GCA 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 3treatment 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 (2.8).
– It is not recommended to initiate TOFIDENCE treatment in COVID-19 patients with an ANC less than 1000 per mm 3. Neutrophils should be monitored.
Thrombocytopenia
Treatment with tocilizumab products 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)].
– It is not recommended to initiate TOFIDENCE treatment in RA and GCA patients with a platelet count below 100,000 per mm 3. In patients who develop a platelet count less than 50,000 per mm 3treatment 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 (2.8).
– 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 (2.8).
Lipid Abnormalities
Treatment with tocilizumab products was associated with increases in lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and/or HDL cholesterol [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
– Assess lipid parameters approximately 4 to 8 weeks following initiation of TOFIDENCE 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 tocilizumab products 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 (2.8)].
The impact of treatment with tocilizumab products on the development of malignancies is not known but malignancies were observed in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. TOFIDENCE is an immunosuppressant, and treatment with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of malignancies.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in association with tocilizumab products and anaphylactic events with a fatal outcome have been reported with intravenous infusion of tocilizumab products. 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 tocilizumab and 0.2% (8 out of 4009) of patients in the intravenous all-exposure RA population. In the SJIA controlled trial with intravenous tocilizumab, 1 out of 112 patients (0.9%) experienced hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation. In the PJIA controlled trial with intravenous tocilizumab 0 out of 188 patients (0%) in the tocilizumab all-exposure population experienced hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation. Reactions that required treatment discontinuation included generalized erythema, rash, and urticaria.
In the postmarketing setting, events of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and death have occurred in patients treated with a range of doses of intravenous tocilizumab products, 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 tocilizumab products [see Adverse Reactions (6.6)]. In addition, serious cutaneous reactions, including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), have been reported in patients with autoinflammatory conditions treated with tocilizumab products.
TOFIDENCE for intravenous use should only be infused by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately discontinue TOFIDENCE, treat promptly and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve.
The impact of treatment with tocilizumab products 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 TOFIDENCE in patients with preexisting or recent onset demyelinating disorders.
Treatment with TOFIDENCE is not recommended in patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with TOFIDENCE 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 tocilizumab products.
No data are available on the effectiveness of vaccination in patients receiving tocilizumab products. 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 TOFIDENCE therapy. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of TOFIDENCE therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
The tocilizumab-IV data in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) includes 5 double-blind, controlled, multicenter studies. In these studies, patients received doses of tocilizumab-IV 8 mg per kg monotherapy (288 patients), tocilizumab-IV 8 mg per kg in combination with DMARDs (including methotrexate) (1582 patients), or tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV and 3% for placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions that required discontinuation of tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab 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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 3occurred in 1.8% and 3.4% of patients in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab-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 3occurred within 8 weeks of starting therapy. Decreases in neutrophil counts below 500 per mm 3occurred in 0.4% and 0.3% of patients in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab-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 3and 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 3occurred in 1.3% and 1.7% of patients on 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV, or reduction in tocilizumab-IV dose, resulted in decrease or normalization of liver enzymes [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)]. 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)].
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <caption> <span>Table 1 Incidence of Liver Enzyme Abnormalities in the 24 Week Controlled Period of Studies I to V <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-1" name="footnote-reference-1">*</a></span> </caption> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="16%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg MONOTHERAPY </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Methotrexate</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + DMARDs </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + DMARDs </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + DMARDs</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 288 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 284 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 774 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 1582 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 1170 <br/> (%) </th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="6" valign="top">ULN = Upper Limit of Normal</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="6"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-1" name="footnote-1">*</a> </dt> <dd>For a description of these studies, see Section 14, Clinical Studies. </dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">AST (U/L)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">> ULN to 3× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">22</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">26</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">34</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">41</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">17</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">> 3× ULN to 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">> 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">< 0.1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">ALT (U/L)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">> ULN to 3× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">36</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">45</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">48</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">23</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">> 3× ULN to 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">> 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
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 tocilizumab-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:
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
The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in other studies, including those of tocilizumab or of other tocilizumab products.
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 tocilizumab-IV, compared to 8 malignancies in patients in the control groups. Exposure-adjusted incidence was similar in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV plus DMARD and at least 1% greater than that observed in patients on placebo plus DMARD are summarized in Table 2 .
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <caption> <span>Table 2 Adverse Reactions Occurring in at Least 2% or More of Patients on 4 or 8 mg per kg Tocilizumab plus DMARD and at Least 1% Greater Than That Observed in Patients on Placebo plus DMARD</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="middle" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="16%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="16%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="center" class="Botrule Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">24 Week Phase 3 Controlled Study Population</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" rowspan="2">Preferred Term</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg MONOTHERAPY </th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Methotrexate</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + DMARDs </th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + DMARDs </th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Placebo + DMARDs</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 288 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 284 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 774 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 1582 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N =1170 <br/> (%) </th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Upper Respiratory Tract Infection</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Nasopharyngitis</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Headache</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hypertension</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ALT increased</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Dizziness</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Bronchitis</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Rash</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mouth Ulceration</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Abdominal Pain Upper</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Gastritis</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Transaminase increased</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Other infrequent and medically relevant adverse reactions occurring at an incidence less than 2% in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with tocilizumab-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
The safety of tocilizumab-IV was studied in an open label PK-PD and safety study in 24 patients with GCA who were in remission on tocilizumab-IV at time of enrollment. Patients received tocilizumab 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 safety of tocilizumab by another route of administration has been studied in one Phase III study with 251 GCA patients. The total patient years duration was 138.5 patient years during the 12-month double blind, placebo-controlled phase of the study. The overall safety profile observed was generally consistent with the known safety profile of tocilizumab. There was an overall higher incidence of infections in GCA patients relative to RA patients.
The overall safety profile observed for tocilizumab administered intravenously in GCA patients was consistent with the known safety profile of tocilizumab.
The safety of tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV all exposure population (defined as patients who received at least one dose of tocilizumab-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 (6.1and 6.4)].
Infections
The rate of infections in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 (6.1and 6.4)].
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 tocilizumab-IV all exposure population, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 × 10 9per L occurred in 3.7% of patients.
There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 × 10 9per L and the occurrence of serious infections.
Thrombocytopenia
During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab-IV all exposure population, 1% of patients had a decrease in platelet count at or less than 50,000 per mm 3without associated bleeding events.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab-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%).
The data described below reflect exposure to tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV in the open-label extension phase.
The most common adverse events (at least 5%) seen in tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV. One patient in the placebo group escaped to tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV treatment group and 5% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event. In the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 9per L occurred in 7% of patients in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV group. There was no clear relationship between decrease in neutrophils below 1 × 10 9per L and the occurrence of serious infections.
Thrombocytopenia
During routine monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, 1% of patients in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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.
The safety of tocilizumab in hospitalized 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 tocilizumab. Patients received a single, 60-minute infusion of intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (maximum dose of 800 mg). If clinical signs or symptoms worsened or did not improve, one additional dose of tocilizumab 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 tocilizumab -treated patients and more commonly than in patients on placebo in the pooled safety population.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="75%"> <caption> <span>Table 3 Adverse Reactions <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-2" name="footnote-reference-2">*</a>Identified From the Pooled COVID-19 Safety Population </span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="50%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="25%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="25%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Adverse Reaction</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8mg per kg </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 974 <br/> (%) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 483 <br/> (%) </th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="3"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-2" name="footnote-2">*</a> </dt> <dd>Patients are counted once for each category regardless of the number of reactions</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hepatic Transaminases increased</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Constipation</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">9%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Urinary tract infection</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hypertension</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hypokalaemia</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Anxiety</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Diarrhea</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Insomnia</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3%</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Nausea</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
In the pooled safety population, the rates of infection/serious infection events were 30%/19% in patients receiving tocilizumab versus 32%/23% receiving placebo.
Laboratory Abnormalities
In the pooled safety population of EMPACTA, COVACTA, and REMDACTA, neutrophil counts <1000 cells/mcl occurred in 3.4% of patients who received tocilizumab and 0.5% of patients who received placebo. Platelet counts <50,000 cells/mcl occurred in 3.2% of patients who received tocilizumab and 1.5% of patients who received placebo. ALT or AST at or above 5× ULN occurred in 11.7% of patients who received tocilizumab and 9.9% of patients who received placebo.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of tocilizumab products. 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.
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 tocilizumab with 10-25 mg MTX once weekly had no clinically significant effect on MTX exposure. Tocilizumab products have 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.
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 products may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels than those in the absence of tocilizumab products 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 tocilizumab, respectively. The effect of tocilizumab products 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 TOFIDENCE, 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 TOFIDENCE with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where decrease in effectiveness is undesirable, e.g., oral contraceptives, lovastatin, atorvastatin, etc. The effect of tocilizumab products on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with TOFIDENCE [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Risk Summary
The available data with tocilizumab products from a pregnancy exposure registry, retrospective cohort study, pharmacovigilance, and published literature are insufficient to draw conclusion about a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. These studies had methodological limitations, including small sample size of tocilizumab exposed groups, missing exposure and outcomes information, and lack of adjustment for cofounders. Monoclonal antibodies, such as tocilizumab products, are actively transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in uteroexposed infant [see Clinical Considerations]. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of tocilizumab to Cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis caused abortion/embryo-fetal death at doses 1.25 times and higher than the maximum recommended human dose by the intravenous route of 8 mg per kg every 2 to 4 weeks. The literature in animals suggests that inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity leading to potential delays of parturition [see Data]. Based on the animal data, there may be a potential risk to the fetus.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions
Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to TOFIDENCE in utero [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Disease-associated Maternal Risk
Published data suggest that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased disease activity. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2500 g) infants, and small for gestational age at birth.
Data
Animal Data
An embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study was performed in which pregnant Cynomolgus monkeys were treated intravenously with tocilizumab at daily doses of 2, 10, or 50 mg/ kg during organogenesis from gestation day (GD) 20-50. Although there was no evidence for a teratogenic/dysmorphogenic effect at any dose, tocilizumab produced an increase in the incidence of abortion/embryo-fetal death at doses 1.25 times and higher the MRHD by the intravenous route at maternal intravenous doses of 10 and 50 mg/ kg. Testing of a murine analogue of tocilizumab in mice did not yield any evidence of harm to offspring during the pre- and postnatal development phase when dosed at 50 mg/kg intravenously with treatment every three days from implantation (GD 6) until post-partum day 21 (weaning). There was no evidence for any functional impairment of the development and behavior, learning ability, immune competence and fertility of the offspring.
Parturition is associated with significant increases of IL-6 in the cervix and myometrium. The literature suggests that inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity leading to potential delays of parturition. For mice deficient in IL-6 (ll6 -/-null mice), parturition was delayed relative to wild-type (ll6 +/+) mice. Administration of recombinant IL-6 to ll6 -/-null mice restored the normal timing of delivery.
Risk Summary
No information is available on the presence of tocilizumab products in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) is present in human milk. If tocilizumab products are transferred into human milk, the effects of local exposure in the gastrointestinal tract and potential limited systemic exposure in the infant to tocilizumab products are unknown.
The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes clear determination of the risk of tocilizumab products to an infant during lactation; therefore the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for TOFIDENCE and the potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Tofidence or from the underlying maternal condition.
TOFIDENCE by intravenous use is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with:
The safety and effectiveness of TOFIDENCE in pediatric patients with conditions other than PJIA or SJIA have not been established. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 have not been established in PJIA or SJIA.
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Intravenous Use
A multicenter, open-label, single arm study to evaluate the PK, safety and exploratory PD and efficacy of tocilizumab over 12-weeks in SJIA patients (N=11) under 2 years of age was conducted. Patients received intravenous tocilizumab 12 mg/kg every two weeks. Concurrent use of stable background treatment with corticosteroids, MTX, and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was permitted. Patients who completed the 12-week period could continue to the optional extension period (a total of 52-weeks or until the age of 2 years, whichever was longer).
The primary PK endpoints (C max, C troughand AUC 2weeks) of tocilizumab at steady-state in this study were within the ranges of these parameters observed in patients with SJIA aged 2 to 17 years.
The safety and immunogenicity of tocilizumab for patients with SJIA under 2 years of age was assessed descriptively. SAEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, and infectious AEs were reported by 27.3%, 36.4%, and 81.8% of patients. Six patients (54.5%) experienced hypersensitivity reactions, defined as all adverse events occurring during or within 24 hours after an infusion considered related to tocilizumab. Three of these patients experienced serious hypersensitivity reactions and were withdrawn from the study. Three patients with hypersensitivity reactions (two with serious hypersensitivity reactions) developed treatment induced anti-tocilizumab antibodies after the event. There were no cases of MAS based on the protocol-specified criteria, but 2 cases of suspected MAS based on Ravelli criteria 1.
Of the 2644 patients who received tocilizumab in Studies I to V [see Clinical Studies (14)], a total of 435 rheumatoid arthritis patients were 65 years of age and older, including 50 patients 75 years and older. The frequency of serious infection among tocilizumab treated subjects 65 years of age and older was higher than those under the age of 65. As there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly population in general, caution should be used when treating the elderly.
In the EMPACTA, COVACTA, and REMDACTA studies, of the 974 COVID-19 patients in the tocilizumab arm, 375 (39%) were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of tocilizumab were observed between patients 65 years of age and older and those under the age of 65 years of age in these studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.5)and Clinical Studies (14.5)] .
In the RECOVERY study, of the 2022 COVID-19 patients in the tocilizumab arm, 930 (46%) were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in effectiveness of tocilizumab were observed between patients 65 years of age and older and those under the age 65 years of age in this study [see Clinical Studies (14.5)] .
The safety and efficacy of tocilizumab products have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment, including patients with positive HBV and HCV serology [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Tocilizumab products have not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
No studies on the potential for tocilizumab products to cause dependence have been performed. However, there is no evidence from the available data that tocilizumab products treatment results in dependence.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "No studies on the potential for tocilizumab products to cause dependence have been performed. However, there is no evidence from the available data that tocilizumab products treatment results in dependence." }
There are limited data available on overdoses with tocilizumab products. One case of accidental overdose was reported with intravenous tocilizumab in which a patient with multiple myeloma received a dose of 40 mg per kg. No adverse drug reactions were observed. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed in healthy volunteers who received single doses of up to 28 mg per kg, although all 5 patients at the highest dose of 28 mg per kg developed dose-limiting neutropenia.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "There are limited data available on overdoses with tocilizumab products. One case of accidental overdose was reported with intravenous tocilizumab in which a patient with multiple myeloma received a dose of 40 mg per kg. No adverse drug reactions were observed. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed in healthy volunteers who received single doses of up to 28 mg per kg, although all 5 patients at the highest dose of 28 mg per kg developed dose-limiting neutropenia." }
In case of an overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions. Patients who develop adverse reactions should receive appropriate symptomatic treatment.
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Intravenous Infusion
TOFIDENCE (tocilizumab-bavi) injection is a sterile, clear to opalescent, colorless to light yellow, preservative-free solution for further dilution prior to intravenous infusion with a pH of approximately 6.2. Each single-dose vial, formulated in an aqueous 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 TOFIDENCE. Each mL of solution contains arginine hydrochloride (10.53 mg), histidine (0.81 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (1.01 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.5 mg), sucrose (20 mg), and water for injection.
Tocilizumab products bind to both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors (sIL-6R and mIL-6R), and have been shown to inhibit IL-6-mediated signaling through these receptors. IL-6 is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of cell types including T- and B-cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and fibroblasts. IL-6 has been shown to be involved in diverse physiological processes such as T-cell activation, induction of immunoglobulin secretion, initiation of hepatic acute phase protein synthesis, and stimulation of hematopoietic precursor cell proliferation and differentiation. IL-6 is also produced by synovial and endothelial cells leading to local production of IL-6 in joints affected by inflammatory processes such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In clinical studies in RA patients with the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg intravenous doses decreases in levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) to within normal ranges were seen as early as week 2. Changes in pharmacodynamic parameters were observed (i.e., decreases in rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum amyloid A, fibrinogen and increases in hemoglobin) with doses, however the greatest improvements were observed with 8 mg per kg tocilizumab. Pharmacodynamic changes were also observed to occur after tocilizumab administration in GCA, PJIA, and SJIA patients (decreases in CRP, ESR, and increases in hemoglobin). The relationship between these pharmacodynamic findings and clinical efficacy is not known.
In healthy subjects administered tocilizumab in doses from 2 to 28 mg per kg intravenously, absolute neutrophil counts decreased to the nadir 3 to 5 days following tocilizumab administration. Thereafter, neutrophils recovered towards baseline in a dose dependent manner. Rheumatoid arthritis and GCA patients demonstrated a similar pattern of absolute neutrophil counts following tocilizumab administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
PK of tocilizumab is characterized by nonlinear elimination which is a combination of linear clearance and Michaelis-Menten elimination. The nonlinear part of tocilizumab elimination leads to an increase in exposure that is more than dose-proportional. The pharmacokinetic parameters of tocilizumab do not change with time. Due to the dependence of total clearance on tocilizumab serum concentrations, the half-life of tocilizumab is also concentration-dependent and varies depending on the serum concentration level. Population pharmacokinetic analyses in any patient population tested so far indicate no relationship between apparent clearance and the presence of anti-drug antibodies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Intravenous Administration
The pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and RA patients suggest that PK is similar between the two populations.
The population PK model was developed from an analysis dataset composed of an IV dataset of 1793 patients from Study I, Study III, Study IV, and Study V. C meanis included in place of AUC tau, since for dosing regimens with different inter-dose intervals, the mean concentration over the dosing period characterizes the comparative exposure better than AUC tau.
At high serum concentrations, when total clearance of tocilizumab is dominated by linear clearance, a terminal half-life of approximately 21.5 days was derived from the population parameter estimates.
For doses of 4 mg/kg tocilizumab given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) C max, C trough, and C meanof tocilizumab at steady state were 86.1 (44.8–202) mcg/mL, 0.1 (0.0–14.6) mcg/mL, and 18.0 (8.9–50.7) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) C max, C trough, and C meanof tocilizumab were 176 (75.4–557) mcg/mL, 13.4 (0.1–154) mcg/mL, and 54.0 (17–260) mcg/mL, respectively. C maxincreased dose-proportionally between doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks, while a greater than dose-proportional increase was observed in C meanand C trough. At steady-state, C meanand C troughwere 3.0 and 134 fold higher at 8 mg/kg as compared to 4 mg/kg, respectively.
The accumulation ratios for AUC and C maxafter multiple doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg IV Q4W are low, while the accumulation ratios for C troughare higher (2.62 and 2.47, respectively). For C max, greater than 90% of the steady-state value was reached after the 1st IV infusion. For AUC tauand C mean, 90% of the steady-state value was reached after the 1st and 3rd infusion for 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg IV, while for C trough, approximately 90% of the steady-state value was reached after the 4th IV infusion after both doses.
Population PK analysis identified body weight as a significant covariate impacting the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab. When given IV on a mg/kg basis, individuals with body weight ≥ 100 kg are predicted to have mean steady-state exposures higher than mean values for the patient population. Therefore, tocilizumab doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended in patients with RA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Giant Cell Arteritis – Intravenous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab IV in GCA patients was characterized by a non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis which included 22 patients treated with 6 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. The median (range) C max, C troughand C meanof tocilizumab at steady state were 178 (115-320) mcg/mL, 22.7 (3.38-54.5) mcg/mL and 57.5 (32.9-110) mcg/mL, respectively. Steady state trough concentrations were within the range observed in GCA patients treated with tocilizumab by another route of administration.
Based on pharmacokinetic exposure and extrapolation between RA and GCA patients, when given IV on a mg/kg basis, tocilizumab doses exceeding 600 mg per infusion are not recommended in patients with GCA [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Intravenous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab (TCZ) in PJIA patients was characterized by a population pharmacokinetic analysis which included 188 patients who were treated with TCZ IV.
For doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight at or above 30 kg) given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) C max, C trough, and C meanof tocilizumab at steady state were 181 (114–331) mcg/mL, 3.28 (0.02–35.4) mcg/mL, and 38.6 (22.2–83.8) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight less than 30 kg) given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) C max, C trough, and C meanof tocilizumab were 167 (125–220) mcg/mL, 0.35 (0–11.8) mcg/mL, and 30.8 (16.0–48.0) mcg/mL, respectively.
The accumulation ratios were 1.05 and 1.16 for AUC 4weeks, and 1.43 and 2.22 for C troughfor 10 mg/kg (BW less than 30 kg) and 8 mg/kg (BW at or above 30 kg) intravenous doses, respectively. No accumulation for C maxwas observed. Following 10 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg TCZ IV every 4 weeks doses in PJIA patients (aged 2 to 17 years), steady state concentrations (trough and average) were within the range of exposures in adult RA patients following 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, and steady state peak concentrations in PJIA patients were comparable to those following 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks in adult RA patients.
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis—Intravenous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab (TCZ) in SJIA patients was characterized by a population pharmacokinetic analysis which included 89 patients who were treated with TCZ IV.
For doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight at or above 30 kg) given every 2 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) C max, C trough, and C meanof tocilizumab were 253 (120–404) mcg/mL, 70.7 (5.26–127) mcg/mL, and 117 (37.6–199) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 12 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight less than 30 kg) given every 2 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) C max, C trough, and C meanof tocilizumab were 274 (149–444) mcg/mL, 65.9 (19.0–135) mcg/mL, and 124 (60–194) mcg/mL, respectively.
The accumulation ratios were 1.95 and 2.01 for AUC4 weeks, and 3.41 and 3.20 for C troughfor 12 mg/kg (BW less than 30 kg) and 8 mg/kg (BW at or above 30 kg) intravenous doses, respectively. Accumulation data for C maxwere 1.37 and 1.42 for 12 mg/kg (BW less than 30 kg) and 8 mg/kg (BW at or above 30 kg) intravenous doses, respectively. Following every other week dosing with tocilizumab IV, steady state was reached by 8 weeks for both body weight groups. Mean estimated tocilizumab exposure parameters were similar between the two dose groups defined by body weight.
COVID-19 -Intravenous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients was characterized by a population pharmacokinetic analysis of a dataset composed of 380 adult patients treated with tocilizumab 8mg/kg intravenously (IV) in the COVACTA study [see Clinical Studies (14.5)] and another clinical study.
For one dose of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab IV, the estimated median (range) C maxand C day28of tocilizumab were 151 (77.5-319) mcg/mL and 0.229 (0.00119-19.4) mcg/mL, respectively. For two doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab IV separated by at least 8 hours, the estimated median (range) Cmax and Cday28 of tocilizumab was 290 (152-604) mcg/mL and 7.04 (0.00474-54.8) mcg/mL, respectively. The weight-tiered dosing used in RECOVERY study, 800 mg for patients >90 kg, 600 mg for patients >65 and ≤90 kg, 400 mg for patients >40 and ≤65 kg, and 8mg/kg for patients ≤40 kg, is comparable to 8 mg/kg dosing and is expected to have similar exposure.
Distribution
Following intravenous dosing, tocilizumab undergoes biphasic elimination from the circulation. In rheumatoid arthritis patients the central volume of distribution was 3.5 L and the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.9 L, resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 6.4 L.
In GCA patients, the central volume of distribution was 4.09 L, the peripheral volume of distribution was 3.37 L resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 7.46 L.
In pediatric patients with PJIA, the central volume of distribution was 1.98 L, the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.1 L, resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 4.08 L.
In pediatric patients with SJIA, the central volume of distribution was 1.87 L, the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.14 L resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 4.01 L.
In COVID-19 patients treated with one or two infusions of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg intravenously separated by 8 hours, the estimated central volume of distribution was 4.52 L, and the estimated peripheral volume of distribution was 4.23 L, resulting in a volume of distribution of 8.75 L.
Elimination
Tocilizumab is eliminated by a combination of linear clearance and nonlinear elimination. The concentration-dependent nonlinear elimination plays a major role at low tocilizumab concentrations. Once the nonlinear pathway is saturated, at higher tocilizumab concentrations, clearance is mainly determined by the linear clearance. The saturation of the nonlinear elimination leads to an increase in exposure that is more than dose-proportional. The pharmacokinetic parameters of tocilizumab do not change with time.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in any patient population tested so far indicate no relationship between apparent clearance and the presence of anti-drug antibodies.
The linear clearance in the population pharmacokinetic analysis was estimated to be 12.5 mL per h in RA patients, 6.7 mL per h in GCA patients, 5.8 mL per h in pediatric patients with PJIA, and 5.7 mL per h in pediatric patients with SJIA. In COVID-19 patients, serum concentrations were below the limit of quantification after 35 days on average following one infusion of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg intravenously. The average linear clearance in the population pharmacokinetic analysis was estimated to be 17.6 mL per hour in patients with baseline ordinal scale category 3 (OS 3, patients requiring supplemental oxygen), 22.5 mL per hour in patients with baseline OS 4 (patients requiring high-flow oxygen or non-invasive ventilation), 29 mL per hour in patients with baseline OS 5 (patients requiring mechanical ventilation), and 35.4 mL per hour in patients with baseline OS 6 (patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or mechanical ventilation and additional organ support).
Due to the dependence of total clearance on tocilizumab serum concentrations, the half-life of tocilizumab is also concentration-dependent and varies depending on the serum concentration level.
For intravenous administration in RA patients, the concentration-dependent apparent t 1/2is up to 11 days for 4 mg per kg and up to 13 days for 8 mg per kg every 4 weeks in patients with RA at steady-state.
For intravenous administration in GCA patients, the TCZ concentration-dependent apparent t 1/2was 13.2 days following 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
The t 1/2of tocilizumab in children with PJIA is up to 17 days for the two body weight categories (8 mg/kg for body weight at or above 30 kg or 10 mg/kg for body weight below 30 kg) during a dosing interval at steady state.
The t 1/2of tocilizumab intravenous in pediatric patients with SJIA is up to 16 days for the two body weight categories (8 mg/kg for body weight at or above 30 kg and 12 mg/kg for body weight below 30 kg every other week) during a dosing interval at steady-state.
Specific Populations
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in adult rheumatoid arthritis patients and GCA patients showed that age, gender and race did not affect the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab. Linear clearance was found to increase with body size. In RA patients, the body weight-based dose (8 mg per kg) resulted in approximately 86% higher exposure in patients who are greater than 100 kg in comparison to patients who are less than 60 kg.
In COVID-19 patients, exposure following body-weight-based intravenous dosing (8 mg per kg tocilizumab up to 100 kg body weight with a maximum dose of 800 mg) was dependent on body weight and disease severity assessed by an ordinal scale (OS). Within an OS category, compared to patients with a mean body weight of 80 kg, exposure was 20% lower in patients weighing less than 60 kg. Exposure in patients weighing more than 100 kg was in the same range as exposure in patients with a mean body weight of 80 kg. For an 80 kg patient, exposure decreases as OS category increases; for each category increase, exposure decreases by 13%.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
No formal study of the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab was conducted.
Patients with Renal Impairment
No formal study of the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab was conducted.
Most of the RA and GCA patients in the population pharmacokinetic analysis had normal renal function or mild renal impairment. Mild renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance less than 80 mL per min and at or above 50 mL per min based on Cockcroft-Gault formula) did not impact the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab.
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment.
Drug Interaction Studies
In vitro data suggested that IL-6 reduced mRNA expression for several CYP450 isoenzymes including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and this reduced expression was reversed by co-incubation with tocilizumab at clinically relevant concentrations. Accordingly, 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. Its effect on CYP2C8 or transporters (e.g., P-gp) is unknown. This is clinically relevant for CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, where the dose is individually adjusted. Upon initiation of TOFIDENCE , in patients being treated with these types of medicinal products, therapeutic monitoring of the effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) should be performed and the individual dose of the medicinal product adjusted as needed. Caution should be exercised when TOFIDENCE is coadministered with drugs where decrease in effectiveness is undesirable, e.g., oral contraceptives (CYP3A4 substrates) [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Simvastatin
Simvastatin is a CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 substrate. In 12 RA patients not treated with tocilizumab, receiving 40 mg simvastatin, exposures of simvastatin and its metabolite, simvastatin acid, was 4- to 10-fold and 2-fold higher, respectively, than the exposures observed in healthy subjects. One week following administration of a single infusion of tocilizumab (10 mg per kg), exposure of simvastatin and simvastatin acid decreased by 57% and 39%, respectively, to exposures that were similar or slightly higher than those observed in healthy subjects. Exposures of simvastatin and simvastatin acid increased upon withdrawal of tocilizumab in RA patients. Selection of a particular dose of simvastatin in RA patients should take into account the potentially lower exposures that may result after initiation of TOFIDENCE, (due to normalization of CYP3A4) or higher exposures after discontinuation of TOFIDENCE.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 substrate. In RA patients receiving 10 mg omeprazole, exposure to omeprazole was approximately 2 fold higher than that observed in healthy subjects. In RA patients receiving 10 mg omeprazole, before and one week after tocilizumab infusion (8 mg per kg), the omeprazole AUCinf decreased by 12% for poor (N=5) and intermediate metabolizers (N=5) and by 28% for extensive metabolizers (N=8) and were slightly higher than those observed in healthy subjects.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrate. In 13 RA patients receiving 30 mg dextromethorphan, exposure to dextromethorphan was comparable to that in healthy subjects. However, exposure to its metabolite, dextrorphan (a CYP3A4 substrate), was a fraction of that observed in healthy subjects. One week following administration of a single infusion of tocilizumab (8 mg per kg), dextromethorphan exposure was decreased by approximately 5%. However, a larger decrease (29%) in dextrorphan levels was noted after tocilizumab infusion.
No long-term animal studies have been performed to establish the carcinogenicity potential of tocilizumab products. Literature indicates that the IL-6 pathway can mediate anti-tumor responses by promoting increased immune cell surveillance of the tumor microenvironment. However, available published evidence also supports that IL-6 signaling through the IL-6 receptor may be involved in pathways that lead to tumorigenesis. The malignancy risk in humans from an antibody that disrupts signaling through the IL-6 receptor, such as tocilizumab, is presently unknown.
Fertility and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female mice that received a murine analogue of tocilizumab administered by the intravenous route at a dose of 50 mg/kg every three days.
The efficacy and safety of intravenously administered tocilizumab was assessed in five randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies in patients greater than 18 years with active rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients had at least 8 tender and 6 swollen joints at baseline. Tocilizumab was given intravenously every 4 weeks as monotherapy (Study I), in combination with methotrexate (MTX) (Studies II and III) or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Study IV) in patients with an inadequate response to those drugs, or in combination with MTX in patients with an inadequate response to TNF antagonists (Study V).
Study I(NCT00109408) evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had not been treated with MTX within 24 weeks prior to randomization, or who had not discontinued previous methotrexate treatment as a result of clinically important toxic effects or lack of response. In this study, 67% of patients were MTX-naïve, and over 40% of patients had rheumatoid arthritis less than 2 years. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg monotherapy or MTX alone (dose titrated over 8 weeks from 7.5 mg to a maximum of 20 mg weekly). The primary endpoint was the proportion of tocilizumab patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at Week 24.
Study II(NCT00106535) was a 104-week study with an optional 156-week extension phase that evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, or placebo every four weeks, in combination with MTX (10 to 25 mg weekly). Upon completion of 52-weeks, patients received open-label treatment with tocilizumab 8 mg per kg through 104 weeks or they had the option to continue their double-blind treatment if they maintained a greater than 70% improvement in swollen/tender joint count. Two pre-specified interim analyses at week 24 and week 52 were conducted. The primary endpoint at week 24 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response. At weeks 52 and 104, the primary endpoints were change from baseline in modified total Sharp-Genant score and the area under the curve (AUC) of the change from baseline in HAQ-DI score.
Study III(NCT00106548) evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, or placebo every four weeks, in combination with MTX (10 to 25 mg weekly). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.
Study IV(NCT00106574) evaluated patients who had an inadequate response to their existing therapy, including one or more DMARDs. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg or placebo every four weeks, in combination with the stable DMARDs. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.
Study V(NCT00106522) evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. The TNF antagonist therapy was discontinued prior to randomization. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, or placebo every four weeks, in combination with MTX (10 to 25 mg weekly). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.
Clinical Response
The percentages of intravenous tocilizumab-treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses are shown in Table 4. In all intravenous studies, patients treated with 8 mg per kg tocilizumab had higher ACR 20, ACR 50, and ACR 70 response rates versus MTX- or placebo-treated patients at week 24.
During the 24 week controlled portions of Studies I to V, patients treated with tocilizumab at a dose of 4 mg per kg in patients with inadequate response to DMARDs or TNF antagonist therapy had lower response rates compared to patients treated with tocilizumab 8 mg per kg.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <caption> <span>Table 4 Clinical Response at Weeks 24 and 52 in Active and Placebo Controlled Trials of Intravenous Tocilizumab (Percent of Patients)</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="8%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="8%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="14">Percent of Patients</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" rowspan="4">Response Rate</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="2">Study I</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="3">Study II</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="3">Study III</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="2">Study IV</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="3">Study V</th> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <th align="center" class="Rrule">MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + DMARDs</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + DMARDs </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX </th> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <th align="center" class="Rrule">N=284</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=286</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=393</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=399</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=398</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=204</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=213</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=205</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=413</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=803</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=158</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=161</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=170</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">(95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4" name="footnote-reference-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">( 95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-4">*</a></th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="14"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-4" name="footnote-4">*</a> </dt> <dd>CI: 95% confidence interval of the weighted difference to placebo adjusted for site (and disease duration for Study I only)</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-5" name="footnote-5">†</a> </dt> <dd>Major clinical response is defined as achieving an ACR 70 response for a continuous 24 week period</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">ACR 20</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">53%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">70% <br/> (0.11, 0.27) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">27%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">51% <br/> (0.17, 0.29) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">56% <br/> (0.23, 0.35) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">27%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">48% <br/> (0.15, 0.32) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">59% <br/> (0.23, 0.41) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">24%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">61% <br/> (0.30, 0.40) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30% <br/> (0.15, 0.36) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">50% <br/> (0.36, 0.56) </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">25%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">47% <br/> (0.15, 0.28) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">56% <br/> (0.25, 0.38) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">ACR 50</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">34%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">44% <br/> (0.04, 0.20) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">25% <br/> (0.09, 0.20) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32% <br/> (0.16, 0.28) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">11%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32% <br/> (0.13, 0.29) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">44% <br/> (0.25, 0.41) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">9%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">38% <br/> (0.23, 0.33) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">17% <br/> (0.05, 0.25) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">29% <br/> (0.21, 0.41) </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">29% <br/> (0.14, 0.25) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">36% <br/> (0.21, 0.32) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">ACR 70</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">15%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28% <br/> (0.07, 0.22) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">11% <br/> (0.03, 0.13) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13% <br/> (0.05, 0.15) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">12% <br/> (0.04, 0.18) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">22% <br/> (0.12, 0.27) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21% <br/> (0.13, 0.21) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5% <br/> (-0.06, 0.14) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">12% <br/> (0.03, 0.22) </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">16% <br/> (0.08, 0.17) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20% <br/> (0.12, 0.21) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Major Clinical Responses</span><a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5" name="footnote-reference-5">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4% <br/> (0.01, 0.06) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7% <br/> (0.03, 0.09) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
In study II, a greater proportion of patients treated with 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab + MTX achieved a low level of disease activity as measured by a DAS 28-ESR less than 2.6 compared with placebo +MTX treated patients at week 52. The proportion of tocilizumab-treated patients achieving DAS 28-ESR less than 2.6, and the number of residual active joints in these responders in Study II are shown in Table 5.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="95%"> <caption> <span>Table 5 Proportion of Patients with DAS28-ESR Less Than 2.6 with Number of Residual Active Joints in Trials of Intravenous Tocilizumab</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="middle" width="34%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="22%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="22%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="22%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="center" class="Botrule Lrule Rrule" colspan="4">Study II</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Tocilizumab 4 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Tocilizumab 8 mg per kg + MTX</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">N = 393</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">N = 399</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">N = 398</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="4" valign="top">*n denotes numerator of all the percentage. Denominator is the intent-to-treat population. Not all patients received DAS28 assessments at Week 52.</td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">DAS28-ESR less than 2.6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Proportion of responders at week 52 (n) 95% confidence interval</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3% (12)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">18% (70) <br/> 0.10, 0.19 </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32% (127) <br/> 0.24, 0.34 </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 0 active joints (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33% (4)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">27% (19)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21% (27)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 1 active joint (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8% (1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19% (13)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13% (16)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 2 active joints (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">25% (3)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13% (9)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20% (25)</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 3 or more active joints (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33% (4)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">41% (29)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">47% (59)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The results of the components of the ACR response criteria for Studies III and V are shown in Table 6. Similar results to Study III were observed in Studies I, II and IV.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <caption> <span>Table 6 Components of ACR Response at Week 24 in Trials of Intravenous Tocilizumab</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="13%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="8%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="8%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="8%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="6">Study III</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="6">Study V</th> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2" valign="middle">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2" valign="middle">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2" valign="middle">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2" valign="middle">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2" valign="middle">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2" valign="middle">Placebo + MTX</th> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=213</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=205</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=204</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=161</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=170</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=158</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Component (mean)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Week 24 <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-6" name="footnote-reference-6">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Week 24 <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-6">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Week 24</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Week 24 <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-6">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Week 24 <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-6">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="bottom">Week 24</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="13"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-6" name="footnote-6">*</a> </dt> <dd>Data shown is mean at week 24, difference in adjusted mean change from baseline compared with placebo + MTX at week 24 and 95% confidence interval for that difference</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-7" name="footnote-7">†</a> </dt> <dd>Visual analog scale: 0 = best, 100 = worst</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-8" name="footnote-8">‡</a> </dt> <dd>Health Assessment Questionnaire: 0 = best, 3 = worst; 20 questions; 8 categories: dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Number of tender joints (0-68)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19 <br/> -7.0 <br/> (-10.0, -4.1) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">14.5 <br/> -9.6 <br/> (-12.6, -6.7) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">25</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">31</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21 <br/> -10.8 <br/> (-14.6, -7.1) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">17 <br/> -15.1 <br/> (-18.8, -11.4) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Number of swollen joints (0-66)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10 <br/> -4.2 <br/> (-6.1, -2.3) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8 <br/> -6.2 <br/> (-8.1, -4.2) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">15</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13 <br/> -6.2 <br/> (-9.0, -3.5) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">11 <br/> -7.2 <br/> (-9.9, -4.5) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">18</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Pain <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7" name="footnote-reference-7">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">61</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33 <br/> -11.0 <br/> (-17.0, -5.0) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">60</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30 <br/> -15.8 <br/> (-21.7, -9.9) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">57</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">43</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">63.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">43 <br/> -12.4 <br/> (-22.1, -2.1) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">65</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33 <br/> -23.9 <br/> (-33.7, -14.1) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">48</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Patient global assessment <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">66</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">34 <br/> -10.9 <br/> (-17.1, -4.8) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">65</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">31 <br/> -14.9 <br/> (-20.9, -8.9) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">45</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">70</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">46 <br/> -10.0 <br/> (-20.3, 0.3) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">70</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">36 <br/> -17.4 <br/> (-27.8, -7.0) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">71</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">51</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Physician global assessment <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">26 <br/> -5.6 <br/> (-10.5, -0.8) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">23 <br/> -9.0 <br/> (-13.8, -4.2) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">66.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">39 <br/> -10.5 <br/> (-18.6, -2.5) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">66</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28 <br/> -18.2 <br/> (-26.3, -10.0) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">67.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">43</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Disability index (HAQ) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-8" name="footnote-reference-8">‡</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.01 <br/> -0.18 <br/> (-0.34, -0.02) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.55</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.96 <br/> -0.21 <br/> (-0.37, -0.05) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.55</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.21</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.67</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.39 <br/> -0.25 <br/> (-0.42, -0.09) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.75</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.34 <br/> -0.34 <br/> (-0.51, -0.17) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.70</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.58</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">CRP (mg per dL)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.79</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.17 <br/> -1.30 <br/> (-2.0, -0.59) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.61</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.25 <br/> -2.156 <br/> (-2.86, -1.46) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.36</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.89</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3.11</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.77 <br/> -1.34 <br/> (-2.5, -0.15) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.80</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.28 <br/> -2.52 <br/> (-3.72, -1.32) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3.705</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3.06</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The percent of ACR 20 responders by visit for Study III is shown in Figure 1. Similar response curves were observed in studies I, II, IV, and V.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table class="Noautorules" width="100%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="100%"/> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="1"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-9" name="footnote-9">*</a> </dt> <dd>The same patients may not have responded at each timepoint.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr> <td align="left"><span class="Bold">Figure 1 Percent of ACR 20 Responders by Visit for Study III (Inadequate Response to MTX) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-9" name="footnote-reference-9">*</a></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"><img alt="Figure 1" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tofidence-01.jpg&setid=00529b23-850a-42b9-a152-125a95b5242c"/></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Radiographic Response
In Study II, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in total Sharp-Genant score and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Radiographs of hands/wrists and forefeet were obtained at baseline, 24 weeks, 52 weeks, and 104 weeks and scored by readers unaware of treatments group and visit number. The results from baseline to week 52 are shown in Table 7. tocilizumab 4 mg per kg slowed (less than 75% inhibition compared to the control group) and tocilizumab 8 mg per kg inhibited (at least 75% inhibition compared to the control group) the progression of structural damage compared to placebo plus MTX at week 52.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="90%"> <caption> <span>Table 7 Mean Radiographic Change from Baseline to Week 52 in Study II</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="28%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="22%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="25%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="25%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" rowspan="2"></th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" valign="bottom">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX </th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX </th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Rrule">N=294</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=343</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=353</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="4" valign="top">SD = standard deviation</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="4"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-10" name="footnote-10">*</a> </dt> <dd>Week 52 analysis employs linearly extrapolated data for patients after escape, withdrawal, or loss to follow up.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-11" name="footnote-11">†</a> </dt> <dd>Difference between the adjusted means (tocilizumab + MTX - Placebo + MTX)</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Week 52</span><a class="Sup" href="#footnote-10" name="footnote-reference-10">*</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Total Sharp-Genant Score, Mean (SD)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.17 <br/> (3.14) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.33 <br/> (1.30) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.25 <br/> (0.98) </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold"> Adjusted Mean difference <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-11" name="footnote-reference-11">†</a> <br/> (95%CI) </span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.83 <br/> (-1.13, -0.52) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.90 <br/> (-1.20, -0.59) </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Erosion Score, Mean (SD)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.76 <br/> (2.14) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.20 <br/> (0.83) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.15 <br/> (0.77) </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold"> Adjusted Mean difference <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-11">†</a> <br/> (95%CI) </span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.55 <br/> (-0.76, -0.34) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.60 <br/> (-0.80, -0.39) </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Joint Space Narrowing Score, Mean (SD)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.41 <br/> (1.71) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.13 <br/> (0.72) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.10 <br/> (0.49) </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold"> Adjusted Mean difference <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-11">†</a> <br/> (95%CI) </span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.28 <br/> (-0.44, -0.11) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.30 <br/> (-0.46, -0.14) </td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The mean change from baseline to week 104 in Total Sharp-Genant Score for the tocilizumab 4 mg per kg groups was 0.47 (SD = 1.47) and for the 8 mg per kg groups was 0.34 (SD = 1.24). By the week 104, most patients in the control (placebo + MTX) group had crossed over to active treatment, and results are therefore not included for comparison. Patients in the active groups may have crossed over to the alternate active dose group, and results are reported per original randomized dose group.
In the placebo group, 66% of patients experienced no radiographic progression (Total Sharp-Genant Score change ≤ 0) at week 52 compared to 78% and 83% in the tocilizumab 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg, respectively. Following 104 weeks of treatment, 75% and 83% of patients initially randomized to tocilizumab 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg, respectively, experienced no progression of structural damage compared to 66% of placebo treated patients.
Health Related Outcomes
In Study II, physical function and disability were assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Both dosing groups of tocilizumab demonstrated a greater improvement compared to the placebo group in the AUC of change from baseline in the HAQ-DI through week 52. The mean change from baseline to week 52 in HAQ-DI was 0.6, 0.5, and 0.4 for tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, and placebo treatment groups, respectively. Sixty-three percent (63%) and sixty percent (60%) of patients in the tocilizumab 8 mg per kg and tocilizumab 4 mg per kg treatment groups, respectively, achieved a clinically relevant improvement in HAQ-DI (change from baseline of ≥ 0.3 units) at week 52 compared to 53% in the placebo treatment group.
Other Health-Related Outcomes
General health status was assessed by the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in Studies I – V. Patients receiving tocilizumab demonstrated greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo in the Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), and in all 8 domains of the SF-36.
Cardiovascular Outcomes
Study WA25204 (NCT01331837) was a randomized, open-label (sponsor-blinded), 2-arm parallel-group, multi-center, non-inferiority, cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trial in patients with a diagnosis of moderate to severe RA. This CV safety study was designed to exclude a moderate increase in CV risk in patients treated with tocilizumab compared with a TNF inhibitor standard of care (etanercept).
The study included 3,080 seropositive RA patients with active disease and an inadequate response to non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, who were aged ≥50 years with at least one additional CV risk factor beyond RA. Patients were randomized 1:1 to IV tocilizumab 8 mg/kg Q4W or SC etanercept 50 mg QW and followed for an average of 3.2 years. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the time-to-first occurrence of any component of a composite of major adverse CV events (MACE; non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or CV death), with the final intent-to-treat analysis based on a total of 161 confirmed CV events (83/1538 [5.4%] for tocilizumab; 78/1542 [5.1%] for etanercept) reviewed by an independent and blinded adjudication committee.
Non-inferiority of tocilizumab to etanercept for cardiovascular risk was determined by excluding >80% relative increase in the risk of MACE. The estimated hazard ratio (HR) for the risk of MACE comparing tocilizumab to etanercept was 1.05; 95% CI (0.77, 1.43).
Intravenously administered tocilizumab in patients with GCA was assessed in WP41152 (NCT03923738), an open-label PK-PD and safety study to determine the appropriate intravenous dose of tocilizumab that achieved comparable PK-PD profiles to tocilizumab by another route of administration.
At enrollment, all patients (n=24) were in remission on tocilizumab IV. In Period 1, all patients received open-label tocilizumab IV 7 mg/kg every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. Patients who completed Period 1 and remained in remission (n=22) were eligible to enter Period 2, and received open-label tocilizumab IV 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks for 20 weeks.
The efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab 6 mg/kg in adult patients with GCA is based on pharmacokinetic exposure and extrapolation to the efficacy established for tocilizumab by another route of administration in patients with GCA.
The efficacy of tocilizumab was assessed in a three-part study, WA19977 (NCT00988221), including an open-label extension in children 2 to 17 years of age with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA), who had an inadequate response to methotrexate or inability to tolerate methotrexate. Patients had at least 6 months of active disease (mean disease duration of 4.2 ± 3.7 years), with at least five joints with active arthritis (swollen or limitation of movement accompanied by pain and/or tenderness) and/or at least 3 active joints having limitation of motion (mean, 20 ± 14 active joints). The patients treated had subtypes of JIA that at disease onset included Rheumatoid Factor Positive or Negative Polyarticular JIA, or Extended Oligoarticular JIA. Treatment with a stable dose of methotrexate was permitted but was not required during the study. Concurrent use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), other than methotrexate, or other biologics (e.g., TNF antagonists or T cell costimulation modulator) were not permitted in the study.
Part I consisted of a 16-week active tocilizumab treatment lead-in period (n=188) followed by Part II, a 24-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled withdrawal period, followed by Part III, a 64-week open-label period. Eligible patients weighing at or above 30 kg received tocilizumab at 8 mg/kg intravenously once every four weeks. Patients weighing less than 30 kg were randomized 1:1 to receive either tocilizumab 8 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg intravenously every four weeks. At the conclusion of the open-label Part I, 91% of patients taking background MTX in addition to tocilizumab and 83% of patients on tocilizumab monotherapy achieved an ACR 30 response at week 16 compared to baseline and entered the blinded withdrawal period (Part II) of the study. The proportions of patients with JIA ACR 50/70 responses in Part I were 84.0%, and 64%, respectively for patients taking background MTX in addition to tocilizumab and 80% and 55% respectively for patients on tocilizumab monotherapy.
In Part II, patients (ITT, n=163) were randomized to tocilizumab (same dose received in Part I) or placebo in a 1:1 ratio that was stratified by concurrent methotrexate use and concurrent corticosteroid use. Each patient continued in Part II of the study until Week 40 or until the patient satisfied JIA ACR 30 flare criteria (relative to Week 16) and qualified for escape.
The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a JIA ACR 30 flare at week 40 relative to week 16. JIA ACR 30 flare was defined as 3 or more of the 6 core outcome variables worsening by at least 30% with no more than 1 of the remaining variables improving by more than 30% relative to Week 16.
Tocilizumab treated patients experienced significantly fewer disease flares compared to placebo-treated patients (26% [21/82] versus 48% [39/81]; adjusted difference in proportions -21%, 95% CI: -35%, -8%).
During the withdrawal phase (Part II), more patients treated with tocilizumab showed JIA ACR 30/50/70 responses at Week 40 compared to patients withdrawn to placebo.
The efficacy of tocilizumab for the treatment of active SJIA was assessed in WA18221 (NCT00642460), a 12-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, 2-arm study. Patients treated with or without MTX, were randomized (tocilizumab:placebo = 2:1) to one of two treatment groups: 75 patients received tocilizumab infusions every two weeks at either 8 mg per kg for patients at or above 30 kg or 12 mg per kg for patients less than 30 kg and 37 were randomized to receive placebo infusions every two weeks. Corticosteroid tapering could occur from week six for patients who achieved a JIA ACR 70 response. After 12 weeks or at the time of escape, due to disease worsening, patients were treated with tocilizumab in the open-label extension phase at weight appropriate dosing.
The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least 30% improvement in JIA ACR core set (JIA ACR 30 response) at Week 12 and absence of fever (no temperature at or above 37.5°C in the preceding 7 days). JIA ACR (American College of Rheumatology) responses are defined as the percentage improvement (e.g., 30%, 50%, 70%) in 3 of any 6 core outcome variables compared to baseline, with worsening in no more than 1 of the remaining variables by 30% or more. Core outcome variables consist of physician global assessment, parent per patient global assessment, number of joints with active arthritis, number of joints with limitation of movement, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and functional ability (childhood health assessment questionnaire-CHAQ).
Primary endpoint result and JIA ACR response rates at Week 12 are shown in Table 8.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="80%"> <caption> <span>Table 8 Efficacy Findings at Week 12</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="40%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="30%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="30%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab <br/> N=75 </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo <br/> N=37 </th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="3"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-12" name="footnote-12">*</a> </dt> <dd>The weighted difference is the difference between the tocilizumab and Placebo response rates, adjusted for the stratification factors (weight, disease duration, background oral corticosteroid dose and background methotrexate use).</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-13" name="footnote-13">†</a> </dt> <dd>CI: confidence interval of the weighted difference.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">Primary Endpoint: JIA ACR 30 response + absence of fever</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Responders</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">85%</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">24%</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Weighted difference <br/> (95% CI) </span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">62 <br/> (45, 78) </span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">-</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR Response Rates at Week 12</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR 30</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Responders</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">91%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">24%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-12" name="footnote-reference-12">*</a> <br/> (95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-13" name="footnote-reference-13">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">67 <br/> (51, 83) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR 50</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Responders</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">85%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">11%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-12">*</a> <br/> (95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-13">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">74 <br/> (58, 90) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR 70</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Responders</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">71%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8%</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-12">*</a> <br/> (95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-13">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">63 <br/> (46, 80) </td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The treatment effect of tocilizumab was consistent across all components of the JIA ACR response core variables. JIA ACR scores and absence of fever responses in the open label extension were consistent with the controlled portion of the study (data available through 44 weeks).
Systemic Features
Of patients with fever or rash at baseline, those treated with tocilizumab had fewer systemic features; 35 out of 41 (85%) became fever free (no temperature recording at or above 37.5°C in the preceding 14 days) compared to 5 out of 24 (21%) of placebo-treated patients, and 14 out of 22 (64%) became free of rash compared to 2 out of 18 (11%) of placebo-treated patients. Responses were consistent in the open label extension (data available through 44 weeks).
Corticosteroid Tapering
Of the patients receiving oral corticosteroids at baseline, 8 out of 31 (26%) placebo and 48 out of 70 (69%), tocilizumab patients achieved a JIA ACR 70 response at week 6 or 8 enabling corticosteroid dose reduction. Seventeen (24%) tocilizumab patients versus 1 (3%) placebo patient were able to reduce the dose of corticosteroid by at least 20% without experiencing a subsequent JIA ACR 30 flare or occurrence of systemic symptoms to week 12. In the open label portion of the study, by week 44, there were 44 out of 103 (43%) tocilizumab patients off oral corticosteroids. Of these 44 patients 50% were off corticosteroids 18 weeks or more.
Health Related Outcomes
Physical function and disability were assessed using the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (CHAQ-DI). Seventy-seven percent (58 out of 75) of patients in the tocilizumab treatment group achieved a minimal clinically important improvement in CHAQ-DI (change from baseline of ≥ 0.13 units) at week 12 compared to 19% (7 out of 37) in the placebo treatment group.
The efficacy of tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19 was based on RECOVERY (NCT04381936), a randomized, controlled, open-label, platform study, and supported by the results from EMPACTA (NCT04372186), a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Results of two other randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, COVACTA (NCT04320615) and REMDACTA (NCT04409262), which evaluated the efficacy of tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19 are also summarized.
RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy) Collaborative Group Study in Hospitalized Adults Diagnosed with COVID-19
RECOVERY was a randomized, controlled, open-label, multicenter platform study conducted in the United Kingdom to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential treatments in hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Eligible patients for the tocilizumab portion of the study had clinically suspected or laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and no medical contraindications to any of the treatments and had clinical evidence of progressive COVID-19 (defined as oxygen saturation <92% on room air or receiving oxygen therapy, and CRP ≥75 mg/L). Patients were then randomized to receive either standard of care (SoC) or intravenous tocilizumab at a weight-tiered dosing comparable to the recommended dosage [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] in addition to SoC.
Efficacy analyses were performed in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population comprising 4116 adult patients who were randomized to the tocilizumab + SoC arm (n=2022) or to the SoC arm (n=2094). The mean age of participants was 64 years (range: 20 to 101), and patients were 67% male, 76% White, 11% Asian, 3% Black or African American, and 1% mixed race. At baseline, 0.2% of patients were not on supplemental oxygen, 45% of patients required low flow oxygen, 41% of patients required non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen, and 14% of patients required invasive mechanical ventilation; 82% of patients were reported to be receiving systemic corticosteroids.
The primary efficacy endpoint was time to death through Day 28. The results for the overall population and the subgroups of patients who were or were not receiving systemic corticosteroids at time of randomization are summarized in Table 9.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="80%"> <caption> <span>Table 9 Mortality through Day 28 in RECOVERY</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="22%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="19%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="19%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">tocilizumab + SoC <br/> N=2022 <br/> n (%) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-14" name="footnote-reference-14">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">SoC <br/> N=2094 <br/> n (%) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-14">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Hazard Ratio <br/> (95% CI) </th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Risk Difference <br/> (95% CI) </th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="5"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-14" name="footnote-14">*</a> </dt> <dd>P-value reflects that the RECOVERY trial primary analysis results were statistically significant at the two-sided significance level of α = 0.05.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-15" name="footnote-15">†</a> </dt> <dd>Probabilities of dying by Day 28 were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mortality</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">621 (30.7%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">729 (34.9%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.85 (0.76, 0.94) <br/> p= 0.0028 <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-14">*</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-4.1% (-7.0, -1.3)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5">By baseline receipt of corticosteroid use</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mortality for patients receiving systemic corticosteroids at randomization <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-15" name="footnote-reference-15">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">482/1664 (29.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">600/1721 (34.9%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.79 (0.70, 0.89)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-5.9% (-9.1, -2.8)</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mortality for patients not receiving systemic corticosteroids at randomization <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-15">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">139/357 (39.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">127/367 (34.6%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.16 (0.91, 1.48)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4.4% (-2.6, 11.5)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
EMPACTA
EMPACTA was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with SoC in hospitalized, non-ventilated adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Eligible patients were at least 18 years of age, had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by a positive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result, had pneumonia confirmed by radiography, and had SpO2 < 94% on ambient air.
Of the 389 patients randomized, efficacy analyses were performed in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population comprising 377 patients who were randomized and received study medication (249 in the tocilizumab arm; 128 in the placebo arm). The mean age of participants was 56 years (range: 20 to 95); 59% of patients were male, 56% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, 53% were White, 20% were American Indian/Alaska Native, 15% were Black/African American and 2% were Asian. At baseline, 9% patients were not on supplemental oxygen, 64% patients required low flow oxygen, 27% patients required high-flow oxygen, and 73% were on corticosteroids.
The primary efficacy endpoint evaluated time to progression to mechanical ventilation or death through Day 28. The hazard ratio comparing tocilizumab to placebo was 0.56 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.97), a statistically significant result (log-rank, p-value = 0.036). The cumulative proportion of patients who required mechanical ventilation or died by Day 28 was 12.0% (95% CI, 8.5% to 16.9%) in the tocilizumab arm and 19.3% (95% CI, 13.3% to 27.4%) in the placebo arm.
Mortality at Day 28 was 10.4% in the tocilizumab arm versus 8.6% in the placebo arm (weighted difference (tocilizumab arm - placebo arm): 2.0% [95% CI, -5.2% to 7.8%]).
COVACTA
COVACTA was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with SoC for the treatment of adult patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The study randomized 452 patients who were at least 18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by a positive RT-PCR result, had pneumonia confirmed by radiography, and had oxygen saturation of 93% or lower on ambient air or a ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen of 300 mmHg or less. At baseline, 3% of patients were not on supplemental oxygen, 28% were on low flow oxygen, 30% were on non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen, 38% were on invasive mechanical ventilation, and 22% were on corticosteroids. The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical status on Day 28 assessed on a 7-category ordinal scale that ranged from "discharged" to "death." There were no statistically significant differences observed in the distributions of clinical status on the 7-category ordinal scale at Day 28 when comparing the tocilizumab arm to the placebo arm.
Mortality at Day 28 was 19.7% in the tocilizumab arm versus 19.4% in the placebo arm (weighted difference (tocilizumab arm - placebo arm): 0.3% [95% CI, -7.6 to 8.2]).
REMDACTA
REMDACTA was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with intravenous remdesivir (RDV) 200 mg on Day 1 followed by 100 mg once daily for a total of 10 days in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The study randomized 649 adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result, pneumonia confirmed by radiography, and who required supplemental oxygen > 6 L/min to maintain SpO2 >93%. At baseline, 7% of patients were on low flow oxygen, 80% were on non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen, 14% were on invasive mechanical ventilation, and 84% were on corticosteroids.
The primary efficacy endpoint was time from randomization to hospital discharge or 'ready for discharge' up to Day 28. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment arms with respect to time to hospital discharge or "ready for discharge" through Day 28.
Mortality at Day 28 was 18.1% in the tocilizumab + RDV arm versus 19.5% in the placebo +RDV arm (weighted difference (tocilizumab arm - placebo arm): -1.3% [95% CI, -7.8% to 5.2%]).
Mortality Across Studies in Patients Receiving Baseline Corticosteroids
A study-level meta-analysis was conducted on EMPACTA, COVACTA, REMDACTA and RECOVERY studies. For each of the four studies, the risk difference through Day 28 was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method in the subgroup of patients receiving baseline corticosteroids, summarized in Figure 2. Patients from the RECOVERY trial represent 78.8% of the total sample size in this meta-analysis. The combined risk difference showed that tocilizumab treatment (n=2261) resulted in a 4.61% absolute reduction in the risk of death at Day 28 (risk difference=-4.6%; 95% CI: -7.3% to -1.9%) compared to SoC (n=2034).
Figure 2 Risk Differences Through Day 28 for Baseline Corticosteroid Use Subpopulation in RECOVERY, EMPACTA, COVACTA and REMDACTA studies
Storage and Handling:Do not use beyond expiration date on the container or package. TOFIDENCE must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect the vials from light by storage in the original package until time of use.
Inform patients that TOFIDENCE may lower their resistance to infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor immediately when symptoms suggesting infection appear in order to assure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Inform patients that some patients who have been treated with TOFIDENCE have had serious side effects in the stomach and intestines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor immediately when symptoms of fever, severe, persistent abdominal pain, and change in bowel habits appear to assure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Inform patients that some patients who have been treated with TOFIDENCE have developed serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis , as well as serious skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] . Advise patients to stop taking TOFIDENCE and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptom of serious allergic reactions (including rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing).
Pregnancy
Inform female patients of reproductive potential that TOFIDENCE may cause fetal harm and to inform their prescriber of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
TOFIDENCE (tocilizumab-bavi)
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nTOFIDENCE (tocilizumab-bavi)\n" }
Manufactured by: Biogen MA Inc. Cambridge, MA 02142 U.S. License No.: 2344
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nManufactured by: \n Biogen MA Inc.\n \n Cambridge, MA 02142 \n U.S. License No.: 2344\n\n " }
TOFIDENCE is a trademark of Biogen MA Inc. © 2024 Biogen MA Inc. All rights reserved.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "TOFIDENCE is a trademark of Biogen MA Inc. \n © 2024 Biogen MA Inc. All rights reserved.\n " }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="left" valign="top" width="3%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="32%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="10%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="25%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="30%"/> </colgroup> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="4" valign="top">Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</td><td align="right" valign="top">Revised: 03/2025 </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">Medication Guide</span> <br/> TOFIDENCE™ (TOE-FIH-DENCE) <br/> (tocilizumab-bavi) injection <br/> for intravenous use </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"> <p class="First"> <span class="Bold">What is the most important information I should know about TOFIDENCE? <br/> TOFIDENCE can cause serious side effects including: </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span class="Bold">Serious Infections.</span>TOFIDENCE is a medicine that affects your immune system. TOFIDENCE can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have serious infections while taking TOFIDENCE, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should assess you for TB before starting TOFIDENCE (except if you have COVID-19). </li> </ul> If you have COVID-19, your healthcare provider should monitor you for signs and symptoms of new infections during and after treatment with TOFIDENCE. <br/> Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with TOFIDENCE. <ul class="Disc"> <li>You should not start taking TOFIDENCE if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider says it is okay.</li> </ul> Before starting TOFIDENCE, tell your healthcare provider if you: <ul class="Disc"> <li>think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever, such as:</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule"></td><td align="left"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>sweating or chills</li> <li>shortness of breath</li> <li>warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" colspan="2"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>feel very tired</li> <li>muscle aches</li> <li>blood in phlegm</li> <li>diarrhea or stomach pain</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>cough</li> <li>weight loss</li> <li>burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"> <ul class="Disc"> <li>are being treated for an infection.</li> <li>get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back.</li> <li>have diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections.</li> <li>have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB.</li> <li>live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may happen or become more severe if you use TOFIDENCE. Ask your healthcare provider, if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.</li> <li>have or have had hepatitis B.</li> </ul> After starting TOFIDENCE, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. TOFIDENCE can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infection that you have. <ul> <li> <span class="Bold">Tears (perforation) of the stomach or intestines.</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking TOFIDENCE get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.</li> <li>Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and new onset stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <span class="Bold">Liver problems (Hepatotoxicity):</span>Some people have experienced serious life-threatening liver problems, which required a liver transplant or led to death. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TOFIDENCE if you develop new or worse liver problems during treatment with TOFIDENCE. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: </li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule"></td><td align="left" colspan="2"> <ul class="Disc"> <li>feeling tired (fatigue)</li> <li>lack of appetite for several days or longer (anorexia)</li> <li>yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)</li> <li>abdominal swelling and pain on the right side of your stomach-area</li> <li>light colored stools</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule" colspan="2"> <ul class="Disc"> <li>weakness</li> <li>nausea and vomiting</li> <li>confusion</li> <li>dark "tea-colored" urine</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"> <ul> <li> <span class="Bold">Changes in certain laboratory test results.</span>Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you start receiving TOFIDENCE. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or giant cell arteritis (GCA) your healthcare provider should do blood tests every 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving TOFIDENCE for the first 6 months and then every 3 months after that. If you have polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) you will have blood tests done every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment. If you have systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) you will have blood tests done every 2 to 4 weeks during treatment. These blood tests are to check for the following side effects of TOFIDENCE: <ul class="Disc"> <li>low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections.</li> <li>low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding.</li> <li>increase in certain liver function tests.</li> <li>increase in blood cholesterol levels. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving TOFIDENCE.</li> </ul> Your healthcare provider will determine how often you will have follow-up blood tests. Make sure you get all your follow-up blood tests done as ordered by your healthcare provider. <br/> You should not receive TOFIDENCE if your neutrophil or platelet counts are too low or your liver function tests are too high. <br/> Your healthcare provider may stop your TOFIDENCE treatment for a period of time or change your dose of medicine if needed because of changes in these blood test results. </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <span class="Bold">Cancer.</span>TOFIDENCE may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer. </li> </ul> See <span class="Bold">" <a href="#possible">What are the possible side effects with TOFIDENCE?</a>" </span>for more information about side effects. </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">What is TOFIDENCE?</span> <br/> TOFIDENCE is a prescription medicine called an Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. TOFIDENCE is used: <ul class="Disc"> <li>To treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), after at least one other medicine called a Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well.</li> <li>To treat adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA).</li> <li>To treat people with active PJIA ages 2 and above.</li> <li>To treat people with active SJIA ages 2 and above.</li> <li>To treat hospitalized adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving systemic corticosteroids and requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.</li> </ul> It is not known if TOFIDENCE is safe and effective in children with PJIA or SJIA under 2 years of age or in children with conditions other than PJIA or SJIA. </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">Do not take TOFIDENCE:</span>if you are allergic to tocilizumab products, or any of the ingredients in TOFIDENCE. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in TOFIDENCE. </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">Before you receive TOFIDENCE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>have an infection. <span class="Bold">See " <a href="#important">What is the most important information I should know about TOFIDENCE?</a>" </span> </li> <li>have liver problems.</li> <li>have any stomach-area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.</li> <li>have had a reaction to tocilizumab products or any of the ingredients in TOFIDENCE before.</li> <li>have or had a condition that affects your nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.</li> <li>have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine: <ul class="Circle"> <li>All vaccines should be brought up-to-date before starting TOFIDENCE, unless urgent treatment initiation is required.</li> <li>People who take TOFIDENCE should not receive live vaccines.</li> <li>People taking TOFIDENCE can receive non-live vaccines.</li> </ul> </li> <li>plan to have surgery or a medical procedure.</li> <li>are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TOFIDENCE may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with TOFIDENCE.</li> <li>are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TOFIDENCE passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take TOFIDENCE.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take,</span>including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. TOFIDENCE and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. <br/> Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: <ul class="Disc"> <li>any other medicines to treat your RA. Taking TOFIDENCE with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.</li> <li>medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.</li> </ul> Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">How will I receive TOFIDENCE? <br/> Into a vein (IV or intravenous infusion) for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, PJIA, SJIA, or COVID-19: </span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>If your healthcare provider prescribes TOFIDENCE as an IV infusion, you will receive TOFIDENCE from a healthcare provider through a needle placed in a vein in your arm. The infusion will take about 1 hour to give you the full dose of medicine.</li> <li>For rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis or PJIA you will receive a dose of TOFIDENCE about every 4 weeks.</li> <li>For SJIA you will receive a dose of TOFIDENCE about every 2 weeks.</li> <li>For COVID-19, you will receive a single dose of TOFIDENCE, and if needed one additional dose.</li> <li>While taking TOFIDENCE, you may continue to use other medicines that help treat your rheumatoid arthritis, PJIA, SJIA, or COVID-19 such as methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prescription steroids, as instructed by your healthcare provider.</li> <li>Keep all of your follow-up appointments and get your blood tests as ordered by your healthcare provider.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"> <p class="First"> <span class="Bold">What are the possible side effects with TOFIDENCE? TOFIDENCE can cause serious side effects, including:</span> </p> <ul class="Disc"> <li>See <span class="Bold">" <a href="#important">What is the most important information I should know about TOFIDENCE?</a>" </span> </li> <li> <span class="Bold">Hepatitis B infection</span>in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that affects the liver), the virus may become active while you use TOFIDENCE. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before you start treatment with TOFIDENCE and while you are using TOFIDENCE. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a possible hepatitis B infection: </li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule"></td><td align="left"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>feel very tired</li> <li>vomiting</li> <li>chills</li> <li>dark urine</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" colspan="2"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>skin or eyes look yellow</li> <li>clay-colored bowel movements</li> <li>stomach discomfort</li> <li>skin rash</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>little or no appetite</li> <li>fevers</li> <li>muscle aches</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"> <ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Serious Allergic Reactions.</span>Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with TOFIDENCE. These reactions can happen with any infusion of TOFIDENCE, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion. Stop taking TOFIDENCE, contact your healthcare provider, and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction: <ul class="Circle"> <li>swelling of your face, lips, mouth or tongue</li> <li>trouble breathing</li> <li>wheezing</li> <li>severe itching</li> <li>skin rash, hives, redness, or swelling outside of the injection site area</li> <li>dizziness or fainting</li> <li>fast heartbeat or pounding in your chest (tachycardia)</li> <li>sweating</li> </ul> </li> <li> <span class="Bold">Nervous system problems.</span>While rare, Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed in people who take TOFIDENCE. It is not known what effect TOFIDENCE may have on some nervous system disorders. </li> </ul> <span class="Bold">The most common side effects of TOFIDENCE include:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections)</li> <li>headache</li> <li>increased blood pressure (hypertension)</li> </ul> Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TOFIDENCE. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. <br/> <span class="Bold">Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.</span> <br/> You may also report side effects to Biogen MA Inc. at 1-877-422-8360. . </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">General information about the safe and effective use of TOFIDENCE.</span> <br/> Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not give TOFIDENCE to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about TOFIDENCE that is written for health professionals. </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5"><span class="Bold">What are the ingredients in TOFIDENCE?</span> <br/> Active ingredient: tocilizumab-bavi. <br/> Inactive ingredients of Intravenous TOFIDENCE: arginine hydrochloride, histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate,polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for Injection. <br/> TOFIDENCE is a trademark of Biogen MA Inc. <br/> <span class="Bold">Manufactured by: Biogen MA Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142,</span>U.S. License No.: 2344 <br/> © 2024 Biogen MA Inc. All rights reserved. <br/> For more information, go to www.tofidence.com or call 1-877-422-8360 <span class="Bold">.</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"3%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"32%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"10%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"30%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tfoot>\n<tr class=\"First Last\">\n<td align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\">Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</td><td align=\"right\" valign=\"top\">Revised: 03/2025 </td>\n</tr>\n</tfoot>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"Botrule First\">\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">Medication Guide</span>\n<br/>\n\t\t\tTOFIDENCE™ (TOE-FIH-DENCE)\n <br/>\n\t\t\t(tocilizumab-bavi) injection\n <br/>\n\t\t\tfor intravenous use\n </td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\">\n<p class=\"First\">\n<span class=\"Bold\">What is the most important information I should know about TOFIDENCE?\n <br/>\n\t\t\tTOFIDENCE can cause serious side effects including:\n </span>\n</p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Serious Infections.</span>TOFIDENCE is a medicine that affects your immune system. TOFIDENCE can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have serious infections while taking TOFIDENCE, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should assess you for TB before starting TOFIDENCE (except if you have COVID-19).\n </li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\tIf you have COVID-19, your healthcare provider should monitor you for signs and symptoms of new infections during and after treatment with TOFIDENCE.\n <br/>\n\t\t\tYour healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with TOFIDENCE.\n\t\t\t\n <ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>You should not start taking TOFIDENCE if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider says it is okay.</li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\tBefore starting TOFIDENCE, tell your healthcare provider if you:\n\n\t\t\t\n <ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever, such as:</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule\"></td><td align=\"left\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>sweating or chills</li>\n<li>shortness of breath</li>\n<li>warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>feel very tired</li>\n<li>muscle aches</li>\n<li>blood in phlegm</li>\n<li>diarrhea or stomach pain</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>cough</li>\n<li>weight loss</li>\n<li>burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>are being treated for an infection.</li>\n<li>get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back.</li>\n<li>have diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections.</li>\n<li>have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB.</li>\n<li>live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may happen or become more severe if you use TOFIDENCE. Ask your healthcare provider, if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.</li>\n<li>have or have had hepatitis B.</li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\tAfter starting TOFIDENCE, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. TOFIDENCE can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infection that you have.\n\n\t\t\t\n <ul>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Tears (perforation) of the stomach or intestines.</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking TOFIDENCE get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.</li>\n<li>Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and new onset stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Liver problems (Hepatotoxicity):</span>Some people have experienced serious life-threatening liver problems, which required a liver transplant or led to death. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TOFIDENCE if you develop new or worse liver problems during treatment with TOFIDENCE. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:\n </li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule\"></td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>feeling tired (fatigue)</li>\n<li>lack of appetite for several days or longer (anorexia)</li>\n<li>yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)</li>\n<li>abdominal swelling and pain on the right side of your stomach-area</li>\n<li>light colored stools</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>weakness</li>\n<li>nausea and vomiting</li>\n<li>confusion</li>\n<li>dark \"tea-colored\" urine</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Changes in certain laboratory test results.</span>Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you start receiving TOFIDENCE. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or giant cell arteritis (GCA) your healthcare provider should do blood tests every 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving TOFIDENCE for the first 6 months and then every 3 months after that. If you have polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) you will have blood tests done every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment. If you have systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) you will have blood tests done every 2 to 4 weeks during treatment. These blood tests are to check for the following side effects of TOFIDENCE:\n\t\t\t\t\n <ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections.</li>\n<li>low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding.</li>\n<li>increase in certain liver function tests.</li>\n<li>increase in blood cholesterol levels. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving TOFIDENCE.</li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\t\tYour healthcare provider will determine how often you will have follow-up blood tests. Make sure you get all your follow-up blood tests done as ordered by your healthcare provider.\n <br/>\n\t\t\t\tYou should not receive TOFIDENCE if your neutrophil or platelet counts are too low or your liver function tests are too high.\n <br/>\n\t\t\t\tYour healthcare provider may stop your TOFIDENCE treatment for a period of time or change your dose of medicine if needed because of changes in these blood test results.\n </li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Cancer.</span>TOFIDENCE may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.\n </li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\tSee \n <span class=\"Bold\">\" \n <a href=\"#possible\">What are the possible side effects with TOFIDENCE?</a>\" \n </span>for more information about side effects.\n </td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">What is TOFIDENCE?</span>\n<br/>\n\t\t\tTOFIDENCE is a prescription medicine called an Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. TOFIDENCE is used:\n\t\t\t\n <ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>To treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), after at least one other medicine called a Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well.</li>\n<li>To treat adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA).</li>\n<li>To treat people with active PJIA ages 2 and above.</li>\n<li>To treat people with active SJIA ages 2 and above.</li>\n<li>To treat hospitalized adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving systemic corticosteroids and requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.</li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\tIt is not known if TOFIDENCE is safe and effective in children with PJIA or SJIA under 2 years of age or in children with conditions other than PJIA or SJIA.\n </td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">Do not take TOFIDENCE:</span>if you are allergic to tocilizumab products, or any of the ingredients in TOFIDENCE. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in TOFIDENCE.\n </td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">Before you receive TOFIDENCE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>have an infection. \n <span class=\"Bold\">See \" \n <a href=\"#important\">What is the most important information I should know about TOFIDENCE?</a>\" \n </span>\n</li>\n<li>have liver problems.</li>\n<li>have any stomach-area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.</li>\n<li>have had a reaction to tocilizumab products or any of the ingredients in TOFIDENCE before.</li>\n<li>have or had a condition that affects your nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.</li>\n<li>have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine:\n\t\t\t\t\n <ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>All vaccines should be brought up-to-date before starting TOFIDENCE, unless urgent treatment initiation is required.</li>\n<li>People who take TOFIDENCE should not receive live vaccines.</li>\n<li>People taking TOFIDENCE can receive non-live vaccines.</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>plan to have surgery or a medical procedure.</li>\n<li>are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TOFIDENCE may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with TOFIDENCE.</li>\n<li>are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TOFIDENCE passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take TOFIDENCE.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take,</span>including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. TOFIDENCE and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects.\n <br/>\n\t\t\tEspecially tell your healthcare provider if you take:\n\t\t\t\n <ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>any other medicines to treat your RA. Taking TOFIDENCE with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.</li>\n<li>medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.</li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\tKnow the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.\n </td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">How will I receive TOFIDENCE?\n <br/>\n\t\t\tInto a vein (IV or intravenous infusion) for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, PJIA, SJIA, or COVID-19:\n </span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>If your healthcare provider prescribes TOFIDENCE as an IV infusion, you will receive TOFIDENCE from a healthcare provider through a needle placed in a vein in your arm. The infusion will take about 1 hour to give you the full dose of medicine.</li>\n<li>For rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis or PJIA you will receive a dose of TOFIDENCE about every 4 weeks.</li>\n<li>For SJIA you will receive a dose of TOFIDENCE about every 2 weeks.</li>\n<li>For COVID-19, you will receive a single dose of TOFIDENCE, and if needed one additional dose.</li>\n<li>While taking TOFIDENCE, you may continue to use other medicines that help treat your rheumatoid arthritis, PJIA, SJIA, or COVID-19 such as methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prescription steroids, as instructed by your healthcare provider.</li>\n<li>Keep all of your follow-up appointments and get your blood tests as ordered by your healthcare provider.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\">\n<p class=\"First\">\n<span class=\"Bold\">What are the possible side effects with TOFIDENCE? TOFIDENCE can cause serious side effects, including:</span>\n</p>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>See \n <span class=\"Bold\">\" \n <a href=\"#important\">What is the most important information I should know about TOFIDENCE?</a>\" \n </span>\n</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Hepatitis B infection</span>in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that affects the liver), the virus may become active while you use TOFIDENCE. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before you start treatment with TOFIDENCE and while you are using TOFIDENCE. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a possible hepatitis B infection:\n </li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule\"></td><td align=\"left\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>feel very tired</li>\n<li>vomiting</li>\n<li>chills</li>\n<li>dark urine</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>skin or eyes look yellow</li>\n<li>clay-colored bowel movements</li>\n<li>stomach discomfort</li>\n<li>skin rash</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>little or no appetite</li>\n<li>fevers</li>\n<li>muscle aches</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Serious Allergic Reactions.</span>Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with TOFIDENCE. These reactions can happen with any infusion of TOFIDENCE, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion. Stop taking TOFIDENCE, contact your healthcare provider, and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction:\n\t\t\t\t\n <ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>swelling of your face, lips, mouth or tongue</li>\n<li>trouble breathing</li>\n<li>wheezing</li>\n<li>severe itching</li>\n<li>skin rash, hives, redness, or swelling outside of the injection site area</li>\n<li>dizziness or fainting</li>\n<li>fast heartbeat or pounding in your chest (tachycardia)</li>\n<li>sweating</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Nervous system problems.</span>While rare, Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed in people who take TOFIDENCE. It is not known what effect TOFIDENCE may have on some nervous system disorders.\n </li>\n</ul>\n<span class=\"Bold\">The most common side effects of TOFIDENCE include:</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections)</li>\n<li>headache</li>\n<li>increased blood pressure (hypertension)</li>\n</ul>\n\t\t\tTell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TOFIDENCE. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.\n <br/>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.</span>\n<br/>\n\t\t\tYou may also report side effects to Biogen MA Inc. at 1-877-422-8360. .\n </td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">General information about the safe and effective use of TOFIDENCE.</span>\n<br/>\n\t\t\tMedicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not give TOFIDENCE to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about TOFIDENCE that is written for health professionals.\n </td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"5\"><span class=\"Bold\">What are the ingredients in TOFIDENCE?</span>\n<br/>\n\t\t\tActive ingredient: tocilizumab-bavi.\n <br/>\n\t\t\tInactive ingredients of Intravenous TOFIDENCE: arginine hydrochloride, histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate,polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for Injection.\n <br/>\n\t\t\tTOFIDENCE is a trademark of Biogen MA Inc.\n <br/>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Manufactured by: Biogen MA Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142,</span>U.S. License No.: 2344\n <br/>\n\t\t\t© 2024 Biogen MA Inc. All rights reserved.\n <br/>\n\t\t\tFor more information, go to www.tofidence.com or call 1-877-422-8360 \n <span class=\"Bold\">.</span></td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"left\"></td><td align=\"left\"></td><td align=\"left\"></td><td align=\"left\"></td><td align=\"left\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
Rx Only NDC 64406-022-01
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Tofidence™ (tocilizumab-bavi) Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Tofidence™ \n (tocilizumab-bavi) \n Injection\n " }
200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL)
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "200 mg/10 mL \n (20 mg/mL)\n " }
For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "For Intravenous Infusion \n After Dilution.\n " }
Single-Dose Vial
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Single-Dose Vial" }
Discard unused portion.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Discard unused portion." }
Biogen ®
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Biogen\n \n ®\n" }
Rx Only NDC 64406-023-01
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Rx Only \n NDC 64406-023-01\n " }
Tofidence™ (tocilizumab-bavi) Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Tofidence™ \n (tocilizumab-bavi) \n Injection\n " }
400 mg/20 mL (20 mg/mL)
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "400 mg/20 mL \n (20 mg/mL)\n " }
For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "For Intravenous Infusion \n After Dilution.\n " }
Single-Dose Vial
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Single-Dose Vial" }
Discard unused portion.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Discard unused portion." }
Biogen ®
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Biogen\n \n ®\n" }
Rx Only NDC 64406-024-01
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Rx Only \n NDC 64406-024-01\n " }
Tofidence™ (tocilizumab-bavi) Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Tofidence™ \n (tocilizumab-bavi) \n Injection\n " }
80 mg/4 mL (20 mg/mL)
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "80 mg/4 mL \n (20 mg/mL)\n " }
For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "For Intravenous Infusion \n After Dilution.\n " }
Single-Dose Vial
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Single-Dose Vial" }
Discard unused portion.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Discard unused portion." }
Biogen ®
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Biogen\n \n ®\n" }
60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663
Tocilizumab-anoh 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).
Tocilizumab-anoh is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adult patients.
Tocilizumab-anoh is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older.
Tocilizumab-anoh is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older.
Tocilizumab-anoh is indicated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized adult patients who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen, non- invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Not Recommended for Concomitant Use with Biological DMARDs
Tocilizumab products have 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 Tocilizumab-anoh with biological DMARDs.
Baseline Laboratory Evaluation Prior to Treatment
Obtain and assess baseline complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests prior to treatment.
Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh 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.
Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="50%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="50%"/> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients less than 100 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">162 mg administered subcutaneously every other week, followed by an increase to every week based on clinical response</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients at or above 100 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">162 mg administered subcutaneously every week</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
When transitioning from Tocilizumab-anoh 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 (2.9), Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4), and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen:
The recommended dosage of Tocilizumab-anoh 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.
Tocilizumab-anoh can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids.
Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen:
The recommended dose of Tocilizumab-anoh 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.
Tocilizumab-anoh can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids.
When transitioning from Tocilizumab-anoh 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 (2.9)].
Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh for PJIA patients given once every 4 weeks as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="51%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="49%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">Recommended Intravenous PJIA Dosage Every 4 Weeks</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients less than 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10 mg per kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients at or above 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8 mg per kg</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="51%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="49%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">Recommended Subcutaneous PJIA Dosage</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients less than 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">162 mg once every 3 weeks</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients at or above 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">162 mg once every 2 weeks</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
When transitioning from Tocilizumab-anoh 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 (2.9].
Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh for SJIA patients given once every 2 weeks as a 60-minute single intravenous drip infusion is:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="51%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="49%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">Recommended Intravenous SJIA Dosage Every 2 Weeks</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients less than 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">12 mg per kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients at or above 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8 mg per kg</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="51%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="49%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">Recommended Subcutaneous SJIA Dosage</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients less than 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">162 mg once every two weeks</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Patients at or above 30 kg weight</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">162 mg once every week</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
When transitioning from Tocilizumab-anoh 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 (2.9)].
Administer Tocilizumab-anoh by intravenous infusion only.
The recommended dosage of Tocilizumab-anoh for treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 is 8 mg per kg administered as a single 60-minute intravenous infusion. If clinical signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve after the first dose, one additional infusion of Tocilizumab-anoh may be administered at least 8 hours after the initial infusion.
Tocilizumab-anoh for intravenous infusion should be diluted by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique as follows:
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="14%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="49%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="37%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3">For Intravenous Use: Volume of Tocilizumab-anoh Injection per kg of Body Weight</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Dosage</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Indication</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Volume of Tocilizumab-anoh injection per kg of body weight</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">4 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Adult RA</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.2 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">6 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Adult GCA</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.3 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">8 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Adult RA<br/>Adult COVID-19<br/>SJIA and PJIA (greater than or equal to 30 kg of body weight)</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.4 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">10 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">PJIA (less than 30 kg of body weight)</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.5 mL/kg</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">12 mg/kg</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">SJIA (less than 30 kg of body weight)</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">0.6 mL/kg</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Serious Infections
Hold Tocilizumab-anoh treatment if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled.
Laboratory Abnormalities
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Giant Cell Arteritis
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="17%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="42%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="41%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3">Liver Enzyme Abnormalities<span class="Italics"> [see <a href="#S5.3">Warnings and Precautions (5.3</a>, <a href="#S5.4">5.4)</a>]</span></th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Lab Value</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for RA</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for GCA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Greater than 1 to 3× ULN</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Dose modify concomitant DMARDs if appropriate<br/>For persistent increases in this range:<ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh, reduce dose to 4 mg per kg or hold Tocilizumab-anoh until ALT or AST have normalized</li> <li>For patients receiving subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh, reduce injection frequency to every other week or hold dosing until ALT or AST have normalized. Resume Tocilizumab-anoh at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate.</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Dose modify immunomodulatory agents if appropriate<br/>For persistent increases in this range:<ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh, hold Tocilizumab-anoh until ALT or AST have normalized</li> <li>For patients receiving subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh, reduce injection frequency to every other week or hold dosing until ALT or AST have normalized. Resume Tocilizumab-anoh at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Greater than 3 to 5× ULN<br/>(confirmed by repeat testing)</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold Tocilizumab-anoh dosing until less than 3× ULN and follow recommendations above for greater than 1 to 3× ULN<br/>For persistent increases greater than 3× ULN, discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold Tocilizumab-anoh dosing until less than 3× ULN and follow recommendations above for greater than 1 to 3× ULN<br/>For persistent increases greater than 3× ULN, discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Greater than 5× ULN</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="39%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="41%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3" valign="middle">Low Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) <span class="Italics">[see <a href="#S5.4">Warnings and Precautions (5.4)</a>]</span></th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" valign="middle">Lab Value (cells per mm<span class="Sup">3</span>)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="middle">Recommendation for RA</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="middle">Recommendation for GCA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ANC greater than 1000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Maintain dose</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Maintain dose</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ANC 500 to 1000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold Tocilizumab-anoh dosing<br/> <br/>When ANC greater than 1000 cells per mm<span class="Sup">3</span>:<ul> <li>For patients receiving intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at 4 mg per kg and increase to 8 mg per kg as clinically appropriate</li> <li>For patients receiving subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold Tocilizumab-anoh dosing<br/> <br/>When ANC greater than 1000 cells per mm<span class="Sup">3</span>:<br/> <ul> <li>For patients receiving intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at 6 mg per kg</li> <li>For patients receiving subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ANC less than 500</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="43%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="42%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3">Low Platelet Count <span class="Italics">[see <a href="#S5.4">Warnings and Precautions (5.4)</a>]</span></th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Lab Value (cells per mm<span class="Sup">3</span>)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for RA</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Recommendation for GCA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">50,000 to 100,000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold Tocilizumab-anoh dosing<br/>When platelet count is greater than 100,000 cells per mm<span class="Sup">3</span>:<ul class="Disc"> <li>For patients receiving intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at 4 mg per kg and increase to 8 mg per kg as clinically appropriate</li> <li>For patients receiving subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Hold Tocilizumab-anoh dosing<br/>When platelet count is greater than 100,000 cells per mm<span class="Sup">3</span>:<ul> <li>For patients receiving intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at 6 mg per kg</li> <li>For patients receiving subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh, resume Tocilizumab-anoh at every other week and increase frequency to every week as clinically appropriate</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Less than 50,000</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td><td align="left" class="Rrule">Discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Polyarticular and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Dose reduction of tocilizumab products has not been studied in the PJIA and SJIA populations. Dose interruptions of Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh dosing until the clinical situation has been evaluated. In PJIA and SJIA the decision to discontinue Tocilizumab-anoh for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the medical assessment of the individual patient.
Intravenous Infusion
Injection: 80 mg/4 mL, 200 mg/10 mL, 400 mg/20 mL as a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution in 20 mg/mL single-dose vials for further dilution prior to intravenous infusion.
Subcutaneous Injection
Injection: 162 mg/0.9 mL clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe or single-dose prefilled autoinjector.
Tocilizumab-anoh is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
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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 tocilizumab products. 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 tocilizumab products. 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 Tocilizumab-anoh in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating Tocilizumab-anoh in patients:
Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh, as signs and symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened due to suppression of the acute phase reactants [see Dosage and Administration (2.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1), and Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Hold Tocilizumab-anoh if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh. There is limited information regarding the use of tocilizumab products in patients with COVID-19 and concomitant active serious infections. The risks and benefits of treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh. In patients with COVID-19, testing for latent infection is not necessary prior to initiating treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh.
Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh.
Viral Reactivation
Viral reactivation has been reported with immunosuppressive biologic therapies and cases of herpes zoster exacerbation were observed in clinical studies with tocilizumab. No cases of Hepatitis B reactivation were observed in the trials; however patients who screened positive for hepatitis were excluded.
Events of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in clinical trials, primarily as complications of diverticulitis in patients treated with tocilizumab. Use Tocilizumab-anoh 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)].
Serious cases of hepatic injury have been observed in patients taking intravenous or subcutaneous tocilizumab products. 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 products. 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 tocilizumab was associated with a higher incidence of transaminase elevations [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.7)]. Increased frequency and magnitude of these elevations was observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., MTX) were used in combination with tocilizumab.
For RA and GCA patients, obtain a liver test panel (serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) before initiating Tocilizumab-anoh, 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 Tocilizumab-anoh treatment in RA or GCA 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 Tocilizumab-anoh. For recommended modifications based upon increase in transaminases see Dosage and Administration (2.9).
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 Tocilizumab-anoh should balance the potential benefit of treating COVID-19 against the potential risks of acute treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh. It is not recommended to initiate Tocilizumab-anoh 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), Tocilizumab-anoh treatment should be interrupted and investigation done to establish the probable cause. Tocilizumab-anoh 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 tocilizumab products 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.
Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis and Coronavirus Disease 2019
Neutropenia
Treatment with tocilizumab products 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.
Thrombocytopenia
Treatment with tocilizumab products 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)].
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Refer to 5.3 Hepatotoxicity. For recommended modifications [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)]
Lipid Abnormalities
Treatment with tocilizumab products 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)].
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 tocilizumab products 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 (2.9)].
The impact of treatment with tocilizumab products on the development of malignancies is not known but malignancies were observed in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Tocilizumab-anoh is an immunosuppressant, and treatment with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of malignancies.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in association with tocilizumab products and anaphylactic events with a fatal outcome have been reported with intravenous infusion of tocilizumab products. 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 tocilizumab, 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 tocilizumab, 1 out of 112 patients (0.9%) experienced hypersensitivity reactions that required treatment discontinuation. In the PJIA controlled trial with intravenous tocilizumab, 0 out of 188 patients (0%) in the tocilizumab 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 [see 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 tocilizumab products, 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 tocilizumab products [see Adverse Reactions (6.10)]. In addition, serious cutaneous reactions, including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), have been reported in patients with autoinflammatory conditions treated with tocilizumab products.
Tocilizumab-anoh for intravenous use should only be infused by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis. For Tocilizumab-anoh 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 Tocilizumab-anoh, treat promptly and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve.
The impact of treatment with tocilizumab products 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 Tocilizumab-anoh in patients with preexisting or recent onset demyelinating disorders.
Treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh is not recommended in patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with Tocilizumab-anoh 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 tocilizumab products.
No data are available on the effectiveness of vaccination in patients receiving tocilizumab products. 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 Tocilizumab-anoh therapy. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of Tocilizumab-anoh therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
The tocilizumab-IV data in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) includes 5 double-blind, controlled, multicenter studies. In these studies, patients received doses of tocilizumab-IV 8 mg per kg monotherapy (288 patients), tocilizumab- IV 8 mg per kg in combination with DMARDs (including methotrexate) (1582 patients), or tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV and 3% for placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions that required discontinuation of tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab 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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 mm3 occurred in 1.8% and 3.4% of patients in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab-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 mm3 occurred within 8 weeks of starting therapy. Decreases in neutrophil counts below 500 per mm3 occurred in 0.4% and 0.3% of patients in the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab-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 mm3 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 mm3 occurred in 1.3% and 1.7% of patients on 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV, or reduction in tocilizumab-IV dose, resulted in decrease or normalization of liver enzymes [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)]. 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)].
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="90%"> <caption> <span>Table 1 Incidence of Liver Enzyme Abnormalities in the 24 Week Controlled Period of Studies I to V<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-2" name="footnote-reference-2">*</a></span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="21%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="18%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="18%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="14%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="14%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/>8 mg per kg MONOTHERAPY</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Methotrexate</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/>4 mg per kg + DMARDs</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/>8 mg per kg + DMARDs</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + DMARDs</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 288<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 284<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 774<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 1582<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 1170<br/> (%)</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="6" valign="top">ULN = Upper Limit of Normal</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="6"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-2" name="footnote-2">*</a> </dt> <dd>For a description of these studies, see <a href="#S14">Section 14, Clinical Studies</a>.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">AST (U/L)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">> ULN to 3× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">22</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">26</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">34</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">41</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">17</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">> 3× ULN to 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">> 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">< 0.1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ALT (U/L)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">> ULN to 3× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">36</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">45</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">48</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">23</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">> 3× ULN to 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">> 5× ULN</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
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 tocilizumab-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:
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
The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in other studies, including those of tocilizumab or of other tocilizumab products.
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 tocilizumab-IV, compared to 8 malignancies in patients in the control groups. Exposure-adjusted incidence was similar in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV plus DMARD and at least 1% greater than that observed in patients on placebo plus DMARD are summarized in Table 2.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <caption> <span>Table 2 Adverse Reactions Occurring in at Least 2% or More of Patients on 4 or 8 mg per kg Tocilizumab plus DMARD and at Least 1% Greater Than That Observed in Patients on Placebo plus DMARD</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="middle" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="17%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="14%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="14%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="14%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="26%"/> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">24 Week Phase 3 Controlled Study Population</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Tocilizumab<br/>8 mg per kg MONOTHERAPY</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Methotrexate</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Tocilizumab<br/>4 mg per kg + DMARDs</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Tocilizumab<br/>8 mg per kg + DMARDs</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">Placebo + DMARDs</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" valign="top">Preferred Term</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">N = 288<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">N = 284<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">N = 774<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">N = 1582<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" valign="top">N = 1170<br/> (%)</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Upper Respiratory<br/>Tract Infection</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"> <br/>7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"> <br/>5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"> <br/>6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"> <br/>8</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"> <br/>6</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Nasopharyngitis</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Headache</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hypertension</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">ALT increased</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Dizziness</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Bronchitis</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Rash</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mouth Ulceration</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Abdominal Pain Upper</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Gastritis</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Transaminase increased</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Other infrequent and medically relevant adverse reactions occurring at an incidence less than 2% in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with tocilizumab-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
The tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-SC administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous tocilizumab, with the exception of injection site reactions (ISRs), which were more common with tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-SC arm compared with 1.4 % (3/217) in the placebo arm developed anti- tocilizumab antibodies; of these, 1.4% (6/434) in the tocilizumab-SC arm and 0.5% (1/217) in the placebo arm also developed neutralizing antibodies.
A total of 1454 (>99%) patients who received tocilizumab-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 × 109/L occurred in 2.9% and 3.7% of patients receiving tocilizumab-SC weekly and every other week, respectively.
There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 × 109/L and the occurrence of serious infections.
Thrombocytopenia
During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab-SC 6-month controlled clinical trials, none of the patients had a decrease in platelet count to ≤50,000/mm3.
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 tocilizumab-SC weekly and 3.4% and 0.7% receiving tocilizumab-SC every other week.
Lipid Parameters Elevations
During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-SC weekly, every other week and placebo, respectively.
The safety of subcutaneous tocilizumab has been studied in one Phase III study (WA28119) with 251 GCA patients. The total patient years duration in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-SC treatment groups was generally consistent with the known safety profile of tocilizumab. 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 tocilizumab-SC weekly group and 160.2/4.4 events per 100 patient years in the tocilizumab-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.
The safety of tocilizumab-IV was studied in an open label PK-PD and safety study in 24 patients with GCA who were in remission on tocilizumab-IV at time of enrollment. Patients received tocilizumab 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 tocilizumab administered intravenously in GCA patients was consistent with the known safety profile of tocilizumab.
The safety of tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV all exposure population (defined as patients who received at least one dose of tocilizumab-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 6.7)].
Infections
The rate of infections in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 6.7)].
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.
Neutropenia
During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab-IV all exposure population, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 × 109 per L occurred in 3.7% of patients.
There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 × 109 per L and the occurrence of serious infections.
Thrombocytopenia
During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab-IV all exposure population, 1% of patients had a decrease in platelet count at or less than 50,000 per mm3 without associated bleeding events.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab-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%).
The safety of tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-SC population (defined as patients who received at least one dose of tocilizumab-SC and accounting for treatment discontinuation) was 49.5 patient years. In general, the safety observed for tocilizumab administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous tocilizumab, 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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-SC all exposure population, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 × 109 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 × 109 per L and the occurrence of serious infections.
The data described below reflect exposure to tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab- 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 tocilizumab-IV in the open-label extension phase.
The most common adverse events (at least 5%) seen in tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV. One patient in the placebo group escaped to tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV treatment group and 5% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event. In the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 × 109 per L occurred in 7% of patients in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-IV group. There was no clear relationship between decrease in neutrophils below 1 × 109 per L and the occurrence of serious infections.
Thrombocytopenia
During routine monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, 1% of patients in the tocilizumab-IV group and 3% in the placebo group had a decrease in platelet count to no more than 100,000 per mm3.
In the open label extension over an average duration of 73 weeks of treatment, decreased platelet count occurred in 4% of patients in the tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab-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.
The safety profile of tocilizumab-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 tocilizumab administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous tocilizumab, with the exception of ISRs where a higher frequency was observed in tocilizumab-SC treated SJIA patients compared to PJIA patients and adult RA or GCA patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.2, 6.3 and 6.6)].
Injection Site Reactions (ISRs)
A total of 41.2% (21/51) SJIA patients experienced ISRs to tocilizumab-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.
The safety of tocilizumab in hospitalized 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 tocilizumab. Patients received a single, 60-minute infusion of intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (maximum dose of 800 mg). If clinical signs or symptoms worsened or did not improve, one additional dose of tocilizumab 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 tocilizumab-treated patients and more commonly than in patients on placebo in the pooled safety population.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="90%"> <caption> <span>Table 3 Adverse Reactions<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-3" name="footnote-reference-3">*</a> Identified From the Pooled COVID-19 Safety Population</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="48%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="26%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="26%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule">Adverse Reaction</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/>8 mg per kg</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 974<br/> (%)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N = 483<br/> (%)</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="3"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-3" name="footnote-3">*</a> </dt> <dd>Patients are counted once for each category regardless of the number of reactions</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hepatic Transaminases increased</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Constipation</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">9 %</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Urinary tract infection</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hypertension</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Hypokalaemia</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Anxiety</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Diarrhea</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Insomnia</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3%</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Nausea</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
In the pooled safety population, the rates of infection/serious infection events were 30%/19% in patients receiving tocilizumab versus 32%/23% receiving placebo.
Laboratory Abnormalities
In the pooled safety population of EMPACTA, COVACTA, and REMDACTA, neutrophil counts <1000 cells/mcl occurred in 3.4% of patients who received tocilizumab and 0.5% of patients who received placebo. Platelet counts <50,000 cells/mcl occurred in 3.2% of patients who received tocilizumab and 1.5% of patients who received placebo. ALT or AST at or above 5× ULN occurred in 11.7% of patients who received tocilizumab and 9.9% of patients who received placebo.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of tocilizumab products. 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.
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 tocilizumab with 10-25 mg MTX once weekly had no clinically significant effect on MTX exposure. Tocilizumab products have 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.
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 products may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels than those in the absence of tocilizumab products 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 tocilizumab, respectively. The effect of tocilizumab products 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 Tocilizumab-anoh, 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 Tocilizumab-anoh with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where decrease in effectiveness is undesirable, e.g., oral contraceptives, lovastatin, atorvastatin, etc. The effect of tocilizumab products on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with Tocilizumab-anoh [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Risk Summary
The available data with tocilizumab products from a pregnancy exposure registry, retrospective cohort study, pharmacovigilance, and published literature are insufficient to draw conclusions about a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. These studies had methodological limitations, including small sample size of tocilizumab exposed groups, missing exposure and outcomes information, and lack of adjustment for cofounders. Monoclonal antibodies, such as tocilizumab products, are actively transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in utero exposed infant [see Clinical Considerations]. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of tocilizumab to Cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis caused abortion/embryo-fetal death at doses 1.25 times and higher than the maximum recommended human dose by the intravenous route of 8 mg per kg every 2 to 4 weeks. The literature in animals suggests that inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity leading to potential delays of parturition [see Data]. Based on the animal data, there may be a potential risk to the fetus.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions
Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to Tocilizumab-anoh in utero [see Warnings and Precautions 5.9)].
Disease-associated Maternal Risk
Published data suggest that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased disease activity. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2500 g) infants, and small for gestational age at birth.
Data
Animal Data
An embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study was performed in which pregnant Cynomolgus monkeys were treated intravenously with tocilizumab at daily doses of 2, 10, or 50 mg/ kg during organogenesis from gestation day (GD) 20-50. Although there was no evidence for a teratogenic/dysmorphogenic effect at any dose, tocilizumab produced an increase in the incidence of abortion/embryo-fetal death at doses 1.25 times and higher the MRHD by the intravenous route at maternal intravenous doses of 10 and 50 mg/ kg. Testing of a murine analogue of tocilizumab in mice did not yield any evidence of harm to offspring during the pre- and postnatal development phase when dosed at 50 mg/kg intravenously with treatment every three days from implantation (GD 6) until post-partum day 21 (weaning). There was no evidence for any functional impairment of the development and behavior, learning ability, immune competence and fertility of the offspring.
Parturition is associated with significant increases of IL-6 in the cervix and myometrium. The literature suggests that inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity leading to potential delays of parturition. For mice deficient in IL-6 (ll6-/- null mice), parturition was delayed relative to wild-type (ll6+/+) mice. Administration of recombinant IL-6 to ll6-/- null mice restored the normal timing of delivery.
Risk Summary
No information is available on the presence of tocilizumab products in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) is present in human milk. If tocilizumab products are transferred into human milk, the effects of local exposure in the gastrointestinal tract and potential limited systemic exposure in the infant to tocilizumab products are unknown. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes clear determination of the risk of tocilizumab products to an infant during lactation; therefore the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Tocilizumab-anoh and the potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Tocilizumab-anoh or from the underlying maternal condition.
Tocilizumab-anoh by intravenous use is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with:
Tocilizumab-anoh by subcutaneous use is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with:
The safety and effectiveness of Tocilizumab-anoh in pediatric patients with conditions other than PJIA or SJIA have not been established. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 have not been established in PJIA or SJIA.
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Intravenous Use
A multicenter, open-label, single arm study to evaluate the PK, safety and exploratory PD and efficacy of tocilizumab over 12-weeks in SJIA patients (N=11) under 2 years of age was conducted. Patients received intravenous tocilizumab 12 mg/kg every two weeks. Concurrent use of stable background treatment with corticosteroids, MTX, and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was permitted. Patients who completed the 12-week period could continue to the optional extension period (a total of 52-weeks or until the age of 2 years, whichever was longer).
The primary PK endpoints (Cmax, Ctrough and AUC2weeks) of tocilizumab at steady-state in this study were within the ranges of these parameters observed in patients with SJIA aged 2 to 17 years.
The safety and immunogenicity of tocilizumab for patients with SJIA under 2 years of age was assessed descriptively. SAEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, and infectious AEs were reported by 27.3%, 36.4%, and 81.8% of patients. Six patients (54.5%) experienced hypersensitivity reactions, defined as all adverse events occurring during or within 24 hours after an infusion considered related to tocilizumab. Three of these patients experienced serious hypersensitivity reactions and were withdrawn from the study. Three patients with hypersensitivity reactions (two with serious hypersensitivity reactions) developed treatment induced anti- tocilizumab antibodies after the event. There were no cases of MAS based on the protocol-specified criteria, but 2 cases of suspected MAS based on Ravelli criteria1.
Of the 2644 patients who received tocilizumab in Studies I to V [see Clinical Studies (14)], a total of 435 rheumatoid arthritis patients were 65 years of age and older, including 50 patients 75 years and older. Of the 1069 patients who received tocilizumab-SC in studies SC-I and SC-II there were 295 patients 65 years of age and older, including 41 patients 75 years and older. The frequency of serious infection among tocilizumab treated subjects 65 years of age and older was higher than those under the age of 65. As there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly population in general, caution should be used when treating the elderly.
In the EMPACTA, COVACTA, and REMDACTA studies, of the 974 COVID-19 patients in the tocilizumab arm, 375 (39%) were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of tocilizumab were observed between patients 65 years of age and older and those under the age of 65 years of age in these studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.9)].
In the RECOVERY study, of the 2022 COVID-19 patients in the tocilizumab arm, 930 (46%) were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in effectiveness of tocilizumab were observed between patients 65 years of age and older and those under the age 65 years of age in this study [see Clinical Studies (14.9)].
The safety and efficacy of tocilizumab products have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment, including patients with positive HBV and HCV serology [see Warnings and Precautions 5.8)].
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Tocilizumab products have not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
No studies on the potential for tocilizumab products to cause dependence have been performed. However, there is no evidence from the available data that tocilizumab products treatment results in dependence.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "No studies on the potential for tocilizumab products to cause dependence have been performed. However, there is no evidence from the available data that tocilizumab products treatment results in dependence." }
There are limited data available on overdoses with tocilizumab products. One case of accidental overdose was reported with intravenous tocilizumab in which a patient with multiple myeloma received a dose of 40 mg per kg. No adverse drug reactions were observed. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed in healthy volunteers who received single doses of up to 28 mg per kg, although all 5 patients at the highest dose of 28 mg per kg developed dose-limiting neutropenia.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "There are limited data available on overdoses with tocilizumab products. One case of accidental overdose was reported with intravenous tocilizumab in which a patient with multiple myeloma received a dose of 40 mg per kg. No adverse drug reactions were observed. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed in healthy volunteers who received single doses of up to 28 mg per kg, although all 5 patients at the highest dose of 28 mg per kg developed dose-limiting neutropenia." }
In case of an overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions. Patients who develop adverse reactions should receive appropriate symptomatic treatment.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "In case of an overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions. Patients who develop adverse reactions should receive appropriate symptomatic treatment." }
Intravenous Infusion
Tocilizumab-anoh injection is a sterile, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow, preservative-free solution for further dilution prior to intravenous infusion with a pH of approximately 6.0. Each single-dose vial, formulated with a histidine and L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate 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 Tocilizumab-anoh. Each mL of solution contains histidine (0.74 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (1.09 mg), methionine (8.95 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.5 mg), threonine (19.06 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
Subcutaneous Injection
Tocilizumab-anoh injection is a sterile, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to yellow, 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-anoh, histidine (0.7 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (1.0 mg), methionine (8.1 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), threonine (17.2 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
Tocilizumab products bind to both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors (sIL-6R and mIL-6R), and have been shown to inhibit IL-6-mediated signaling through these receptors. IL-6 is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of cell types including T- and B-cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and fibroblasts. IL-6 has been shown to be involved in diverse physiological processes such as T-cell activation, induction of immunoglobulin secretion, initiation of hepatic acute phase protein synthesis, and stimulation of hematopoietic precursor cell proliferation and differentiation. IL-6 is also produced by synovial and endothelial cells leading to local production of IL-6 in joints affected by inflammatory processes such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In clinical studies in RA patients with the 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg intravenous doses or the 162 mg weekly and every other weekly subcutaneous doses of tocilizumab, decreases in levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) to within normal ranges were seen as early as week 2. Changes in pharmacodynamic parameters were observed (i.e., decreases in rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum amyloid A, fibrinogen and increases in hemoglobin) with doses, however the greatest improvements were observed with 8 mg per kg tocilizumab. Pharmacodynamic changes were also observed to occur after tocilizumab administration in GCA, PJIA, and SJIA patients (decreases in CRP, ESR, and increases in hemoglobin). The relationship between these pharmacodynamic findings and clinical efficacy is not known.
In healthy subjects administered tocilizumab in doses from 2 to 28 mg per kg intravenously and 81 to 162 mg subcutaneously, absolute neutrophil counts decreased to the nadir 3 to 5 days following tocilizumab administration. Thereafter, neutrophils recovered towards baseline in a dose dependent manner. Rheumatoid arthritis and GCA patients demonstrated a similar pattern of absolute neutrophil counts following tocilizumab administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
PK of tocilizumab is characterized by nonlinear elimination which is a combination of linear clearance and Michaelis-Menten elimination. The nonlinear part of tocilizumab elimination leads to an increase in exposure that is more than dose-proportional. The pharmacokinetic parameters of tocilizumab do not change with time. Due to the dependence of total clearance on tocilizumab serum concentrations, the half-life of tocilizumab is also concentration-dependent and varies depending on the serum concentration level. Population pharmacokinetic analyses in any patient population tested so far indicate no relationship between apparent clearance and the presence of anti-drug antibodies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration
The pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and RA patients suggest that PK is similar between the two populations.
The population PK model was developed from an analysis dataset composed of an IV dataset of 1793 patients from Study I, Study III, Study IV, and Study V, and from an IV and SC dataset of 1759 patients from Studies SC- I and SC-II. Cmean is included in place of AUCtau, since for dosing regimens with different inter-dose intervals, the mean concentration over the dosing period characterizes the comparative exposure better than AUCtau.
At high serum concentrations, when total clearance of tocilizumab is dominated by linear clearance, a terminal half-life of approximately 21.5 days was derived from the population parameter estimates.
For doses of 4 mg/kg tocilizumab given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab at steady state were 86.1 (44.8–202) mcg/mL, 0.1 (0.0–14.6) mcg/mL, and 18.0 (8.9– 50.7) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 176 (75.4–557) mcg/mL, 13.4 (0.1–154) mcg/mL, and 54.0 (17–260) mcg/mL, respectively. Cmax increased dose-proportionally between doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks, while a greater than dose-proportional increase was observed in Cmean and Ctrough. At steady-state, Cmean and Ctrough were 3.0 and 134 fold higher at 8 mg/kg as compared to 4 mg/kg, respectively.
The accumulation ratios for AUC and Cmax after multiple doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg IV Q4W are low, while the accumulation ratios for Ctrough are higher (2.62 and 2.47, respectively). For Cmax, greater than 90% of the steady- state value was reached after the 1st IV infusion. For AUCtau and Cmean, 90% of the steady-state value was reached after the 1st and 3rd infusion for 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg IV, while for Ctrough, approximately 90% of the steady- state value was reached after the 4th IV infusion after both doses.
For doses of 162 mg given every other week subcutaneously, the estimated median (range) steady-state Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 12.1 (0.4–49.3) mcg/mL, 4.1 (0.0–34.2) mcg/mL, and 9.2 (0.2– 43.6) mcg/mL, respectively.
For doses of 162 mg given every week subcutaneously, the estimated median (range) steady-state Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 49.8 (3–150) mcg/mL, 42.9 (1.3–144) mcg/mL, and 47.3 (2.4–147) mcg/mL, respectively. Exposures after the 162 mg SC QW regimen were greater by 5.1 (Cmean) to 10.5 fold (Ctrough) compared to the 162 mg SC Q2W regimen.
Accumulation ratios after multiple doses of either SC regimen were higher than after IV regimen with the highest ratios for Ctrough (6.02 and 6.30, for 162 mg SC Q2W and 162 mg SC QW, respectively). The higher accumulation for Ctrough was expected based on the nonlinear clearance contribution at lower concentrations. For Cmax, greater than 90% of the steady-state value was reached after the 5th SC and the 12th SC injection with the Q2W and QW regimens, respectively. For AUCtau and Cmean, 90% of the steady-state value was reached after the 6th and 12th injections for the 162 mg SC Q2W and QW regimens, respectively. For Ctrough, approximately 90% of the steady- state value was reached after the 6th and 12th injections for the 162 mg SC Q2W and QW regimens, respectively.
Population PK analysis identified body weight as a significant covariate impacting the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab. When given IV on a mg/kg basis, individuals with body weight ≥ 100 kg are predicted to have mean steady-state exposures higher than mean values for the patient population. Therefore, tocilizumab doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended in patients with RA [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Due to the flat dosing employed for SC administration of tocilizumab, no modifications are necessary by this dosing route.
Giant Cell Arteritis – Subcutaneous and Intravenous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab SC in GCA patients was determined using a population pharmacokinetic analysis on a dataset composed of 149 GCA patients treated with 162 mg subcutaneously every week or with 162 mg subcutaneously every other week.
For the 162 mg every week dose, the estimated median (range) steady-state Cmax, Ctrough and Cmean of tocilizumab SC were 72.1 (12.2–151) mcg/mL, 67.2 (10.7–145) mcg/mL, and 70.6 (11.7–149) mcg/mL, respectively. The accumulation ratios for Cmean or AUCtau, Ctrough, and Cmax were 10.9, 9.6, and 8.9, respectively. Steady state was reached after 17 weeks. For the 162 mg every other week dose, the estimated median (range) steady-state Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 17.2 (1.1–56.2) mcg/mL, 7.7 (0.1–37.3) mcg/mL, and 13.7 (0.5– 49) mcg/mL, respectively. The accumulation ratios for Cmean or AUCtau, Ctrough, and Cmax were 2.8, 5.6, and 2.3 respectively. Steady-state was reached after 14 weeks.
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab IV in GCA patients was characterized by a non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis which included 22 patients treated with 6 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. The median (range) Cmax, Ctrough and Cmean of tocilizumab at steady state were 178 (115-320) mcg/mL, 22.7 (3.38-54.5) mcg/mL and 57.5 (32.9-110) mcg/mL, respectively. Steady state trough concentrations were within the range observed in GCA patients treated with 162 mg TCZ SC administered every week or every other week.
Based on pharmacokinetic exposure and extrapolation between RA and GCA patients, when given IV on a mg/kg basis, tocilizumab doses exceeding 600 mg per infusion are not recommended in patients with GCA [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab (TCZ) in PJIA patients was characterized by a population pharmacokinetic analysis which included 188 patients who were treated with TCZ IV or 52 patients treated with TCZ SC.
For doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight at or above 30 kg) given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab at steady state were 181 (114–331) mcg/mL, 3.28 (0.02–35.4) mcg/mL, and 38.6 (22.2–83.8) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight less than 30 kg) given every 4 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 167 (125–220) mcg/mL, 0.35 (0– 11.8) mcg/mL, and 30.8 (16.0–48.0) mcg/mL, respectively.
The accumulation ratios were 1.05 and 1.16 for AUC4weeks, and 1.43 and 2.22 for Ctrough for 10 mg/kg (BW less than 30 kg) and 8 mg/kg (BW at or above 30 kg) intravenous doses, respectively. No accumulation for Cmax was observed. Following 10 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg TCZ IV every 4 weeks doses in PJIA patients (aged 2 to 17 years), steady state concentrations (trough and average) were within the range of exposures in adult RA patients following 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, and steady state peak concentrations in PJIA patients were comparable to those following 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks in adult RA patients.
For doses of 162 mg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight at or above 30 kg) given every 2 weeks subcutaneously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 29.7 (7.56– 50.3) mcg/mL, 12.7 (0.19–23.8) mcg/mL, and 23.0 (3.86–36.9) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 162 mg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight less than 30 kg) given every 3 weeks subcutaneously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 62.4 (39.4–121) mcg/mL, 13.4 (0.21– 52.3) mcg/mL, and 35.7 (17.4–91.8) mcg/mL, respectively.
The accumulation ratios were 1.46 and 2.04 for AUC4weeks, 2.08 and 3.58 for Ctrough, and 1.32 and 1.72 for Cmax, for 162 mg given every 3 weeks (BW less than 30 kg) and 162 mg given every 2 weeks (BW at or above 30 kg) subcutaneous doses, respectively. Following subcutaneous dosing, steady state Ctrough was comparable for patients in the two body weight groups, while steady-state Cmax and Cmean were higher for patients in the less than 30 kg group compared to the group at or above 30 kg. All patients treated with TCZ SC had steady-state Ctrough at or higher than that achieved with TCZ IV across the spectrum of body weights. The average and trough concentrations in patients after subcutaneous dosing were within the range of those achieved in adult patients with RA following the subcutaneous administration of the recommended regimens.
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab (TCZ) in SJIA patients was characterized by a population pharmacokinetic analysis which included 89 patients who were treated with TCZ IV or 51 patients treated with TCZ SC.
For doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight at or above 30 kg) given every 2 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 253 (120– 404) mcg/mL, 70.7 (5.26–127) mcg/mL, and 117 (37.6–199) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 12 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight less than 30 kg) given every 2 weeks intravenously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 274 (149–444) mcg/mL, 65.9 (19.0–135) mcg/mL, and 124 (60–194) mcg/mL, respectively.
The accumulation ratios were 1.95 and 2.01 for AUC4weeks, and 3.41 and 3.20 for Ctrough for 12 mg/kg (BW less than 30 kg) and 8 mg/kg (BW at or above 30 kg) intravenous doses, respectively. Accumulation data for Cmax were 1.37 and 1.42 for 12 mg/kg (BW less than 30 kg) and 8 mg/kg (BW at or above 30 kg) intravenous doses, respectively. Following every other week dosing with tocilizumab IV, steady state was reached by 8 weeks for both body weight groups. Mean estimated tocilizumab exposure parameters were similar between the two dose groups defined by body weight.
For doses of 162 mg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight at or above 30 kg) given every week subcutaneously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 89.8 (26.4– 190) mcg/mL, 72.4 (19.5–158) mcg/mL, and 82.4 (23.9–169) mcg/mL, respectively. For doses of 162 mg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight less than 30 kg) given every 2 weeks subcutaneously, the estimated median (range) Cmax, Ctrough, and Cmean of tocilizumab were 127 (51.7–266) mcg/mL, 64.2 (16.6–136) mcg/mL, and 92.7 (38.5–199) mcg/mL, respectively.
The accumulation ratios were 2.27 and 4.28 for AUC4weeks, 3.21 and 4.39 for Ctrough, and 1.88 and 3.66 for Cmax, for 162 mg given every 2 weeks (BW less than 30 kg) and 162 mg given every week (BW at or above 30 kg) subcutaneous doses, respectively. Following subcutaneous dosing, steady state was reached by 12 weeks for both body weight groups. All patients treated with tocilizumab SC had steady-state Cmax lower than that achieved with tocilizumab IV across the spectrum of body weights. Trough and mean concentrations in patients after SC dosing were similar to those achieved with tocilizumab IV across body weights.
COVID-19 -Intravenous Administration
The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients was characterized by a population pharmacokinetic analysis of a dataset composed of 380 adult patients treated with tocilizumab 8mg/kg intravenously (IV) in the COVACTA study [see Clinical Studies (14.9)] and another clinical study.
For one dose of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab IV, the estimated median (range) Cmax and Cday28 of tocilizumab were 151 (77.5-319) mcg/mL and 0.229 (0.00119-19.4) mcg/mL, respectively. For two doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab IV separated by at least 8 hours, the estimated median (range) Cmax and Cday28 of tocilizumab was 290 (152-604) mcg/mL and 7.04 (0.00474-54.8) mcg/mL, respectively. The weight-tiered dosing used in RECOVERY study, 800 mg for patients >90 kg, 600 mg for patients >65 and ≤90 kg, 400 mg for patients >40 and ≤65 kg, and 8mg/kg for patients ≤40 kg, is comparable to 8 mg/kg dosing and is expected to have similar exposure.
Absorption
Following subcutaneous dosing, the absorption half-life was around 4 days in RA and GCA patients. The bioavailability for the subcutaneous formulation was 80%.
Following subcutaneous dosing in PJIA patients, the absorption half-life was around 2 days, and the bioavailability for the subcutaneous formulation in PJIA patients was 96%.
Following subcutaneous dosing in SJIA patients, the absorption half-life was around 2 days, and the bioavailability for the SC formulation in SJIA patients was 95%.
In RA patients the median values of Tmax were 2.8 days after the tocilizumab every week dose and 4.7 days after the tocilizumab every other week dose.
In GCA patients, the median values of Tmax were 3 days after the tocilizumab every week dose and 4.5 days after the tocilizumab every other week dose.
Distribution
Following intravenous dosing, tocilizumab undergoes biphasic elimination from the circulation. In rheumatoid arthritis patients the central volume of distribution was 3.5 L and the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.9 L, resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 6.4 L.
In GCA patients, the central volume of distribution was 4.09 L, the peripheral volume of distribution was 3.37 L resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 7.46 L.
In pediatric patients with PJIA, the central volume of distribution was 1.98 L, the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.1 L, resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 4.08 L.
In pediatric patients with SJIA, the central volume of distribution was 1.87 L, the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.14 L resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 4.01 L.
In COVID-19 patients treated with one or two infusions of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg intravenously separated by 8 hours, the estimated central volume of distribution was 4.52 L, and the estimated peripheral volume of distribution was 4.23 L, resulting in a volume of distribution of 8.75 L.
Elimination
Tocilizumab is eliminated by a combination of linear clearance and nonlinear elimination. The concentration- dependent nonlinear elimination plays a major role at low tocilizumab concentrations. Once the nonlinear pathway is saturated, at higher tocilizumab concentrations, clearance is mainly determined by the linear clearance. The saturation of the nonlinear elimination leads to an increase in exposure that is more than dose-proportional. The pharmacokinetic parameters of tocilizumab do not change with time.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in any patient population tested so far indicate no relationship between apparent clearance and the presence of anti-drug antibodies.
The linear clearance in the population pharmacokinetic analysis was estimated to be 12.5 mL per h in RA patients, 6.7 mL per h in GCA patients, 5.8 mL per h in pediatric patients with PJIA, and 5.7 mL per h in pediatric patients with SJIA. In COVID-19 patients, serum concentrations were below the limit of quantification after 35 days on average following one infusion of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg intravenously. The average linear clearance in the population pharmacokinetic analysis was estimated to be 17.6 mL per hour in patients with baseline ordinal scale category 3 (OS 3, patients requiring supplemental oxygen), 22.5 mL per hour in patients with baseline OS 4 (patients requiring high-flow oxygen or non-invasive ventilation), 29 mL per hour in patients with baseline OS 5 (patients requiring mechanical ventilation), and 35.4 mL per hour in patients with baseline OS 6 (patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or mechanical ventilation and additional organ support).
Due to the dependence of total clearance on tocilizumab serum concentrations, the half-life of tocilizumab is also concentration-dependent and varies depending on the serum concentration level.
For intravenous administration in RA patients, the concentration-dependent apparent t1/2 is up to 11 days for 4 mg per kg and up to 13 days for 8 mg per kg every 4 weeks in patients with RA at steady-state. For subcutaneous administration in RA patients, the concentration-dependent apparent t1/2 is up to 13 days for 162 mg every week and 5 days for 162 mg every other week in patients with RA at steady-state.
In GCA patients at steady state, the effective t1/2 of tocilizumab varied between 18.3 and 18.9 days for 162 mg subcutaneously every week dosing regimen and between 4.2 and 7.9 days for 162 mg subcutaneously every other week dosing regimen. For intravenous administration in GCA patients, the TCZ concentration-dependent apparent t1/2 was 13.2 days following 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
The t1/2 of tocilizumab in children with PJIA is up to 17 days for the two body weight categories (8 mg/kg for body weight at or above 30 kg or 10 mg/kg for body weight below 30 kg) during a dosing interval at steady state. For subcutaneous administration, the t1/2 of tocilizumab in PJIA patients is up to 10 days for the two body weight categories (every other week regimen for body weight at or above 30 kg or every 3 week regimen for body weight less than 30 kg) during a dosing interval at steady state.
The t1/2 of tocilizumab intravenous in pediatric patients with SJIA is up to 16 days for the two body weight categories (8 mg/kg for body weight at or above 30 kg and 12 mg/kg for body weight below 30 kg every other week) during a dosing interval at steady-state. Following subcutaneous administration, the effective t1/2 of tocilizumab subcutaneous in SJIA patients is up to 14 days for both the body weight categories (162 mg every week for body weight at or above 30 kg and 162 mg every two weeks for body weight below 30 kg) during a dosing interval at steady state.
Specific Populations
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in adult rheumatoid arthritis patients and GCA patients showed that age, gender and race did not affect the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab. Linear clearance was found to increase with body size. In RA patients, the body weight-based dose (8 mg per kg) resulted in approximately 86% higher exposure in patients who are greater than 100 kg in comparison to patients who are less than 60 kg. There was an inverse relationship between tocilizumab exposure and body weight for flat dose subcutaneous regimens.
In GCA patients treated with tocilizumab-SC, higher exposure was observed in patients with lower body weight. For the 162 mg every week subcutaneous dosing regimen, the steady-state Cmean was 51% higher in patients with body weight less than 60 kg compared to patients weighing between 60 to 100 kg. For the 162 mg every other week subcutaneous regimen, the steady-state Cmean was 129% higher in patients with body weight less than 60 kg compared to patients weighing between 60 to 100 kg. There is limited data for patients above 100 kg (n=7).
In COVID-19 patients, exposure following body-weight-based intravenous dosing (8 mg per kg tocilizumab up to 100 kg body weight with a maximum dose of 800 mg) was dependent on body weight and disease severity assessed by an ordinal scale (OS). Within an OS category, compared to patients with a mean body weight of 80 kg, exposure was 20% lower in patients weighing less than 60 kg. Exposure in patients weighing more than 100 kg was in the same range as exposure in patients with a mean body weight of 80 kg. For an 80 kg patient, exposure decreases as OS category increases; for each category increase, exposure decreases by 13%.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
No formal study of the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab was conducted.
Patients with Renal Impairment
No formal study of the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab was conducted.
Most of the RA and GCA patients in the population pharmacokinetic analysis had normal renal function or mild renal impairment. Mild renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance less than 80 mL per min and at or above 50 mL per min based on Cockcroft-Gault formula) did not impact the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab.
Approximately one-third of the patients in the tocilizumab-SC GCA clinical trial had moderate renal impairment at baseline (estimated creatinine clearance of 30-59 mL/min). No impact on tocilizumab exposure was noted in these patients.
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment.
Drug Interaction Studies
In vitro data suggested that IL-6 reduced mRNA expression for several CYP450 isoenzymes including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and this reduced expression was reversed by co-incubation with tocilizumab at clinically relevant concentrations. Accordingly, 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. Its effect on CYP2C8 or transporters (e.g., P-gp) is unknown. This is clinically relevant for CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, where the dose is individually adjusted. Upon initiation of Tocilizumab-anoh, in patients being treated with these types of medicinal products, therapeutic monitoring of the effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) should be performed and the individual dose of the medicinal product adjusted as needed. Caution should be exercised when Tocilizumab-anoh is coadministered with drugs where decrease in effectiveness is undesirable, e.g., oral contraceptives (CYP3A4 substrates) [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Simvastatin
Simvastatin is a CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 substrate. In 12 RA patients not treated with tocilizumab, receiving 40 mg simvastatin, exposures of simvastatin and its metabolite, simvastatin acid, was 4- to 10-fold and 2-fold higher, respectively, than the exposures observed in healthy subjects. One week following administration of a single infusion of tocilizumab (10 mg per kg), exposure of simvastatin and simvastatin acid decreased by 57% and 39%, respectively, to exposures that were similar or slightly higher than those observed in healthy subjects. Exposures of simvastatin and simvastatin acid increased upon withdrawal of tocilizumab in RA patients. Selection of a particular dose of simvastatin in RA patients should take into account the potentially lower exposures that may result after initiation of Tocilizumab-anoh (due to normalization of CYP3A4) or higher exposures after discontinuation of Tocilizumab-anoh.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 substrate. In RA patients receiving 10 mg omeprazole, exposure to omeprazole was approximately 2 fold higher than that observed in healthy subjects. In RA patients receiving 10 mg omeprazole, before and one week after tocilizumab infusion (8 mg per kg), the omeprazole AUCinf decreased by 12% for poor (N=5) and intermediate metabolizers (N=5) and by 28% for extensive metabolizers (N=8) and were slightly higher than those observed in healthy subjects.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrate. In 13 RA patients receiving 30 mg dextromethorphan, exposure to dextromethorphan was comparable to that in healthy subjects. However, exposure to its metabolite, dextrorphan (a CYP3A4 substrate), was a fraction of that observed in healthy subjects. One week following administration of a single infusion of tocilizumab (8 mg per kg), dextromethorphan exposure was decreased by approximately 5%. However, a larger decrease (29%) in dextrorphan levels was noted after tocilizumab infusion.
No long-term animal studies have been performed to establish the carcinogenicity potential of tocilizumab products. Literature indicates that the IL-6 pathway can mediate anti-tumor responses by promoting increased immune cell surveillance of the tumor microenvironment. However, available published evidence also supports that IL-6 signaling through the IL-6 receptor may be involved in pathways that lead to tumorigenesis. The malignancy risk in humans from an antibody that disrupts signaling through the IL-6 receptor, such as tocilizumab, is presently unknown.
Fertility and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female mice that received a murine analogue of tocilizumab administered by the intravenous route at a dose of 50 mg/kg every three days.
The efficacy and safety of intravenously administered tocilizumab was assessed in five randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies in patients greater than 18 years with active rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients had at least 8 tender and 6 swollen joints at baseline. Tocilizumab was given intravenously every 4 weeks as monotherapy (Study I), in combination with methotrexate (MTX) (Studies II and III) or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Study IV) in patients with an inadequate response to those drugs, or in combination with MTX in patients with an inadequate response to TNF antagonists (Study V).
Study I (NCT00109408) evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had not been treated with MTX within 24 weeks prior to randomization, or who had not discontinued previous methotrexate treatment as a result of clinically important toxic effects or lack of response. In this study, 67% of patients were MTX-naïve, and over 40% of patients had rheumatoid arthritis less than 2 years. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg monotherapy or MTX alone (dose titrated over 8 weeks from 7.5 mg to a maximum of 20 mg weekly). The primary endpoint was the proportion of tocilizumab patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at Week 24.
Study II (NCT00106535) was a 104-week study with an optional 156-week extension phase that evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, or placebo every four weeks, in combination with MTX (10 to 25 mg weekly). Upon completion of 52-weeks, patients received open-label treatment with tocilizumab 8 mg per kg through 104 weeks or they had the option to continue their double-blind treatment if they maintained a greater than 70% improvement in swollen/tender joint count. Two pre-specified interim analyses at week 24 and week 52 were conducted. The primary endpoint at week 24 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response. At weeks 52 and 104, the primary endpoints were change from baseline in modified total Sharp-Genant score and the area under the curve (AUC) of the change from baseline in HAQ-DI score.
Study III (NCT00106548) evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, or placebo every four weeks, in combination with MTX (10 to 25 mg weekly). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.
Study IV (NCT00106574) evaluated patients who had an inadequate response to their existing therapy, including one or more DMARDs. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg or placebo every four weeks, in combination with the stable DMARDs. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.
Study V (NCT00106522) evaluated patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. The TNF antagonist therapy was discontinued prior to randomization. Patients received tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, or placebo every four weeks, in combination with MTX (10 to 25 mg weekly). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.
Clinical Response
The percentages of intravenous tocilizumab-treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses are shown in Table 4. In all intravenous studies, patients treated with 8 mg per kg tocilizumab had higher ACR 20, ACR 50, and ACR 70 response rates versus MTX- or placebo-treated patients at week 24.
During the 24 week controlled portions of Studies I to V, patients treated with tocilizumab at a dose of 4 mg per kg in patients with inadequate response to DMARDs or TNF antagonist therapy had lower response rates compared to patients treated with tocilizumab 8 mg per kg.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <caption> <span>Table 4 Clinical Response at Weeks 24 and 52 in Active and Placebo Controlled Trials of Intravenous Tocilizumab (Percent of Patients)</span> </caption> <colgroup> <col align="left" valign="top" width="9%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> </colgroup> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="14">Percent of Patients</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" rowspan="3" valign="bottom">Response Rate</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="2">Study I</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="3">Study II</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="3">Study III</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="2">Study IV</th><th align="center" class="Botrule Rrule" colspan="3">Study V</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="center">MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg</th><th align="center">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center">Tocilizumab<br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center">Tocilizumab<br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center">Placebo + DMARDs</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg + DMARDs</th><th align="center">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center">Tocilizumab<br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="center">N=284</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=286</th><th align="center">N=393</th><th align="center">N=399<br/> (95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5" name="footnote-reference-5">*</a>)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=398<br/> (95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5">*</a>)</th><th align="center">N=204</th><th align="center">N=213<br/> (95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5">*</a>)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=205<br/> (95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5">*</a>)</th><th align="center">N=413</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=803<br/> (95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5">*</a>)</th><th align="center">N=158</th><th align="center">N=161<br/> (95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5">*</a>)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=170<br/> (95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5">*</a>)</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">(95% CI<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-5">*</a>)</th><th align="center"></th><th align="center"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule"></th><th align="center"></th><th align="center"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule"></th><th align="center"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule"></th><th align="center"></th><th align="center"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule"></th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="14"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-5" name="footnote-5">*</a> </dt> <dd>CI: 95% confidence interval of the weighted difference to placebo adjusted for site (and disease duration for Study I only)</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-6" name="footnote-6">†</a> </dt> <dd>Major clinical response is defined as achieving an ACR 70 response for a continuous 24 week period.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">ACR 20</span></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center">53%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">70%<br/> (0.11, 0.27)</td><td align="center">27%</td><td align="center">51%<br/> (0.17, 0.29)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">56%<br/> (0.23, 0.35)</td><td align="center">27%</td><td align="center">48%<br/> (0.15, 0.32)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">59%<br/> (0.23, 0.41)</td><td align="center">24%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">61%<br/> (0.30, 0.40)</td><td align="center">10%</td><td align="center">30%<br/> (0.15, 0.36)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">50%<br/> (0.36, 0.56)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">25%</td><td align="center">47%<br/> (0.15, 0.28)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">56%<br/> (0.25, 0.38)</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">ACR 50</span></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center">34%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">44%<br/> (0.04, 0.20)</td><td align="center">10%</td><td align="center">25%<br/> (0.09, 0.20)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32%<br/> (0.16, 0.28)</td><td align="center">11%</td><td align="center">32%<br/> (0.13, 0.29)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">44%<br/> (0.25, 0.41)</td><td align="center">9%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">38%<br/> (0.23, 0.33)</td><td align="center">4%</td><td align="center">17%<br/> (0.05, 0.25)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">29%<br/> (0.21, 0.41)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">10%</td><td align="center">29%<br/> (0.14, 0.25)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">36%<br/> (0.21, 0.32)</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">ACR 70</span></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center">15%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28%<br/> (0.07, 0.22)</td><td align="center">2%</td><td align="center">11%<br/> (0.03, 0.13)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13%<br/> (0.05, 0.15)</td><td align="center">2%</td><td align="center">12%<br/> (0.04, 0.18)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">22%<br/> (0.12, 0.27)</td><td align="center">3%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21%<br/> (0.13, 0.21)</td><td align="center">1%</td><td align="center">5%<br/> (-0.06, 0.14)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">12%<br/> (0.03, 0.22)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">4%</td><td align="center">16%<br/> (0.08, 0.17)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20%<br/> (0.12, 0.21)</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Major Clinical Responses <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-6" name="footnote-reference-6">†</a></span></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 52</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">1%</td><td align="center">4%<br/> (0.01, 0.06)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7%<br/> (0.03, 0.09)</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
In study II, a greater proportion of patients treated with 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg tocilizumab + MTX achieved a low level of disease activity as measured by a DAS 28-ESR less than 2.6 compared with placebo+MTX treated patients at week 52. The proportion of tocilizumab-treated patients achieving DAS 28-ESR less than 2.6, and the number of residual active joints in these responders in Study II are shown in Table 5.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="90%"> <caption> <span>Table 5 Proportion of Patients with DAS28-ESR Less Than 2.6 with Number of Residual Active Joints in Trials of Intravenous Tocilizumab</span> </caption> <colgroup> <col align="left" valign="top" width="35%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="25%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="25%"/> </colgroup> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <th align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="4">Study II</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + MTX<br/> N = 393</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab 4 mg per kg + MTX<br/> N = 399</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab 8 mg per kg<br/> + MTX<br/> N = 398</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First First Last Last"> <td align="left" colspan="4">*n denotes numerator of all the percentage. Denominator is the intent-to-treat population. Not all patients received DAS28 assessments at Week 52.</td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">DAS28-ESR less than 2.6</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Proportion of responders at week 52 (n)<br/> 95% confidence interval</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3% (12)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">18% (70)<br/> 0.10, 0.19</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32% (127)<br/> 0.24, 0.34</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 0 active joints (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33% (4)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">27% (19)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21% (27)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 1 active joint (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8% (1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19% (13)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13% (16)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 2 active joints (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">25% (3)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13% (9)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20% (25)</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Of responders, proportion with 3 or more active joints (n)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33% (4)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">41% (29)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">47% (59)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The results of the components of the ACR response criteria for Studies III and V are shown in Table 6. Similar results to Study III were observed in Studies I, II and IV.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <caption> <span>Table 6 Components of ACR Response at Week 24 in Trials of Intravenous Tocilizumab</span> </caption> <colgroup> <col align="left" valign="top" width="8%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="10%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="10%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="5%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="10%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="10%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="7%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="5%"/> </colgroup> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="6">Study III</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="6">Study V</th> </tr> <tr> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">Tocilizumab<br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">Tocilizumab<br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">Placebo + MTX</th> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=213</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=205</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=204</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=161</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=170</th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">N=158</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Component (mean)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Week 24<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7" name="footnote-reference-7">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Week 24<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Week 24<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Week 24<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Week 24<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-7">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Baseline</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Week 24</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="13"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-7" name="footnote-7">*</a> </dt> <dd>Data shown is mean at week 24, difference in adjusted mean change from baseline compared with placebo + MTX at week 24 and 95% confidence interval for that difference</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-8" name="footnote-8">†</a> </dt> <dd>Visual analog scale: 0 = best, 100 = worst</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-9" name="footnote-9">‡</a> </dt> <dd>Health Assessment Questionnaire: 0 = best, 3 = worst; 20 questions; 8 categories: dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Number of tender joints (0-68)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19<br/> -7.0<br/> (-10.0, -4.1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">14.5<br/> -9.6<br/> (-12.6, -6.7)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">25</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">31</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21<br/> -10.8<br/> (-14.6, -7.1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">17<br/> -15.1<br/> (-18.8, -11.4)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Number of swollen joints (0-66)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10<br/> -4.2<br/> (-6.1, -2.3)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8<br/> -6.2<br/> (-8.1, -4.2)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">21</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">15</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13<br/> -6.2<br/> (-9.0, -3.5)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">11<br/> -7.2<br/> (-9.9, -4.5)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">19</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">18</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Pain <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-8" name="footnote-reference-8">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">61</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33<br/> -11.0<br/> (-17.0, -5.0)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">60</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30<br/> -15.8<br/> (-21.7, -9.9)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">57</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">43</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">63.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">43<br/> -12.4<br/> (-22.1, -2.1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">65</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">33<br/> -23.9<br/> (-33.7, -14.1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">48</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Patient global assessment <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-8">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">66</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">34<br/> -10.9<br/> (-17.1, -4.8)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">65</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">31<br/> -14.9<br/> (-20.9, -8.9)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">45</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">70</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">46<br/> -10.0<br/> (-20.3, 0.3)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">70</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">36<br/> -17.4<br/> (-27.8, -7.0)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">71</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">51</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Physician global assessment <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-8">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">26<br/> -5.6<br/> (-10.5, -0.8)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">23<br/> -9.0<br/> (-13.8, -4.2)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">66.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">39<br/> -10.5<br/> (-18.6, -2.5)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">66</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28<br/> -18.2<br/> (-26.3, -10.0)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">67.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">43</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Disability index (HAQ) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-9" name="footnote-reference-9">‡</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.64</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.01<br/> -0.18<br/> (-0.34, -0.02)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.55</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.96<br/> -0.21<br/> (-0.37, -0.05)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.55</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.21</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.67</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.39<br/> -0.25<br/> (-0.42, -0.09)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.75</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.34<br/> -0.34<br/> (-0.51, -0.17)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.70</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.58</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">CRP (mg per dL)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.79</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.17<br/> -1.30<br/> (-2.0, -0.59)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.61</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.25<br/> -2.156<br/> (-2.86, -1.46)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.36</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.89</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3.11</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.77<br/> -1.34<br/> (-2.5, -0.15)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">2.80</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.28<br/> -2.52<br/> (-3.72, -1.32)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3.705</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">3.06</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The percent of ACR 20 responders by visit for Study III is shown in Figure 1. Similar response curves were observed in studies I, II, IV, and V.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="90%"> <colgroup> <col align="left" valign="top" width="100%"/> </colgroup> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="1"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-10" name="footnote-10">*</a> </dt> <dd>The same patients may not have responded at each timepoint.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="First"> <td align="left"><span class="Bold">Figure 1 Percent of ACR 20 Responders by Visit for Study III (Inadequate Response to MTX) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-10" name="footnote-reference-10">*</a></span></td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left"> <p class="First"> <img alt="Figure 1" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-01.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
Radiographic Response
In Study II, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in total Sharp-Genant score and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Radiographs of hands/wrists and forefeet were obtained at baseline, 24 weeks, 52 weeks, and 104 weeks and scored by readers unaware of treatments group and visit number. The results from baseline to week 52 are shown in Table 7. Tocilizumab 4 mg per kg slowed (less than 75% inhibition compared to the control group) and tocilizumab 8 mg per kg inhibited (at least 75% inhibition compared to the control group) the progression of structural damage compared to placebo plus MTX at week 52.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <caption> <span>Table 7 Mean Radiographic Change from Baseline to Week 52 in Study II</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="31%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="23%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="23%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="23%"/> <thead> <tr class="First"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> 4 mg per kg + MTX</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> 8 mg per kg + MTX</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=294</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=343</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=353</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="4" valign="top">SD = standard deviation</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="4"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-11" name="footnote-11">*</a> </dt> <dd>Week 52 analysis employs linearly extrapolated data for patients after escape, withdrawal, or loss to follow up.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-12" name="footnote-12">†</a> </dt> <dd>Difference between the adjusted means (tocilizumab + MTX - Placebo + MTX)</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Week 52<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-11" name="footnote-reference-11">*</a></span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Total Sharp-Genant Score, Mean (SD)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.17<br/> (3.14)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.33<br/> (1.30)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.25<br/> (0.98)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Adjusted Mean difference<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-12" name="footnote-reference-12">†</a> <br/> (95%CI)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.83<br/> (-1.13, -0.52)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.90<br/> (-1.20, -0.59)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Erosion Score, Mean (SD)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.76<br/> (2.14)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.20<br/> (0.83)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.15<br/> (0.77)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Adjusted Mean difference<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-12">†</a> <br/> (95%CI)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.55<br/> (-0.76, -0.34)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.60<br/> (-0.80, -0.39)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Joint Space Narrowing Score, Mean (SD)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.41<br/> (1.71)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.13<br/> (0.72)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.10<br/> (0.49)</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Adjusted Mean difference<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-12">†</a> <br/> (95%CI)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.28<br/> (-0.44, -0.11)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-0.30<br/> (-0.46, -0.14)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The mean change from baseline to week 104 in Total Sharp-Genant Score for the tocilizumab 4 mg per kg groups was 0.47 (SD = 1.47) and for the 8 mg per kg groups was 0.34 (SD = 1.24). By the week 104, most patients in the control (placebo + MTX) group had crossed over to active treatment, and results are therefore not included for comparison. Patients in the active groups may have crossed over to the alternate active dose group, and results are reported per original randomized dose group.
In the placebo group, 66% of patients experienced no radiographic progression (Total Sharp-Genant Score change ≤ 0) at week 52 compared to 78% and 83% in the tocilizumab 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg, respectively. Following 104 weeks of treatment, 75% and 83% of patients initially randomized to tocilizumab 4 mg per kg and 8 mg per kg, respectively, experienced no progression of structural damage compared to 66% of placebo treated patients.
Health Related Outcomes
In Study II, physical function and disability were assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Both dosing groups of tocilizumab demonstrated a greater improvement compared to the placebo group in the AUC of change from baseline in the HAQ-DI through week 52. The mean change from baseline to week 52 in HAQ-DI was 0.6, 0.5, and 0.4 for tocilizumab 8 mg per kg, tocilizumab 4 mg per kg, and placebo treatment groups, respectively. Sixty-three percent (63%) and sixty percent (60%) of patients in the tocilizumab 8 mg per kg and tocilizumab 4 mg per kg treatment groups, respectively, achieved a clinically relevant improvement in HAQ-DI (change from baseline of ≥ 0.3 units) at week 52 compared to 53% in the placebo treatment group.
Other Health-Related Outcomes
General health status was assessed by the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in Studies I – V. Patients receiving tocilizumab demonstrated greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo in the Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), and in all 8 domains of the SF-36.
Cardiovascular Outcomes
Study WA25204 (NCT01331837) was a randomized, open-label (sponsor-blinded), 2-arm parallel-group, multicenter, non-inferiority, cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trial in patients with a diagnosis of moderate to severe RA. This CV safety study was designed to exclude a moderate increase in CV risk in patients treated with tocilizumab compared with a TNF inhibitor standard of care (etanercept).
The study included 3,080 seropositive RA patients with active disease and an inadequate response to non- biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, who were aged ≥50 years with at least one additional CV risk factor beyond RA. Patients were randomized 1:1 to IV tocilizumab 8 mg/kg Q4W or SC etanercept 50 mg QW and followed for an average of 3.2 years. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the time-to-first occurrence of any component of a composite of major adverse CV events (MACE; non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or CV death), with the final intent-to-treat analysis based on a total of 161 confirmed CV events (83/1538 [5.4%] for tocilizumab; 78/1542 [5.1%] for etanercept) reviewed by an independent and blinded adjudication committee.
Non-inferiority of tocilizumab to etanercept for cardiovascular risk was determined by excluding >80% relative increase in the risk of MACE. The estimated hazard ratio (HR) for the risk of MACE comparing tocilizumab to etanercept was 1.05; 95% CI (0.77, 1.43).
The efficacy and safety of subcutaneously administered tocilizumab was assessed in two double-blind, controlled, multicenter studies in patients with active RA. One study, SC-I (NCT01194414), was a non-inferiority study that compared the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab 162 mg administered every week subcutaneously to 8 mg per kg intravenously every four weeks. The second study, SC-II (NCT01232569), was a placebo controlled superiority study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab 162 mg administered every other week subcutaneously to placebo. Both SC-I and SC-II required patients to be >18 years of age with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed according to ACR criteria who had at least 4 tender and 4 swollen joints at baseline (SC-I) or at least 8 tender and 6 swollen joints at baseline (SC-II), and an inadequate response to their existing DMARD therapy, where approximately 20% also had a history of inadequate response to at least one TNF inhibitor. All patients in both SC studies received background non-biologic DMARD(s).
In SC-I, 1262 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive tocilizumab-SC 162 mg every week or intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg every four weeks in combination with DMARD(s). In SC-II, 656 patients were randomized 2:1 to tocilizumab-SC 162 mg every other week or placebo, in combination with DMARD(s). The primary endpoint in both studies was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Week 24.
The clinical response to 24 weeks of tocilizumab-SC therapy is shown in Table 8. In SC-I, the primary outcome measure was ACR20 at Week 24. The pre-specified non-inferiority margin was a treatment difference of 12%. The study demonstrated non-inferiority of tocilizumab with respect to ACR20 at Week 24; ACR50, ACR70, and DAS28 responses are also shown in Table 8. In SC-II, a greater portion of patients treated with tocilizumab 162 mg subcutaneously every other week achieved ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses compared to placebo-treated patients (Table 8). Further, a greater proportion of patients treated with tocilizumab 162 mg subcutaneously every other week achieved a low level of disease activity as measured by a DAS28-ESR less than 2.6 at Week 24 compared to those treated with placebo (Table 8).
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <caption> <span>Table 8 Clinical Response at Week 24 in Trials of Subcutaneous Tocilizumab (Percent of Patients)</span> </caption> <colgroup> <col align="left" valign="top" width="24%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="18%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="18%"/> </colgroup> <thead> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">SC-I <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-13" name="footnote-reference-13">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule" colspan="2">SC-II <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-14" name="footnote-reference-14">†</a></th> </tr> <tr> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">TCZ SC 162 mg every week + DMARD</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">TCZ IV 8mg/kg + DMARD</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">TCZ SC 162 mg every other week + DMARD</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo + DMARD</th> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=558</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=537</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=437</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">N=219</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="5">TCZ = tocilizumab</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="5"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-13" name="footnote-13">*</a> </dt> <dd>Per Protocol Population</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-14" name="footnote-14">†</a> </dt> <dd>Intent To Treat Population</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5">ACR20</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">69%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">73.4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">61%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference (95% CI)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-4% (-9.2, 1.2)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">30% (22.0, 37.0)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5">ACR50</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">47%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">49%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">40%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">12%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference (95% CI)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-2% (-7.5, 4.0)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28% (21.5, 34.4)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5">ACR70</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">24%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">5%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference (95% CI)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-4% (-9.0, 1.3)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">15% (9.8, 19.9)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5">Change in DAS28 [Adjusted mean]</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-3.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-3.5</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-3.1</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-1.7</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Adjusted mean difference<br/> (95% CI)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0 (-0.2, 0.1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-1.4 (-1.7, -1.1)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5">DAS28 < 2.6</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Week 24</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">38.4%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">36.9%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">32.0%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4.0%</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="right" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference (95% CI)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.9 (-5.0, 6.8)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28.6 (22.0, 35.2)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The results of the components of the ACR response criteria and the percent of ACR20 responders by visit for tocilizumab-SC in Studies SC-I and SC-II were consistent with those observed for tocilizumab-IV.
Radiographic Response
In study SC-II, the progression of structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as a change from baseline in the van der Heijde modified total Sharp score (mTSS). At week 24, significantly less radiographic progression was observed in patients receiving tocilizumab-SC every other week plus DMARD(s) compared to placebo plus DMARD(s); mean change from baseline in mTSS of 0.62 vs. 1.23, respectively, with an adjusted mean difference of -0.60 (-1.1, -0.1). These results are consistent with those observed in patients treated with intravenous tocilizumab.
Health Related Outcomes
In studies SC-I and SC-II, the mean decrease from baseline to week 24 in HAQ-DI was 0.6, 0.6, 0.4 and 0.3, and the proportion of patients who achieved a clinically relevant improvement in HAQ-DI (change from baseline of ≥ 0.3 units) was 65%, 67%, 58% and 47%, for the subcutaneous every week, intravenous 8 mg/kg, subcutaneous every other week, and placebo treatment groups, respectively.
Other Health-Related Outcomes
General health status was assessed by the SF-36 in Studies SC-I and SC-II. In Study SC-II, patients receiving tocilizumab every other week demonstrated greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo in the PCS, MCS, and in all 8 domains of the SF-36. In Study SC-I, improvements in these scores were similar between tocilizumab-SC every week and tocilizumab-IV 8 mg/kg.
The efficacy and safety of subcutaneously administered tocilizumab was assessed in a single, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study in patients with active GCA. In Study WA28119 (NCT01791153), 251 screened patients with new-onset or relapsing GCA were randomized to one of four treatment arms. Two subcutaneous doses of tocilizumab (162 mg every week and 162 mg every other week) were compared to two different placebo control groups (pre-specified prednisone-taper regimen over 26 weeks and 52 weeks) randomized 2:1:1:1. The study consisted of a 52-week blinded period, followed by a 104-week open-label extension.
All patients received background glucocorticoid (prednisone) therapy. Each of the tocilizumab-treated groups and one of the placebo-treated groups followed a pre-specified prednisone-taper regimen with the aim to reach 0 mg by 26 weeks, while the second placebo-treated group followed a pre-specified prednisone-taper regimen with the aim to reach 0 mg by 52 weeks designed to be more in keeping with standard practice.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving sustained remission from Week 12 through Week 52. Sustained remission was defined by a patient attaining a sustained (1) absence of GCA signs and symptoms from Week 12 through Week 52, (2) normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (to < 30 mm/hr without an elevation to ≥ 30 mm/hr attributable to GCA) from Week 12 through Week 52, (3) normalization of C-reactive protein (CRP) (to < 1 mg/dL, with an absence of successive elevations to ≥ 1mg/dL) from Week 12 through Week 52, and (4) successful adherence to the prednisone taper defined by not more than 100 mg of excess prednisone from Week 12 through Week 52. Tocilizumab 162 mg weekly and 162 mg every other week + 26 weeks prednisone taper both showed superiority in achieving sustained remission from Week 12 through Week 52 compared with placebo + 26 weeks prednisone taper (Table 9). Both tocilizumab treatment arms also showed superiority compared to the placebo + 52 weeks prednisone taper (Table 9).
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <caption> <span>Table 9 Efficacy Results from Study WA28119</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="top" width="40%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">PBO + 26 weeks prednisone taper<br/> N=50</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">PBO + 52 weeks prednisone taper<br/> N=51</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">TCZ 162mg SC QW + 26 weeks prednisone taper<br/> N=100</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">TCZ 162 mg SC Q2W + 26 weeks prednisone taper<br/> N=49</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="5">Patients not completing the study to week 52 were classified as non-responders in the primary and key secondary analysis: PBO+26: 6 (12.0%), PBO+52: 5 (9.8%), TCZ QW: 15 (15.0%), TCZ Q2W: 9 (18.4%).<br/>CRP = C-reactive protein<br/>ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate<br/>PBO = placebo<br/>Q2W = every other week dose<br/>QW = every week dose<br/>TCZ = tocilizumab</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="5"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-15" name="footnote-15">*</a> </dt> <dd>Sustained remission was achieved by a patient meeting all of the following components: absence of GCA signs and symptoms<span class="Sup">b</span>, normalization of ESR<span class="Sup">c</span>, normalization of CRP<span class="Sup">d</span> and adherence to the prednisone taper regimen<span class="Sup">e</span>.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-16" name="footnote-16">†</a> </dt> <dd>Patients who did not have any signs or symptoms of GCA recorded from Week 12 up to Week 52.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-17" name="footnote-17">‡</a> </dt> <dd>Patients who did not have an elevated ESR ≥30 mm/hr which was classified as attributed to GCA from Week 12 up to Week 52.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-18" name="footnote-18">§</a> </dt> <dd>Patients who did not have two or more consecutive CRP records of ≥ 1mg/dL from Week 12 up to Week 52.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-19" name="footnote-19">¶</a> </dt> <dd>Patients who did not enter escape therapy and received ≤ 100mg of additional concomitant prednisone from Week 12 up to Week 52.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule"><span class="Italics">Sustained remission <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-15" name="footnote-reference-15">*</a></span></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"> Responders, n (%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">7 (14.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">9 (17.6%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">56 (56.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">26 (53.1%)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"> Unadjusted difference in proportions vs PBO + 26 weeks taper<br/> (99.5% CI)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">42.0%<br/> (18.0, 66.0)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">39.1%<br/> (12.5, 65.7)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"> Unadjusted difference in proportions vs PBO + 52 weeks taper<br/> (99.5% CI)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">N/A</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">38.4%<br/> (14.4, 62.3)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">35.4%<br/> (8.6, 62.2)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Italics">Components of Sustained Remission</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"> Sustained absence of GCA signs and symptoms<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-16" name="footnote-reference-16">†</a>, n (%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20 (40.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">23 (45.1%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">69 (69.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28 (57.1%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"> Sustained ESR<30 mm/hr<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-17" name="footnote-reference-17">‡</a>, n (%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20 (40.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">22 (43.1%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">83 (83.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">37 (75.5%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"> Sustained CRP normalization<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-18" name="footnote-reference-18">§</a>, n (%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">17 (34.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">13 (25.5%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">72 (72.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">34 (69.4%)</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"> Successful prednisone tapering<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-19" name="footnote-reference-19">¶</a>, n (%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">10 (20.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">20 (39.2%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">60 (60.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">28 (57.1%)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The estimated annual cumulative prednisone dose was lower in the two tocilizumab dose groups (medians of 1887 mg and 2207 mg on tocilizumab QW and Q2W, respectively) relative to the placebo arms (medians of 3804 mg and 3902 mg on placebo + 26 weeks prednisone and placebo + 52 weeks prednisone taper, respectively).
Intravenously administered tocilizumab in patients with GCA was assessed in WP41152 (NCT03923738), an open-label PK-PD and safety study to determine the appropriate intravenous dose of tocilizumab that achieved comparable PK-PD profiles to the tocilizumab-SC regimen.
At enrollment, all patients (n=24) were in remission on tocilizumab-IV. In Period 1, all patients received open- label tocilizumab-IV 7 mg/kg every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. Patients who completed Period 1 and remained in remission (n=22) were eligible to enter Period 2, and received open-label tocilizumab-IV 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks for 20 weeks.
The efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab 6 mg/kg in adult patients with GCA is based on pharmacokinetic exposure and extrapolation to the efficacy established for subcutaneous tocilizumab in patients with GCA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.3)].
The efficacy of tocilizumab was assessed in a three-part study, WA19977 (NCT00988221), including an open- label extension in children 2 to 17 years of age with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA), who had an inadequate response to methotrexate or inability to tolerate methotrexate. Patients had at least 6 months of active disease (mean disease duration of 4.2 ± 3.7 years), with at least five joints with active arthritis (swollen or limitation of movement accompanied by pain and/or tenderness) and/or at least 3 active joints having limitation of motion (mean, 20 ± 14 active joints). The patients treated had subtypes of JIA that at disease onset included Rheumatoid Factor Positive or Negative Polyarticular JIA, or Extended Oligoarticular JIA. Treatment with a stable dose of methotrexate was permitted but was not required during the study. Concurrent use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), other than methotrexate, or other biologics (e.g., TNF antagonists or T cell costimulation modulator) were not permitted in the study.
Part I consisted of a 16-week active tocilizumab treatment lead-in period (n=188) followed by Part II, a 24-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled withdrawal period, followed by Part III, a 64-week open-label period. Eligible patients weighing at or above 30 kg received tocilizumab at 8 mg/kg intravenously once every four weeks. Patients weighing less than 30 kg were randomized 1:1 to receive either tocilizumab 8 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg intravenously every four weeks. At the conclusion of the open-label Part I, 91% of patients taking background MTX in addition to tocilizumab and 83% of patients on tocilizumab monotherapy achieved an ACR 30 response at week 16 compared to baseline and entered the blinded withdrawal period (Part II) of the study. The proportions of patients with JIA ACR 50/70 responses in Part I were 84.0%, and 64%, respectively for patients taking background MTX in addition to tocilizumab and 80% and 55% respectively for patients on tocilizumab monotherapy.
In Part II, patients (ITT, n=163) were randomized to tocilizumab (same dose received in Part I) or placebo in a 1:1 ratio that was stratified by concurrent methotrexate use and concurrent corticosteroid use. Each patient continued in Part II of the study until Week 40 or until the patient satisfied JIA ACR 30 flare criteria (relative to Week 16) and qualified for escape.
The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a JIA ACR 30 flare at week 40 relative to week 16. JIA ACR 30 flare was defined as 3 or more of the 6 core outcome variables worsening by at least 30% with no more than 1 of the remaining variables improving by more than 30% relative to Week 16.
Tocilizumab treated patients experienced significantly fewer disease flares compared to placebo-treated patients (26% [21/82] versus 48% [39/81]; adjusted difference in proportions -21%, 95% CI: -35%, -8%).
During the withdrawal phase (Part II), more patients treated with tocilizumab showed JIA ACR 30/50/70 responses at Week 40 compared to patients withdrawn to placebo.
Subcutaneously administered tocilizumab in pediatric patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) was assessed in WA28117 (NCT01904279), a 52-week, open-label, multicenter, PK-PD and safety study to determine the appropriate subcutaneous dose of tocilizumab that achieved comparable PK/PD profiles to the tocilizumab-IV regimen. PJIA patients aged 1 to 17 years with an inadequate response or inability to tolerate MTX, including patients with well-controlled disease on treatment with tocilizumab-IV and tocilizumab-naïve patients with active disease, were treated with subcutaneous tocilizumab based on body weight.
Patients weighing at or above 30 kg (n = 25) were treated with 162 mg of tocilizumab-SC every 2 weeks and patients weighing less than 30 kg (n = 27) received 162 mg of tocilizumab-SC every 3 weeks for 52 weeks. Of these 52 patients, 37 (71%) were naive to tocilizumab and 15 (29%) had been receiving tocilizumab-IV and switched to tocilizumab-SC at baseline.
The efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab in children 2 to 17 years of age is based on pharmacokinetic exposure and extrapolation of the established efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab in polyarticular JIA patients and subcutaneous tocilizumab in patients with RA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.2 and 14.5)].
The efficacy of tocilizumab for the treatment of active SJIA was assessed in WA18221 (NCT00642460), a 12- week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, 2-arm study. Patients treated with or without MTX, were randomized (tocilizumab:placebo = 2:1) to one of two treatment groups: 75 patients received tocilizumab infusions every two weeks at either 8 mg per kg for patients at or above 30 kg or 12 mg per kg for patients less than 30 kg and 37 were randomized to receive placebo infusions every two weeks. Corticosteroid tapering could occur from week six for patients who achieved a JIA ACR 70 response. After 12 weeks or at the time of escape, due to disease worsening, patients were treated with tocilizumab in the open-label extension phase at weight appropriate dosing.
The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least 30% improvement in JIA ACR core set (JIA ACR 30 response) at Week 12 and absence of fever (no temperature at or above 37.5°C in the preceding 7 days). JIA ACR (American College of Rheumatology) responses are defined as the percentage improvement (e.g., 30%, 50%, 70%) in 3 of any 6 core outcome variables compared to baseline, with worsening in no more than 1 of the remaining variables by 30% or more. Core outcome variables consist of physician global assessment, parent per patient global assessment, number of joints with active arthritis, number of joints with limitation of movement, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and functional ability (childhood health assessment questionnaire-CHAQ).
Primary endpoint result and JIA ACR response rates at Week 12 are shown in Table 10.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="85%"> <caption> <span>Table 10 Efficacy Findings at Week 12</span> </caption> <col align="left" valign="middle" width="34%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="33%"/> <col align="center" valign="middle" width="33%"/> <thead> <tr class="First Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab<br/> N=75</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Placebo <br/>N=37</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="3"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-20" name="footnote-20">*</a> </dt> <dd>The weighted difference is the difference between the tocilizumab and Placebo response rates, adjusted for the stratification factors (weight, disease duration, background oral corticosteroid dose and background methotrexate use).</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-21" name="footnote-21">†</a> </dt> <dd>CI: confidence interval of the weighted difference.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">Primary Endpoint: JIA ACR 30 response + absence of fever</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Responders</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">85%</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">24%</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"><span class="Bold">Weighted difference<br/> (95% CI)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">62<br/> (45, 78)</span></td><td align="center" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">-</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR Response Rates at Week 12</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR 30</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Responders</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">91%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">24%</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-20" name="footnote-reference-20">*</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">67</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">(95% CI)<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-21" name="footnote-reference-21">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">(51, 83)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR 50</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Responders</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">85%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">11%</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-20">*</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">74</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">(95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-21">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">(58, 90)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="3"><span class="Bold">JIA ACR 70</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Responders</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">71%</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">8%</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Weighted difference<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-20">*</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">63</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">(95% CI) <a class="Sup" href="#footnote-21">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">(46, 80)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
The treatment effect of tocilizumab was consistent across all components of the JIA ACR response core variables. JIA ACR scores and absence of fever responses in the open label extension were consistent with the controlled portion of the study (data available through 44 weeks).
Systemic Features
Of patients with fever or rash at baseline, those treated with tocilizumab had fewer systemic features; 35 out of 41 (85%) became fever free (no temperature recording at or above 37.5°C in the preceding 14 days) compared to 5 out of 24 (21%) of placebo-treated patients, and 14 out of 22 (64%) became free of rash compared to 2 out of 18 (11%) of placebo-treated patients. Responses were consistent in the open label extension (data available through 44 weeks).
Corticosteroid Tapering
Of the patients receiving oral corticosteroids at baseline, 8 out of 31 (26%) placebo and 48 out of 70 (69%), tocilizumab patients achieved a JIA ACR 70 response at week 6 or 8 enabling corticosteroid dose reduction. Seventeen (24%) tocilizumab patients versus 1 (3%) placebo patient were able to reduce the dose of corticosteroid by at least 20% without experiencing a subsequent JIA ACR 30 flare or occurrence of systemic symptoms to week 12. In the open label portion of the study, by week 44, there were 44 out of 103 (43%) tocilizumab patients off oral corticosteroids. Of these 44 patients 50% were off corticosteroids 18 weeks or more.
Health Related Outcomes
Physical function and disability were assessed using the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (CHAQ-DI). Seventy-seven percent (58 out of 75) of patients in the tocilizumab treatment group achieved a minimal clinically important improvement in CHAQ-DI (change from baseline of ≥ 0.13 units) at week 12 compared to 19% (7 out of 37) in the placebo treatment group.
Subcutaneously administered tocilizumab in pediatric patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) was assessed in WA28118 (NCT01904292), a 52-week, open-label, multicenter, PK-PD and safety study to determine the appropriate subcutaneous dose of tocilizumab that achieved comparable PK/PD profiles to the tocilizumab-IV regimen.
Eligible patients received tocilizumab subcutaneously dosed according to body weight, with patients weighing at or above 30 kg (n = 26) dosed with 162 mg of tocilizumab every week and patients weighing below 30 kg (n = 25) dosed with 162 mg of tocilizumab every 10 days (n=8) or every 2 weeks (n=17) for 52 weeks. Of these 51 patients, 26 (51%) were naive to subcutaneous tocilizumab and 25 (49%) had been receiving tocilizumab intravenously and switched to subcutaneous tocilizumab at baseline.
The efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab in children 2 to 17 years of age is based on pharmacokinetic exposure and extrapolation of the established efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab in systemic JIA patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.7)].
The efficacy of tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19 was based on RECOVERY (NCT04381936), a randomized, controlled, open-label, platform study, and supported by the results from EMPACTA (NCT04372186), a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Results of two other randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, COVACTA (NCT04320615) and REMDACTA (NCT04409262), which evaluated the efficacy of tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19 are also summarized.
RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy) Collaborative Group Study in Hospitalized Adults Diagnosed with COVID-19
RECOVERY was a randomized, controlled, open-label, multicenter platform study conducted in the United Kingdom to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential treatments in hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Eligible patients for the tocilizumab portion of the study had clinically suspected or laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and no medical contraindications to any of the treatments and had clinical evidence of progressive COVID-19 (defined as oxygen saturation <92% on room air or receiving oxygen therapy, and CRP ≥75 mg/L). Patients were then randomized to receive either standard of care (SoC) or intravenous tocilizumab at a weight-tiered dosing comparable to the recommended dosage [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] in addition to SoC.
Efficacy analyses were performed in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population comprising 4116 adult patients who were randomized to the tocilizumab + SoC arm (n=2022) or to the SoC arm (n=2094). The mean age of participants was 64 years (range: 20 to 101), and patients were 67% male, 76% White, 11% Asian, 3% Black or African American, and 1% mixed race. At baseline, 0.2% of patients were not on supplemental oxygen, 45% of patients required low flow oxygen, 41% of patients required non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen, and 14% of patients required invasive mechanical ventilation; 82% of patients were reported to be receiving systemic corticosteroids.
The primary efficacy endpoint was time to death through Day 28. The results for the overall population and the subgroups of patients who were or were not receiving systemic corticosteroids at time of randomization are summarized in Table 11.
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="90%"> <caption> <span>Table 11 Mortality through Day 28 in RECOVERY</span> </caption> <colgroup> <col align="left" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="15%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="center" valign="top" width="25%"/> </colgroup> <thead> <tr class="First First Last Last"> <th align="left" class="Lrule Rrule"></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Tocilizumab+ SoC N=2022<br/> n (%)<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-22" name="footnote-reference-22">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">SoC<br/> N=2094 <br/>n (%)<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-22">*</a></th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Hazard Ratio<br/> (95% CI)</th><th align="center" class="Rrule">Risk Difference<br/> (95% CI)</th> </tr> </thead> <tfoot> <tr> <td align="left" colspan="5"> <dl class="Footnote"> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-22" name="footnote-22">*</a> </dt> <dd>P-value reflects that the RECOVERY trial primary analysis results were statistically significant at the two-sided significance level of <span class="Italics">α</span> = 0.05.</dd> <dt> <a href="#footnote-reference-23" name="footnote-23">†</a> </dt> <dd>Probabilities of dying by Day 28 were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mortality</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">621 (30.7%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">729 (34.9%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.85 (0.76, 0.94)<br/> p= 0.0028<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-22">*</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-4.1% (-7.0, -1.3)</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="5">By baseline receipt of corticosteroid use</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mortality for patients receiving systemic corticosteroids at randomization<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-23" name="footnote-reference-23">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">482/1664 (29.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">600/1721 (34.9%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">0.79 (0.70, 0.89)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">-5.9% (-9.1, -2.8)</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule">Mortality for patients not receiving systemic corticosteroids at randomization<a class="Sup" href="#footnote-23">†</a></td><td align="center" class="Rrule">139/357 (39.0%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">127/367 (34.6%)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">1.16 (0.91, 1.48)</td><td align="center" class="Rrule">4.4% (-2.6, 11.5)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
EMPACTA
EMPACTA was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with SoC in hospitalized, non-ventilated adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Eligible patients were at least 18 years of age, had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by a positive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result, had pneumonia confirmed by radiography, and had SpO2 < 94% on ambient air.
Of the 389 patients randomized, efficacy analyses were performed in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population comprising 377 patients who were randomized and received study medication (249 in the tocilizumab arm; 128 in the placebo arm). The mean age of participants was 56 years (range: 20 to 95); 59% of patients were male, 56% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, 53% were White, 20% were American Indian/Alaska Native, 15% were Black/African American and 2% were Asian. At baseline, 9% patients were not on supplemental oxygen, 64% patients required low flow oxygen, 27% patients required high-flow oxygen, and 73% were on corticosteroids.
The primary efficacy endpoint evaluated time to progression to mechanical ventilation or death through Day 28. The hazard ratio comparing tocilizumab to placebo was 0.56 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.97), a statistically significant result (log-rank, p-value = 0.036). The cumulative proportion of patients who required mechanical ventilation or died by Day 28 was 12.0% (95% CI, 8.5% to 16.9%) in the tocilizumab arm and 19.3% (95% CI, 13.3% to 27.4%) in the placebo arm.
Mortality at Day 28 was 10.4% in the tocilizumab arm versus 8.6% in the placebo arm (weighted difference (tocilizumab arm - placebo arm): 2.0% [95% CI, -5.2% to 7.8%]).
COVACTA
COVACTA was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with SoC for the treatment of adult patients hospitalized with severe COVID- 19 pneumonia. The study randomized 452 patients who were at least 18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV- 2 infection by a positive RT-PCR result, had pneumonia confirmed by radiography, and had oxygen saturation of 93% or lower on ambient air or a ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen of 300 mmHg or less. At baseline, 3% of patients were not on supplemental oxygen, 28% were on low flow oxygen, 30% were on non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen, 38% were on invasive mechanical ventilation, and 22% were on corticosteroids. The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical status on Day 28 assessed on a 7-category ordinal scale that ranged from "discharged" to "death." There were no statistically significant differences observed in the distributions of clinical status on the 7-category ordinal scale at Day 28 when comparing the tocilizumab arm to the placebo arm.
Mortality at Day 28 was 19.7% in the tocilizumab arm versus 19.4% in the placebo arm (weighted difference (tocilizumab arm - placebo arm): 0.3% [95% CI, -7.6 to 8.2]).
REMDACTA
REMDACTA was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with intravenous remdesivir (RDV) 200 mg on Day 1 followed by 100 mg once daily for a total of 10 days in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The study randomized 649 adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result, pneumonia confirmed by radiography, and who required supplemental oxygen > 6 L/min to maintain SpO2 >93%. At baseline, 7% of patients were on low flow oxygen, 80% were on non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen, 14% were on invasive mechanical ventilation, and 84% were on corticosteroids.
The primary efficacy endpoint was time from randomization to hospital discharge or 'ready for discharge' up to Day 28. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment arms with respect to time to hospital discharge or "ready for discharge" through Day 28.
Mortality at Day 28 was 18.1% in the tocilizumab + RDV arm versus 19.5% in the placebo +RDV arm (weighted difference (tocilizumab arm - placebo arm): -1.3% [95% CI, -7.8% to 5.2%]).
Mortality Across Studies in Patients Receiving Baseline Corticosteroids
A study-level meta-analysis was conducted on EMPACTA, COVACTA, REMDACTA and RECOVERY studies. For each of the four studies, the risk difference through Day 28 was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method in the subgroup of patients receiving baseline corticosteroids, summarized in Figure 2. Patients from the RECOVERY trial represent 78.8% of the total sample size in this meta-analysis. The combined risk difference showed that tocilizumab treatment (n=2261) resulted in a 4.61% absolute reduction in the risk of death at Day 28 (risk difference=-4.6%; 95% CI: -7.3% to -1.9%) compared to SoC (n=2034).
Figure 2 Risk Differences Through Day 28 for Baseline Corticosteroid Use Subpopulation in RECOVERY, EMPACTA, COVACTA and REMDACTA studies
For Intravenous Infusion
Tocilizumab-anoh injection is a preservative-free, sterile clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution for intravenous infusion supplied in a single-dose vial packaged within cartons in the following strengths and packaging configurations:
For Subcutaneous Injection
Tocilizumab-anoh injection is supplied as a preservative-free, sterile, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to yellow solution for subcutaneous administration. The following packaging configurations are available:
Storage and Handling: Do not use beyond expiration date on the container, package, prefilled syringe, or autoinjector. Tocilizumab-anoh 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 carton until time of use, and keep syringes and autoinjectors dry. Once removed from the refrigerator, the prefilled syringe and autoinjector can be stored at room temperature at or below 77°F (25°C) for up to 3 weeks. The prefilled syringe and autoinjector must always be kept in the carton.
Serious Infections
Inform patients that Tocilizumab-anoh may lower their resistance to infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor immediately when symptoms suggesting infection appear in order to assure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Gastrointestinal Perforation
Inform patients that some patients who have been treated with Tocilizumab-anoh have had serious side effects in the stomach and intestines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor immediately when symptoms of fever, severe, persistent abdominal pain, and change in bowel habits appear to assure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Hypersensitivity and Serious Allergic Reactions
Inform patients that some patients who have been treated with Tocilizumab-anoh have developed serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, as well as serious skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Advise patients to stop taking Tocilizumab-anoh and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptom of serious allergic reactions (including rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing).
Instruction on Injection Technique
Assess patient suitability for home use for subcutaneous injection. Perform the first injection under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. If a patient or caregiver is to administer subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh, instruct him/her in injection techniques and assess his/her ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure proper administration of subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh and the suitability for home use [see Instructions for Use].
Prior to use, remove the prefilled syringe (PFS) or autoinjector from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature outside of the carton for 30 minutes (PFS) or 45 minutes (autoinjector), out of the reach of children. Do not warm Tocilizumab-anoh in any other way.
Advise patients to consult their healthcare provider if the full dose is not received.
A puncture-resistant container for disposal of needles, syringes and autoinjectors should be used and should be kept out of the reach of children. Instruct patients or caregivers in the technique as well as proper needle, syringe and autoinjector disposal, and caution against reuse of these items.
Pregnancy
Inform female patients of reproductive potential that Tocilizumab-anoh may cause fetal harm and to inform their prescriber of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Tocilizumab-anoh
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Manufactured by:CELLTRION, Inc.23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu,Incheon, 22014, Republic of KoreaUS License Number 1996
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Manufactured by:CELLTRION, Inc.23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu,Incheon, 22014, Republic of KoreaUS License Number 1996" }
Distributed by:CELLTRION USA, Inc.One Evertrust Plaza Suite 1207Jersey City, NJ 07302
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Distributed by:CELLTRION USA, Inc.One Evertrust Plaza Suite 1207Jersey City, NJ 07302" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <col align="left" valign="top" width="2%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="5%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="24%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="6%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="43%"/> <tfoot> <tr class="First Last"> <td align="left" colspan="5">Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</td><td align="right">Issued: 1/2025 </td> </tr> </tfoot> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="Botrule First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Medication Guide</span> <br/>Tocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh) injection <br/>for intravenous use<br/> Tocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh) injection <br/>for subcutaneous use</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold"><a name="important"></a>What is the most important information I should know about Tocilizumab-anoh? Tocilizumab-anoh can cause serious side effects including</span>:<dl class="Arabic"> <dt class="Bold">1.</dt> <dd> <span class="Bold">Serious Infections</span>. Tocilizumab-anoh is a medicine that affects your immune system. Tocilizumab-anoh can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have serious infections while taking Tocilizumab-anoh , including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should assess you for TB before starting Tocilizumab-anoh (except if you have COVID-19).</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">If you have COVID-19, your healthcare provider should monitor you for signs and symptoms of new infections during and after treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh .<ul class="Disc"> <li>You should not start taking Tocilizumab-anoh if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider says it is okay.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Before starting Tocilizumab-anoh , tell your healthcare provider if you:<ul class="Disc"> <li>think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever, such as:</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule"></td><td align="left" colspan="2"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>sweating or chills</li> <li>shortness of breath</li> <li>warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" colspan="2"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>feel very tired</li> <li>muscle aches</li> <li>blood in phlegm</li> <li>diarrhea or stomach pain</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>cough</li> <li>weight loss</li> <li>burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"> <ul class="Disc"> <li>are being treated for an infection.</li> <li>get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back.</li> <li>have diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections.</li> <li>have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB.</li> <li>live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may happen or become more severe if you use Tocilizumab-anoh . Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.</li> <li>have or have had hepatitis B.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">After starting Tocilizumab-anoh, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. Tocilizumab-anoh can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infection that you have.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"> <dl class="Arabic"> <dt class="Bold">2.</dt> <dd> <span class="Bold">Tears (perforation) of the stomach or intestines.</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking Tocilizumab-anoh get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.</li> <li>Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and new onset stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.</li> </ul> </dd> <dt class="Bold">3.</dt> <dd> <span class="Bold">Liver problems (Hepatotoxicity):</span> Some people have experienced serious life-threatening liver problems, which required a liver transplant or led to death. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking Tocilizumab-anoh if you develop new or worse liver problems during treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh . Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule"></td><td align="left" colspan="3"> <ul class="Disc"> <li>feeling tired (fatigue)</li> <li>lack of appetite for several days or longer (anorexia)</li> <li>yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)</li> <li>abdominal swelling and pain on the right side of your stomach-area</li> <li>light colored stools</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule" colspan="2"> <ul class="Disc"> <li>weakness</li> <li>nausea and vomiting</li> <li>confusion </li> <li>dark "tea-colored" urine </li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"> <dl class="Arabic"> <dt class="Bold">4.</dt> <dd> <span class="Bold">Changes in certain laboratory test results</span>. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you start receiving Tocilizumab-anoh. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or giant cell arteritis (GCA) your healthcare provider should do blood tests every 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving Tocilizumab-anoh for the first 6 months and then every 3 months after that. If you have polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) you will have blood tests done every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment. If you have systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) you will have blood tests done every 2 to 4 weeks during treatment. These blood tests are to check for the following side effects of Tocilizumab-anoh:<ul class="Disc"> <li>low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections.</li> <li>low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding.</li> <li>increase in certain liver function tests.</li> <li>increase in blood cholesterol levels. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving Tocilizumab-anoh.</li> </ul>Your healthcare provider will determine how often you will have follow-up blood tests. Make sure you get all your follow-up blood tests done as ordered by your healthcare provider.<br/> You should not receive Tocilizumab-anoh if your neutrophil or platelet counts are too low or your liver function tests are too high.<br/> Your healthcare provider may stop your Tocilizumab-anoh treatment for a period of time or change your dose of medicine if needed because of changes in these blood test results.</dd> <dt class="Bold">5.</dt> <dd> <span class="Bold">Cancer.</span> Tocilizumab-anoh may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.</dd> </dl> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">See <span class="Bold">"<a href="#side">What are the possible side effects with Tocilizumab-anoh?</a>"</span> for more information about side effects.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">What is Tocilizumab-anoh?</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Tocilizumab-anoh is a prescription medicine called an Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. Tocilizumab-anoh is used:<ul class="Disc"> <li>To treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), after at least one other medicine called a Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well.</li> <li>To treat adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA).</li> <li>To treat people with active PJIA ages 2 and above.</li> <li>To treat people with active SJIA ages 2 and above.</li> <li>To treat hospitalized adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving systemic corticosteroids and requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.</li> <li>Tocilizumab-anoh is not approved for subcutaneous use in people with COVID-19.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">It is not known if Tocilizumab-anoh is safe and effective in children with PJIA or SJIA under 2 years of age or in children with conditions other than PJIA or SJIA.</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Do not take Tocilizumab-anoh:</span> if you are allergic to tocilizumab products, or any of the ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Before you receive Tocilizumab-anoh, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>have an infection. <span class="Bold">See "<a href="#important">What is the most important information I should know about Tocilizumab-anoh?</a>"</span> </li> <li>have liver problems.</li> <li>have any stomach-area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.</li> <li>have had a reaction to tocilizumab products or any of the ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh before.</li> <li>have or had a condition that affects your nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.</li> <li>have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine:<ul class="Circle"> <li>All vaccines should be brought up-to-date before starting Tocilizumab-anoh, unless urgent treatment initiation is required.</li> <li>People who take Tocilizumab-anoh should not receive live vaccines.</li> <li>People taking Tocilizumab-anoh can receive non-live vaccines.</li> </ul> </li> <li>plan to have surgery or a medical procedure.</li> <li>are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tocilizumab-anoh may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh.</li> <li>are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Tocilizumab-anoh passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Tocilizumab-anoh.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take</span>, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Tocilizumab-anoh and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:<ul class="Disc"> <li>any other medicines to treat your RA. Taking Tocilizumab-anoh with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.</li> <li>medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">How will I receive Tocilizumab-anoh?</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Into a vein (IV or intravenous infusion) for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, PJIA, SJIA or COVID- 19:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>If your healthcare provider prescribes Tocilizumab-anoh as an IV infusion, you will receive Tocilizumab-anoh from a healthcare provider through a needle placed in a vein in your arm. The infusion will take about 1 hour to give you the full dose of medicine.</li> <li>For rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis or PJIA you will receive a dose of Tocilizumab-anoh about every 4 weeks.</li> <li>For SJIA you will receive a dose of Tocilizumab-anoh about every 2 weeks.</li> <li>For COVID-19, you will receive a single dose of Tocilizumab-anoh, and if needed one additional dose.</li> <li>While taking Tocilizumab-anoh, you may continue to use other medicines that help treat your rheumatoid arthritis, PJIA, SJIA or COVID-19 such as methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prescription steroids, as instructed by your healthcare provider.</li> <li>Keep all of your follow-up appointments and get your blood tests as ordered by your healthcare provider.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Under the skin (SC or subcutaneous injection) for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, PJIA or SJIA:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">See the Instructions for Use at the end of this Medication Guide for instructions about the right way to prepare and give your Tocilizumab-anoh injections at home.</span> </li> <li>Tocilizumab-anoh is available as a single-dose Prefilled Syringe or single-dose Prefilled Autoinjector.</li> <li>You may also receive Tocilizumab-anoh as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous). If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give your injections of Tocilizumab-anoh at home, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject Tocilizumab-anoh. Do not try to inject Tocilizumab-anoh until you have been shown the right way to give the injections by your healthcare provider.</li> <li>For PJIA or SJIA, you may self-inject with the Prefilled Syringe or Prefilled Autoinjector, or your caregiver can give you Tocilizumab-anoh, if both your healthcare provider and parent/legal guardian find it appropriate.</li> <li>Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Tocilizumab-anoh to use and when to use it.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold"><a name="side"></a>What are the possible side effects with Tocilizumab-anoh? </span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Tocilizumab-anoh can cause serious side effects, including:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>See <span class="Bold">"<a href="#important">What is the most important information I should know about Tocilizumab-anoh?</a>"</span> </li> <li> <span class="Bold">Hepatitis B infection</span> in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that affects the liver), the virus may become active while you use Tocilizumab-anoh. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before you start treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh and while you are using Tocilizumab-anoh. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a possible hepatitis B infection:</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule"></td><td align="left" colspan="2"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>feel very tired</li> <li>vomiting</li> <li>chills</li> <li>dark urine</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" colspan="2"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>skin or eyes look yellow</li> <li>clay-colored bowel movements</li> <li>stomach discomfort</li> <li>skin rash</li> </ul> </td><td align="left" class="Rrule"> <ul class="Circle"> <li>little or no appetite</li> <li>fevers</li> <li>muscle aches</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"> <ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Serious Allergic Reactions.</span> Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with Tocilizumab-anoh . These reactions can happen with any infusion or injection of Tocilizumab-anoh , even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion or injection. Stop taking Tocilizumab-anoh, contact your healthcare provider, and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction:<ul class="Circle"> <li>swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue</li> <li>trouble breathing</li> <li>wheezing</li> <li>severe itching</li> <li>skin rash, hives, redness, or swelling outside of the injection site area </li> <li>dizziness or fainting </li> <li>fast heartbeat or pounding in your chest (tachycardia)</li> <li>sweating</li> </ul> </li> <li> <span class="Bold">Nervous system problems</span>. While rare, Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed in people who take Tocilizumab-anoh. It is not known what effect Tocilizumab-anoh may have on some nervous system disorders.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">The most common side effects of Tocilizumab-anoh include:</span> <ul class="Disc"> <li>upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections)</li> <li>headache</li> <li>increased blood pressure (hypertension)</li> <li>injection site reactions</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Tocilizumab-anoh. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.<br/>Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">General information about the safe and effective use of Tocilizumab-anoh.</span></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not give Tocilizumab-anoh to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Tocilizumab-anoh that is written for health professionals.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6"><span class="Bold">What are the ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh?</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Active ingredient: tocilizumab-anoh.<br/> Inactive ingredients of Intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh : histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, methionine, polysorbate 80, threonine, and water for Injection.<br/> Inactive ingredients of Subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh : histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, methionine, polysorbate 80, threonine, and water for Injection.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Manufactured by: CELLTRION, Inc., 23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22014, Republic of Korea<br/> US License Number 1996</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="6">Distributed by: CELLTRION USA, Inc., One Evertrust Plaza, Suite 1207, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"2%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"5%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"24%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"6%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"43%\"/>\n<tfoot>\n<tr class=\"First Last\">\n<td align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\">Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</td><td align=\"right\">Issued: 1/2025 </td>\n</tr>\n</tfoot>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"Botrule First\">\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Medication Guide</span>\n<br/>Tocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh) injection <br/>for intravenous use<br/> Tocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh) injection <br/>for subcutaneous use</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\"><a name=\"important\"></a>What is the most important information I should know about Tocilizumab-anoh? Tocilizumab-anoh can cause serious side effects including</span>:<dl class=\"Arabic\">\n<dt class=\"Bold\">1.</dt>\n<dd>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Serious Infections</span>. Tocilizumab-anoh is a medicine that affects your immune system. Tocilizumab-anoh can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have serious infections while taking Tocilizumab-anoh , including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should assess you for TB before starting Tocilizumab-anoh (except if you have COVID-19).</dd>\n</dl>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">If you have COVID-19, your healthcare provider should monitor you for signs and symptoms of new infections during and after treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh .<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>You should not start taking Tocilizumab-anoh if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider says it is okay.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Before starting Tocilizumab-anoh , tell your healthcare provider if you:<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever, such as:</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule\"></td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>sweating or chills</li>\n<li>shortness of breath</li>\n<li>warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>feel very tired</li>\n<li>muscle aches</li>\n<li>blood in phlegm</li>\n<li>diarrhea or stomach pain</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>cough</li>\n<li>weight loss</li>\n<li>burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>are being treated for an infection.</li>\n<li>get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back.</li>\n<li>have diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections.</li>\n<li>have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB.</li>\n<li>live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may happen or become more severe if you use Tocilizumab-anoh . Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.</li>\n<li>have or have had hepatitis B.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">After starting Tocilizumab-anoh, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. Tocilizumab-anoh can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infection that you have.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">\n<dl class=\"Arabic\">\n<dt class=\"Bold\">2.</dt>\n<dd>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Tears (perforation) of the stomach or intestines.</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking Tocilizumab-anoh get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.</li>\n<li>Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and new onset stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.</li>\n</ul>\n</dd>\n<dt class=\"Bold\">3.</dt>\n<dd>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Liver problems (Hepatotoxicity):</span> Some people have experienced serious life-threatening liver problems, which required a liver transplant or led to death. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking Tocilizumab-anoh if you develop new or worse liver problems during treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh . Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:</dd>\n</dl>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule\"></td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>feeling tired (fatigue)</li>\n<li>lack of appetite for several days or longer (anorexia)</li>\n<li>yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)</li>\n<li>abdominal swelling and pain on the right side of your stomach-area</li>\n<li>light colored stools</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>weakness</li>\n<li>nausea and vomiting</li>\n<li>confusion </li>\n<li>dark \"tea-colored\" urine </li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">\n<dl class=\"Arabic\">\n<dt class=\"Bold\">4.</dt>\n<dd>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Changes in certain laboratory test results</span>. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you start receiving Tocilizumab-anoh. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or giant cell arteritis (GCA) your healthcare provider should do blood tests every 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving Tocilizumab-anoh for the first 6 months and then every 3 months after that. If you have polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) you will have blood tests done every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment. If you have systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) you will have blood tests done every 2 to 4 weeks during treatment. These blood tests are to check for the following side effects of Tocilizumab-anoh:<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections.</li>\n<li>low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding.</li>\n<li>increase in certain liver function tests.</li>\n<li>increase in blood cholesterol levels. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving Tocilizumab-anoh.</li>\n</ul>Your healthcare provider will determine how often you will have follow-up blood tests. Make sure you get all your follow-up blood tests done as ordered by your healthcare provider.<br/> You should not receive Tocilizumab-anoh if your neutrophil or platelet counts are too low or your liver function tests are too high.<br/> Your healthcare provider may stop your Tocilizumab-anoh treatment for a period of time or change your dose of medicine if needed because of changes in these blood test results.</dd>\n<dt class=\"Bold\">5.</dt>\n<dd>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Cancer.</span> Tocilizumab-anoh may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.</dd>\n</dl>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">See <span class=\"Bold\">\"<a href=\"#side\">What are the possible side effects with Tocilizumab-anoh?</a>\"</span> for more information about side effects.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">What is Tocilizumab-anoh?</span></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Tocilizumab-anoh is a prescription medicine called an Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. Tocilizumab-anoh is used:<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>To treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), after at least one other medicine called a Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) has been used and did not work well.</li>\n<li>To treat adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA).</li>\n<li>To treat people with active PJIA ages 2 and above.</li>\n<li>To treat people with active SJIA ages 2 and above.</li>\n<li>To treat hospitalized adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving systemic corticosteroids and requiring supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.</li>\n<li>Tocilizumab-anoh is not approved for subcutaneous use in people with COVID-19.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">It is not known if Tocilizumab-anoh is safe and effective in children with PJIA or SJIA under 2 years of age or in children with conditions other than PJIA or SJIA.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Do not take Tocilizumab-anoh:</span> if you are allergic to tocilizumab products, or any of the ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Before you receive Tocilizumab-anoh, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>have an infection. <span class=\"Bold\">See \"<a href=\"#important\">What is the most important information I should know about Tocilizumab-anoh?</a>\"</span>\n</li>\n<li>have liver problems.</li>\n<li>have any stomach-area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.</li>\n<li>have had a reaction to tocilizumab products or any of the ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh before.</li>\n<li>have or had a condition that affects your nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.</li>\n<li>have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine:<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>All vaccines should be brought up-to-date before starting Tocilizumab-anoh, unless urgent treatment initiation is required.</li>\n<li>People who take Tocilizumab-anoh should not receive live vaccines.</li>\n<li>People taking Tocilizumab-anoh can receive non-live vaccines.</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>plan to have surgery or a medical procedure.</li>\n<li>are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tocilizumab-anoh may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh.</li>\n<li>are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Tocilizumab-anoh passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Tocilizumab-anoh.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take</span>, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Tocilizumab-anoh and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>any other medicines to treat your RA. Taking Tocilizumab-anoh with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.</li>\n<li>medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">How will I receive Tocilizumab-anoh?</span></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Into a vein (IV or intravenous infusion) for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, PJIA, SJIA or COVID- 19:</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>If your healthcare provider prescribes Tocilizumab-anoh as an IV infusion, you will receive Tocilizumab-anoh from a healthcare provider through a needle placed in a vein in your arm. The infusion will take about 1 hour to give you the full dose of medicine.</li>\n<li>For rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis or PJIA you will receive a dose of Tocilizumab-anoh about every 4 weeks.</li>\n<li>For SJIA you will receive a dose of Tocilizumab-anoh about every 2 weeks.</li>\n<li>For COVID-19, you will receive a single dose of Tocilizumab-anoh, and if needed one additional dose.</li>\n<li>While taking Tocilizumab-anoh, you may continue to use other medicines that help treat your rheumatoid arthritis, PJIA, SJIA or COVID-19 such as methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prescription steroids, as instructed by your healthcare provider.</li>\n<li>Keep all of your follow-up appointments and get your blood tests as ordered by your healthcare provider.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Under the skin (SC or subcutaneous injection) for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, PJIA or SJIA:</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">See the Instructions for Use at the end of this Medication Guide for instructions about the right way to prepare and give your Tocilizumab-anoh injections at home.</span>\n</li>\n<li>Tocilizumab-anoh is available as a single-dose Prefilled Syringe or single-dose Prefilled Autoinjector.</li>\n<li>You may also receive Tocilizumab-anoh as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous). If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give your injections of Tocilizumab-anoh at home, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject Tocilizumab-anoh. Do not try to inject Tocilizumab-anoh until you have been shown the right way to give the injections by your healthcare provider.</li>\n<li>For PJIA or SJIA, you may self-inject with the Prefilled Syringe or Prefilled Autoinjector, or your caregiver can give you Tocilizumab-anoh, if both your healthcare provider and parent/legal guardian find it appropriate.</li>\n<li>Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Tocilizumab-anoh to use and when to use it.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\"><a name=\"side\"></a>What are the possible side effects with Tocilizumab-anoh? </span></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Tocilizumab-anoh can cause serious side effects, including:</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>See <span class=\"Bold\">\"<a href=\"#important\">What is the most important information I should know about Tocilizumab-anoh?</a>\"</span>\n</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Hepatitis B infection</span> in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that affects the liver), the virus may become active while you use Tocilizumab-anoh. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before you start treatment with Tocilizumab-anoh and while you are using Tocilizumab-anoh. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a possible hepatitis B infection:</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule\"></td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>feel very tired</li>\n<li>vomiting</li>\n<li>chills</li>\n<li>dark urine</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>skin or eyes look yellow</li>\n<li>clay-colored bowel movements</li>\n<li>stomach discomfort</li>\n<li>skin rash</li>\n</ul>\n</td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\">\n<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>little or no appetite</li>\n<li>fevers</li>\n<li>muscle aches</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Serious Allergic Reactions.</span> Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with Tocilizumab-anoh . These reactions can happen with any infusion or injection of Tocilizumab-anoh , even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion or injection. Stop taking Tocilizumab-anoh, contact your healthcare provider, and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction:<ul class=\"Circle\">\n<li>swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue</li>\n<li>trouble breathing</li>\n<li>wheezing</li>\n<li>severe itching</li>\n<li>skin rash, hives, redness, or swelling outside of the injection site area </li>\n<li>dizziness or fainting </li>\n<li>fast heartbeat or pounding in your chest (tachycardia)</li>\n<li>sweating</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Nervous system problems</span>. While rare, Multiple Sclerosis has been diagnosed in people who take Tocilizumab-anoh. It is not known what effect Tocilizumab-anoh may have on some nervous system disorders.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">The most common side effects of Tocilizumab-anoh include:</span>\n<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections)</li>\n<li>headache</li>\n<li>increased blood pressure (hypertension)</li>\n<li>injection site reactions</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Tocilizumab-anoh. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.<br/>Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.</span></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">General information about the safe and effective use of Tocilizumab-anoh.</span></td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not give Tocilizumab-anoh to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Tocilizumab-anoh that is written for health professionals.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\"><span class=\"Bold\">What are the ingredients in Tocilizumab-anoh?</span></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Active ingredient: tocilizumab-anoh.<br/> Inactive ingredients of Intravenous Tocilizumab-anoh : histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, methionine, polysorbate 80, threonine, and water for Injection.<br/> Inactive ingredients of Subcutaneous Tocilizumab-anoh : histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, methionine, polysorbate 80, threonine, and water for Injection.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Manufactured by: CELLTRION, Inc., 23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22014, Republic of Korea<br/> US License Number 1996</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"6\">Distributed by: CELLTRION USA, Inc., One Evertrust Plaza, Suite 1207, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
Tocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh)Injection, For Subcutaneous Use Single-dose Prefilled Syringe
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nTocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh)Injection, For Subcutaneous Use Single-dose Prefilled Syringe\n" }
Read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with your Tocilizumab-anoh Prefilled Syringe before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. Before you use Tocilizumab-anoh, make sure your healthcare provider shows you the right way to use it.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with your Tocilizumab-anoh Prefilled Syringe before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. Before you use Tocilizumab-anoh, make sure your healthcare provider shows you the right way to use it." }
Important Information
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nImportant Information\n" }
{ "type": "ul", "children": [ "\nDo not remove the prefilled syringe cap until you are ready to inject Tocilizumab-anoh.", "\nDo not try to take apart the prefilled syringe at any time.", "\nDo not reuse the same syringe.", "\nDo not shake the prefilled syringe.", "\nDo not use the prefilled syringe if it has been dropped or damaged." ], "text": "" }
Storing Tocilizumab-anoh
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nStoring Tocilizumab-anoh\n" }
{ "type": "ul", "children": [ "Store the unused prefilled syringe in the original carton in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.", "When removed from the refrigerator, Tocilizumab-anoh can be stored up to 3 weeks at or below 77°F (25°C). If not used within the 3 weeks, Tocilizumab-anoh should be thrown away (discarded).", "Keep the prefilled syringe out of direct sunlight.", "\nDo not remove the prefilled syringe from its original carton during storage.", "\nDo not leave the prefilled syringe unattended.", "Keep the prefilled syringe out of the reach of children." ], "text": "" }
Parts of your Prefilled Syringe (See Figure A).
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nParts of your Prefilled Syringe (See Figure A).\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="100%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="First"> <td align="center"><img alt="Figure A" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-03.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left"> <p class="First"> <span class="Bold">Figure A</span> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"100%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"First\">\n<td align=\"center\"><img alt=\"Figure A\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-03.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"left\">\n<p class=\"First\">\n<span class=\"Bold\">Figure A</span>\n</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
Preparing for the Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nPreparing for the Injection\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="80%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure B" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-04.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">1. Gather the supplies for the injection.</span>a.Prepare a clean, flat surface, such as a table or countertop, in a well-lit area.b.Take the carton containing the prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator.c.Make sure you have the following supplies (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figb">Figure B</a></span>):-Carton containing Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringe<br/> <span class="Bold">Not included in the carton:</span>-Cotton ball or gauze-Adhesive bandage-FDA-cleared sharps disposal container-Alcohol swab</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure B</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure C" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-05.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">2. Inspect the carton (see <a href="#figc">Figure C</a>).</span>a.Look at the carton and make sure you have the correct medicine and dose strength. (Tocilizumab-anoh)b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the carton to make sure the date has not passed.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the expiration (EXP) date has passed.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the carton looks like it has been opened or damaged if you are opening the carton for the first time and check to make sure that it is properly sealed.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure C</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure D" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-06.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">3. Inspect the Prefilled Syringe.</span>a.Open the carton and remove 1 single-dose prefilled syringe from the carton. Return any remaining Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringes in the carton to the refrigerator.b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringe (<span class="Bold">see <a href="#figd">Figure D</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the expiration (EXP) date has passed. If the expiration (EXP) date has passed, safely throw away (dispose of) the prefilled syringe in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and get a new one.</li> </ul>c.Check the prefilled syringe to make sure it is not damaged and shows no sign of leakage.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if it has been dropped, damaged, or has leaked.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure D</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure E" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-07.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">4. Wait 30 minutes.</span>a.Leave the prefilled syringe outside of the carton at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for 30 minutes to allow it to warm up (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#fige">Figure E</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> warm the prefilled syringe using heat sources such as hot water or a microwave.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> leave the prefilled syringe in the direct sunlight.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> remove the cap while allowing your prefilled syringe to reach room temperature.</li> <li>If the prefilled syringe does not reach room temperature, this could cause discomfort and make it hard to push the plunger.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure E</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure F" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-08.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">5. Inspect the medicine.</span>a.Hold your Tocilizumab-anoh with the cap pointing down.b.Look at the medicine and confirm that the liquid is clear, to slightly pearly and colorless to yellow and does not contain any particles or flakes (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figf">Figure F</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the liquid is discolored, cloudy, or has particles or flakes in it. Safely dispose of the prefilled syringe in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and use a new one.</li> <li>Air bubbles are normal.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure F</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure G" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-09.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">6. Wash your hands.</span>a.Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figg">Figure G</a></span>).</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure G</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure H" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-10.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">7. Choose an injection site (see <a href="#figh">Figure H</a>).</span>a.You may inject into-The front of the thighs-The stomach (abdomen), except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the belly button.-The outer area of the upper arm (only if you are a caregiver).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> inject into the upper arm by yourself.</li> <li>Choose a different injection site for each new injection at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the last area you injected.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> inject into moles, scars, bruises, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard or not intact.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure H</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure I" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-11.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">8. Clean the injection site.</span>a.Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry for about 10 seconds (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figi">Figure I</a></span>). This will reduce the chance of getting an infection.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> touch the injection site again before giving the injection.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> fan or blow on the clean area.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure I</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"80%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"First\">\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure B\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-04.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">1. Gather the supplies for the injection.</span>a.Prepare a clean, flat surface, such as a table or countertop, in a well-lit area.b.Take the carton containing the prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator.c.Make sure you have the following supplies (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figb\">Figure B</a></span>):-Carton containing Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringe<br/>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Not included in the carton:</span>-Cotton ball or gauze-Adhesive bandage-FDA-cleared sharps disposal container-Alcohol swab</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure B</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure C\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-05.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">2. Inspect the carton (see <a href=\"#figc\">Figure C</a>).</span>a.Look at the carton and make sure you have the correct medicine and dose strength. (Tocilizumab-anoh)b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the carton to make sure the date has not passed.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the expiration (EXP) date has passed.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the carton looks like it has been opened or damaged if you are opening the carton for the first time and check to make sure that it is properly sealed.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure C</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure D\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-06.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">3. Inspect the Prefilled Syringe.</span>a.Open the carton and remove 1 single-dose prefilled syringe from the carton. Return any remaining Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringes in the carton to the refrigerator.b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringe (<span class=\"Bold\">see <a href=\"#figd\">Figure D</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the expiration (EXP) date has passed. If the expiration (EXP) date has passed, safely throw away (dispose of) the prefilled syringe in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and get a new one.</li>\n</ul>c.Check the prefilled syringe to make sure it is not damaged and shows no sign of leakage.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if it has been dropped, damaged, or has leaked.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure D</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure E\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-07.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">4. Wait 30 minutes.</span>a.Leave the prefilled syringe outside of the carton at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for 30 minutes to allow it to warm up (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#fige\">Figure E</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> warm the prefilled syringe using heat sources such as hot water or a microwave.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> leave the prefilled syringe in the direct sunlight.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> remove the cap while allowing your prefilled syringe to reach room temperature.</li>\n<li>If the prefilled syringe does not reach room temperature, this could cause discomfort and make it hard to push the plunger.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure E</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure F\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-08.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">5. Inspect the medicine.</span>a.Hold your Tocilizumab-anoh with the cap pointing down.b.Look at the medicine and confirm that the liquid is clear, to slightly pearly and colorless to yellow and does not contain any particles or flakes (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figf\">Figure F</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled syringe if the liquid is discolored, cloudy, or has particles or flakes in it. Safely dispose of the prefilled syringe in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and use a new one.</li>\n<li>Air bubbles are normal.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure F</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure G\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-09.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">6. Wash your hands.</span>a.Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figg\">Figure G</a></span>).</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure G</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure H\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-10.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">7. Choose an injection site (see <a href=\"#figh\">Figure H</a>).</span>a.You may inject into-The front of the thighs-The stomach (abdomen), except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the belly button.-The outer area of the upper arm (only if you are a caregiver).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> inject into the upper arm by yourself.</li>\n<li>Choose a different injection site for each new injection at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the last area you injected.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> inject into moles, scars, bruises, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard or not intact.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure H</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure I\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-11.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">8. Clean the injection site.</span>a.Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry for about 10 seconds (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figi\">Figure I</a></span>). This will reduce the chance of getting an infection.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> touch the injection site again before giving the injection.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> fan or blow on the clean area.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure I</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
Giving the Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nGiving the Injection\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="80%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure J" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-12.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">9. Remove the cap.</span>a.Hold the prefilled syringe by the syringe body using 1 hand.<br/> Gently pull the cap straight off with the other hand (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figj">Figure J</a></span>).<br/>Note: If you cannot remove the cap, you should ask a caregiver for help or contact your healthcare provider.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> hold the plunger while removing the cap.</li> <li>You may see a drop of liquid at the tip of the needle. This is normal.</li> <li>If the prefilled syringe is not used within 5 minutes of needle cap removal, the prefilled syringe should be thrown away (disposed of) in the puncture resistant container or sharps container and a new prefilled syringe should be used.</li> </ul>b.Throw away (dispose of) the cap right away in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#step14">step 14</a></span> and <span class="Bold"><a href="#step14">Throw away (dispose of) prefilled syringe</a></span> and <span class="Bold"><a href="#fign">Figure N</a></span>)<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> re-cap the prefilled syringe.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> touch the needle shield at the tip of the prefilled syringe to avoid accidental needle stick injury.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure J</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure K" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-13.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">10. Insert the prefilled syringe into the injection site.</span>a.Gently pinch a fold of skin at the injection site with 1 hand.<br/> Note: Pinching the skin is important to make sure that you inject under the skin (into fatty tissue) but not any deeper (into muscle).b.With a quick and "dart-like" motion, insert the Needle completely into the fold of skin at a 45 to 90-degree angle (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figk">Figure K</a></span>).<br/>Note: It is important to use the correct angle to make sure the medicine is delivered under the skin (into fatty tissue), or the injection could be painful, and the medicine may not work.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> touch the plunger while inserting the needle into the skin.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> pull back on the plunger rod at any time.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure K</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure L" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-14.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">11. Give the injection.</span>a.After the needle is inserted, release the pinch.b.Slowly push the plunger all the way down until the full dose of medicine gets injected, and the syringe is empty (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figl">Figure L</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> change the position of the prefilled syringe after the injection has started.</li> <li>If the plunger is not fully pressed, the needle guard will not extend to cover the needle when it is removed.</li> <li>If the needle is not covered, proceed carefully to dispose of the syringe (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#step14">step 14. Throw away (dispose of) prefilled syringe</a></span>.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure L</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure M" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-15.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">12. Remove the prefilled syringe from the injection site.</span>a.After the prefilled syringe is empty, remove the needle from the injection site and release the plunger until the entire needle is covered by the guard (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figm">Figure M</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li>Some bleeding may occur (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#step13">step 13. Care for the injection site</a></span>).</li> <li>In case of skin contact with medicine, wash the area that touched the medicine with water.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> reuse the prefilled syringe.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure M</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"80%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"First\">\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure J\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-12.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">9. Remove the cap.</span>a.Hold the prefilled syringe by the syringe body using 1 hand.<br/> Gently pull the cap straight off with the other hand (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figj\">Figure J</a></span>).<br/>Note: If you cannot remove the cap, you should ask a caregiver for help or contact your healthcare provider.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> hold the plunger while removing the cap.</li>\n<li>You may see a drop of liquid at the tip of the needle. This is normal.</li>\n<li>If the prefilled syringe is not used within 5 minutes of needle cap removal, the prefilled syringe should be thrown away (disposed of) in the puncture resistant container or sharps container and a new prefilled syringe should be used.</li>\n</ul>b.Throw away (dispose of) the cap right away in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#step14\">step 14</a></span> and <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#step14\">Throw away (dispose of) prefilled syringe</a></span> and <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#fign\">Figure N</a></span>)<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> re-cap the prefilled syringe.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> touch the needle shield at the tip of the prefilled syringe to avoid accidental needle stick injury.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure J</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure K\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-13.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">10. Insert the prefilled syringe into the injection site.</span>a.Gently pinch a fold of skin at the injection site with 1 hand.<br/> Note: Pinching the skin is important to make sure that you inject under the skin (into fatty tissue) but not any deeper (into muscle).b.With a quick and \"dart-like\" motion, insert the Needle completely into the fold of skin at a 45 to 90-degree angle (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figk\">Figure K</a></span>).<br/>Note: It is important to use the correct angle to make sure the medicine is delivered under the skin (into fatty tissue), or the injection could be painful, and the medicine may not work.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> touch the plunger while inserting the needle into the skin.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> pull back on the plunger rod at any time.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure K</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure L\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-14.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">11. Give the injection.</span>a.After the needle is inserted, release the pinch.b.Slowly push the plunger all the way down until the full dose of medicine gets injected, and the syringe is empty (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figl\">Figure L</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> change the position of the prefilled syringe after the injection has started.</li>\n<li>If the plunger is not fully pressed, the needle guard will not extend to cover the needle when it is removed.</li>\n<li>If the needle is not covered, proceed carefully to dispose of the syringe (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#step14\">step 14. Throw away (dispose of) prefilled syringe</a></span>.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure L</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure M\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-15.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">12. Remove the prefilled syringe from the injection site.</span>a.After the prefilled syringe is empty, remove the needle from the injection site and release the plunger until the entire needle is covered by the guard (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figm\">Figure M</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>Some bleeding may occur (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#step13\">step 13. Care for the injection site</a></span>).</li>\n<li>In case of skin contact with medicine, wash the area that touched the medicine with water.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> reuse the prefilled syringe.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure M</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
After the Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nAfter the Injection\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="80%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2"><span class="Bold"><a name="step13"></a>13. Care for the injection site.</span>a.If a little bleeding occurs, treat the injection site by gently pressing, not rubbing, a cotton ball or gauze to the site and apply an adhesive bandage if needed.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> rub the injection site.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure N" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-16.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold"><a name="step14"></a>14. Throw away (dispose of) the prefilled syringe.</span>a.Put the used prefilled syringe and other supplies in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#fign">Figure N</a>)</span>.<br/>Note: If your injection is given by another person, this person must also be careful when removing the prefilled syringe and disposing of it to prevent accidental needle stick injury and passing infection.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> re-use the prefilled syringe.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> put the cap back onto the prefilled syringe.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> throw away (dispose of) your used sharps disposal container in your household trash.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> recycle your used sharps disposal container.</li> <li>Keep the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringe and disposal container out of the reach of children.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure N</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">If you do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:<br/> - made of a heavy-duty plastic<br/> - can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out<br/> - upright stable during use<br/> - leak-resistant<br/> - properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should dispose of used prefilled syringes. For more information about the safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2"><span class="Bold">15. Record your injection.</span>a.Write the date, time, and specific part of your body where you injected yourself.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"80%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"Botrule First First\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\"><span class=\"Bold\"><a name=\"step13\"></a>13. Care for the injection site.</span>a.If a little bleeding occurs, treat the injection site by gently pressing, not rubbing, a cotton ball or gauze to the site and apply an adhesive bandage if needed.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> rub the injection site.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure N\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-16.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\"><a name=\"step14\"></a>14. Throw away (dispose of) the prefilled syringe.</span>a.Put the used prefilled syringe and other supplies in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#fign\">Figure N</a>)</span>.<br/>Note: If your injection is given by another person, this person must also be careful when removing the prefilled syringe and disposing of it to prevent accidental needle stick injury and passing infection.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> re-use the prefilled syringe.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> put the cap back onto the prefilled syringe.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> throw away (dispose of) your used sharps disposal container in your household trash.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> recycle your used sharps disposal container.</li>\n<li>Keep the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled syringe and disposal container out of the reach of children.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure N</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\">If you do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:<br/> - made of a heavy-duty plastic<br/> - can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out<br/> - upright stable during use<br/> - leak-resistant<br/> - properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\">When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should dispose of used prefilled syringes. For more information about the safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\"><span class=\"Bold\">15. Record your injection.</span>a.Write the date, time, and specific part of your body where you injected yourself.</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Issued: 1/2025
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Issued: 1/2025" }
Manufactured by: CELLTRION, Inc., 23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22014, Republic of Korea US License Number 1996
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Manufactured by: CELLTRION, Inc., 23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22014, Republic of Korea US License Number 1996" }
Distributed by: CELLTRION USA, Inc., One Evertrust Plaza Suite 1207, Jersey City, NJ 07302
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Distributed by: CELLTRION USA, Inc., One Evertrust Plaza Suite 1207, Jersey City, NJ 07302" }
Tocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh) Injection, For Subcutaneous Use Single-dose Prefilled Autoinjector
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nTocilizumab-anoh (toe si liz' ue mab-anoh) Injection, For Subcutaneous Use Single-dose Prefilled Autoinjector\n" }
Read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with your Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. Before you use Tocilizumab-anoh, make sure your healthcare provider shows you the right way to use it.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with your Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. Before you use Tocilizumab-anoh, make sure your healthcare provider shows you the right way to use it." }
Important Information
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nImportant Information\n" }
{ "type": "ul", "children": [ "\nDo not remove the prefilled autoinjector cap until you are ready to inject Tocilizumab-anoh.", "\nDo not try to take apart the prefilled autoinjector at any time.", "\nDo not reuse the same prefilled autoinjector.", "\nDo not inject through clothing.", "\nDo not use the prefilled autoinjector if it has been dropped or damaged." ], "text": "" }
Storing Tocilizumab-anoh
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nStoring Tocilizumab-anoh\n" }
{ "type": "ul", "children": [ "Store the unused prefilled autoinjector in the original carton in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46ºF (2°C to 8ºC). Do not freeze.", "When removed from the refrigerator, Tocilizumab-anoh can be stored up to 3 weeks at or below 77°F (25°C). If not used within the 3 weeks, Tocilizumab-anoh should be thrown away (discarded).", "Keep the prefilled autoinejctor out of direct sunlight.", "\nDo not remove the prefilled autoinjector from its original carton during storage.", "\nDo not leave the prefilled autoinjector unattended.", "Keep the prefilled autoinjector out of the reach of children." ], "text": "" }
Parts of your Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector (See Figure A).
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nParts of your Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector (See Figure A).\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="100%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="First"> <td align="center"><img alt="Figure A" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-17.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="right"><span class="Bold">Figure A</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"100%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"First\">\n<td align=\"center\"><img alt=\"Figure A\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-17.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"right\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure A</span></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
Preparing for the Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nPreparing for the Injection\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="80%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure B" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-18.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">1. Gather the supplies for the injection.</span>a.Prepare a clean, flat surface, such as a table or countertop, in a well-lit area.b.Take the carton containing the prefilled autoinjector out of the refrigerator.c.Make sure you have the following supplies (see <a href="#figb2">Figure B</a>):-Carton containing Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector<br/> <span class="Bold">Not included in the carton:</span>-Cotton ball or gauze-Adhesive bandage-FDA-cleared Sharps disposal container-Alcohol swab</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure B</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure C" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-19.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">2. Inspect the carton (see <a href="#figc2">Figure C</a>).</span>a.Look at the carton and make sure you have the correct medicine and dose strength. (Tocilizumab-anoh)b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the carton to make sure the date has not passed.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the expiration (EXP) date has passed.</li> <li>If you are opening the carton for the first time, check to make sure that it is properly sealed.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the carton looks like it has been opened or damaged.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure C</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure D" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-20.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">3. Inspect the Prefilled</span> autoinjector<span class="Bold">.</span>a.Open the carton and remove one single-dose prefilled autoinjector from the carton. Return any remaining Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjectors in the box to the refrigerator.b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector (<span class="Bold">see <a href="#figd2">Figure D</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the expiration (EXP) date has passed. If the expiration (EXP) date has passed, safely throw away (dispose of) the prefilled autoinjector in your sharps disposal container and get a new one.</li> </ul>c.Check the prefilled autoinjector to make sure it is not damaged and shows no sign of leakage.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if it has been dropped, damaged, or has leaked.</li> </ul>Note: A small gap between the orange cap and injector body is normal.</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure D</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure E" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-21.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">4. Wait 45 minutes.</span>a.Leave the prefilled autoinjector outside of the carton at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for 45 minutes to allow it to warm up (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#fige2">Figure E</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> warm the prefilled autoinjector using heat sources such as hot water or a microwave.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> leave the prefilled autoinjector in the direct sunlight.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> remove the cap while allowing your prefilled autoinjector to reach room temperature.</li> <li>If the prefilled autoinjector does not reach room temperature, this could cause discomfort.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure E</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure F" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-22.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">5. Inspect the medicine.</span>a.Hold your Tocilizumab-anoh with the cap pointing down.b.Look at the medicine and confirm that the liquid is clear, to slightly pearly and colorless to yellow and does not contain any particles or flakes (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figf2">Figure F</a></span>).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the liquid is discolored, cloudy, or has particles or flakes in it. Safely dispose of the prefilled autoinjector in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and use a new one.</li> <li>Air bubbles are normal.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure F</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure G" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-23.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">6. Wash your hands.</span>a.Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figg2">Figure G</a></span>).</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure G</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure H" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-24.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">7. Choose an injection site (see <a href="#figh2">Figure H</a>).</span>a.You may inject into-The front of the thighs-The stomach (abdomen), except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the belly button.-The outer area of the upper arm (only if you are a caregiver).<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> inject into the upper arm by yourself.</li> <li>Choose a different injection site for each new injection at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the last area you injected.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> inject into moles, scars, bruises, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard or not intact.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure H</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure I" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-25.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">8. Clean the injection site.</span>b.Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figi2">Figure I</a></span>). This will reduce the chance of getting an infection.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> touch the injection site again before giving the injection.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> fan or blow on the clean area.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure I</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"80%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"First\">\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure B\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-18.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">1. Gather the supplies for the injection.</span>a.Prepare a clean, flat surface, such as a table or countertop, in a well-lit area.b.Take the carton containing the prefilled autoinjector out of the refrigerator.c.Make sure you have the following supplies (see <a href=\"#figb2\">Figure B</a>):-Carton containing Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector<br/>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Not included in the carton:</span>-Cotton ball or gauze-Adhesive bandage-FDA-cleared Sharps disposal container-Alcohol swab</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure B</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure C\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-19.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">2. Inspect the carton (see <a href=\"#figc2\">Figure C</a>).</span>a.Look at the carton and make sure you have the correct medicine and dose strength. (Tocilizumab-anoh)b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the carton to make sure the date has not passed.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the expiration (EXP) date has passed.</li>\n<li>If you are opening the carton for the first time, check to make sure that it is properly sealed.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the carton looks like it has been opened or damaged.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure C</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure D\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-20.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">3. Inspect the Prefilled</span> autoinjector<span class=\"Bold\">.</span>a.Open the carton and remove one single-dose prefilled autoinjector from the carton. Return any remaining Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjectors in the box to the refrigerator.b.Check the expiration (EXP) date on the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector (<span class=\"Bold\">see <a href=\"#figd2\">Figure D</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the expiration (EXP) date has passed. If the expiration (EXP) date has passed, safely throw away (dispose of) the prefilled autoinjector in your sharps disposal container and get a new one.</li>\n</ul>c.Check the prefilled autoinjector to make sure it is not damaged and shows no sign of leakage.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if it has been dropped, damaged, or has leaked.</li>\n</ul>Note: A small gap between the orange cap and injector body is normal.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure D</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure E\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-21.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">4. Wait 45 minutes.</span>a.Leave the prefilled autoinjector outside of the carton at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for 45 minutes to allow it to warm up (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#fige2\">Figure E</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> warm the prefilled autoinjector using heat sources such as hot water or a microwave.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> leave the prefilled autoinjector in the direct sunlight.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> remove the cap while allowing your prefilled autoinjector to reach room temperature.</li>\n<li>If the prefilled autoinjector does not reach room temperature, this could cause discomfort.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure E</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure F\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-22.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">5. Inspect the medicine.</span>a.Hold your Tocilizumab-anoh with the cap pointing down.b.Look at the medicine and confirm that the liquid is clear, to slightly pearly and colorless to yellow and does not contain any particles or flakes (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figf2\">Figure F</a></span>).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> use the prefilled autoinjector if the liquid is discolored, cloudy, or has particles or flakes in it. Safely dispose of the prefilled autoinjector in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and use a new one.</li>\n<li>Air bubbles are normal.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure F</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure G\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-23.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">6. Wash your hands.</span>a.Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figg2\">Figure G</a></span>).</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure G</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure H\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-24.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">7. Choose an injection site (see <a href=\"#figh2\">Figure H</a>).</span>a.You may inject into-The front of the thighs-The stomach (abdomen), except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the belly button.-The outer area of the upper arm (only if you are a caregiver).<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> inject into the upper arm by yourself.</li>\n<li>Choose a different injection site for each new injection at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the last area you injected.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> inject into moles, scars, bruises, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard or not intact.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure H</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure I\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-25.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">8. Clean the injection site.</span>b.Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figi2\">Figure I</a></span>). This will reduce the chance of getting an infection.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> touch the injection site again before giving the injection.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> fan or blow on the clean area.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure I</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
Giving the Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nGiving the Injection\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="80%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="First"> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure J" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-26.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">9. Remove the cap.</span>a.Hold the prefilled autoinjector by the injector body with the cap on top using 1 hand.<br/> Gently pull the cap straight off with the other hand (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figj2">Figure J</a></span>).<br/> Note: If you cannot remove the cap, you should ask a caregiver for help or contact your healthcare provider.b.Throw away (dispose of) the cap right away in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#step14b">step 14</a></span> and <span class="Bold"><a href="#figo2">Figure O</a></span>)<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> re-cap the prefilled autoinjector.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> touch the needle shield at the tip of the prefilled autoinjector to avoid accidental needle stick injury.</li> <li>After you remove the cap, the prefilled autoinjector is ready for use. If the prefilled autoinjector is not used within 3 minutes of cap removal, throw away the prefilled autoinjector in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and use a new prefilled autoinjector.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure J</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure K" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-27.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">10. Place the prefilled</span> autoinjector <span class="Bold">on the injection site.</span>a.Hold the prefilled autoinjector comfortably in 1 hand so that you can see the window (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figk2">Figure K</a></span>).b.Without pinching or stretching the skin, place the prefilled autoinjector against the skin at a 90-degree angle (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figl2">Figure L</a></span>).<br/>Note: It is important to use the correct angle to make sure the medicine is delivered under the skin (into fatty tissue), or the injection could be painful, and the medicine may not work<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> inject into muscle or a blood vessel.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure K</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure L" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-28.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure L</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure M" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-29.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">11. Give the injection.</span>a.Firmly press the prefilled autoinjector into the skin to begin the injection.b.When the injection starts you will hear the 1st "click" and the orange indicator will begin to fill the window (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figm2">Figure M</a></span>).c.Keep holding the prefilled autoinjector firmly against the skin and listen for the 2<span class="Sup">nd</span> "click".d.After you hear the 2<span class="Sup">nd</span> "click", continue to hold the prefilled autoinjector firmly against the skin and <span class="Bold">count slowly to 5</span> to make sure you inject the full dose (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figm2">Figure M</a></span>).e.Watch the orange indicator until it stops moving and has reached the end of the window to be sure the full dose of medicine is injected.</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure M</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure N" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-30.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold">12. Remove the prefilled</span> autoinjector <span class="Bold">from the injection site.</span>a.When the orange indicator has stopped moving, lift the prefilled autoinjector straight off of the injection site at a 90-degree angle to remove the needle from the skin.<ul class="Disc"> <li>The needle cover will automatically move out and lock into place covering the needle (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#fign2">Figure N</a></span>).</li> </ul>Note: If the window has not turned completely orange or if the medicine is still injecting, this means you have not received a full dose. Carefully place the prefilled autoinjector into the FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and call your healthcare provider immediately.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> touch the needle cover of the prefilled autoinjector.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> try to re-use the prefilled autoinjector.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> repeat the injection with another prefilled autoinjector.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure N</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"80%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"First\">\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure J\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-26.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">9. Remove the cap.</span>a.Hold the prefilled autoinjector by the injector body with the cap on top using 1 hand.<br/> Gently pull the cap straight off with the other hand (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figj2\">Figure J</a></span>).<br/> Note: If you cannot remove the cap, you should ask a caregiver for help or contact your healthcare provider.b.Throw away (dispose of) the cap right away in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#step14b\">step 14</a></span> and <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figo2\">Figure O</a></span>)<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> re-cap the prefilled autoinjector.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> touch the needle shield at the tip of the prefilled autoinjector to avoid accidental needle stick injury.</li>\n<li>After you remove the cap, the prefilled autoinjector is ready for use. If the prefilled autoinjector is not used within 3 minutes of cap removal, throw away the prefilled autoinjector in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and use a new prefilled autoinjector.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure J</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure K\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-27.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">10. Place the prefilled</span> autoinjector <span class=\"Bold\">on the injection site.</span>a.Hold the prefilled autoinjector comfortably in 1 hand so that you can see the window (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figk2\">Figure K</a></span>).b.Without pinching or stretching the skin, place the prefilled autoinjector against the skin at a 90-degree angle (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figl2\">Figure L</a></span>).<br/>Note: It is important to use the correct angle to make sure the medicine is delivered under the skin (into fatty tissue), or the injection could be painful, and the medicine may not work<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> inject into muscle or a blood vessel.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure K</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure L\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-28.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure L</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure M\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-29.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">11. Give the injection.</span>a.Firmly press the prefilled autoinjector into the skin to begin the injection.b.When the injection starts you will hear the 1st \"click\" and the orange indicator will begin to fill the window (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figm2\">Figure M</a></span>).c.Keep holding the prefilled autoinjector firmly against the skin and listen for the 2<span class=\"Sup\">nd</span> \"click\".d.After you hear the 2<span class=\"Sup\">nd</span> \"click\", continue to hold the prefilled autoinjector firmly against the skin and <span class=\"Bold\">count slowly to 5</span> to make sure you inject the full dose (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figm2\">Figure M</a></span>).e.Watch the orange indicator until it stops moving and has reached the end of the window to be sure the full dose of medicine is injected.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure M</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure N\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-30.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">12. Remove the prefilled</span> autoinjector <span class=\"Bold\">from the injection site.</span>a.When the orange indicator has stopped moving, lift the prefilled autoinjector straight off of the injection site at a 90-degree angle to remove the needle from the skin.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>The needle cover will automatically move out and lock into place covering the needle (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#fign2\">Figure N</a></span>).</li>\n</ul>Note: If the window has not turned completely orange or if the medicine is still injecting, this means you have not received a full dose. Carefully place the prefilled autoinjector into the FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and call your healthcare provider immediately.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> touch the needle cover of the prefilled autoinjector.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> try to re-use the prefilled autoinjector.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> repeat the injection with another prefilled autoinjector.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure N</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
After the Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "\nAfter the Injection\n" }
<div class="scrollingtable"><table width="100%"> <colgroup> <col align="center" valign="top" width="20%"/> <col align="left" valign="top" width="80%"/> </colgroup> <tbody class="Headless"> <tr class="Botrule First First"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2"><span class="Bold"><a name="step13b"></a>13. Care for the injection site.</span>a.If a little bleeding occurs, treat the injection site by gently pressing, not rubbing, a cotton ball or gauze to the site and apply an adhesive bandage if needed.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> rub the injection site</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="Lrule"><img alt="Figure O" src="/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-31.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663"/></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"><span class="Bold"><a name="step14b"></a>14. Dispose of Tocilizumab-anoh.</span>a.Put the used prefilled autoinjector and other supplies in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use (see <span class="Bold"><a href="#figo2">Figure O</a>)</span>.<br/>Note: If your injection is given by another person, this person must also be careful when removing the prefilled autoinjector and disposing of it to prevent accidental needle stick injury and passing infection.<ul class="Disc"> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> re-use the prefilled autoinjector.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> put the cap back onto the prefilled autoinjector.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash.</li> <li> <span class="Bold">Do not</span> recycle your used sharps disposal container.</li> <li>Keep the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector and disposal container out of the reach of children.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" class="Lrule"><span class="Bold">Figure O</span></td><td align="left" class="Rrule"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">If you do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:<br/> - made of a heavy-duty plastic<br/> - can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out<br/> - upright stable during use<br/> - leak-resistant<br/> - properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container</td> </tr> <tr class="Botrule"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2">When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should dispose of used autoinjectors. For more information about the safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.</td> </tr> <tr class="Last"> <td align="left" class="Lrule Rrule" colspan="2"><span class="Bold">15. Record your injection.</span>a.Write the date, time, and specific part of your body where you injected yourself.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div>
{ "type": "table", "children": [], "text": "<div class=\"scrollingtable\"><table width=\"100%\">\n<colgroup>\n<col align=\"center\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20%\"/>\n<col align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" width=\"80%\"/>\n</colgroup>\n<tbody class=\"Headless\">\n<tr class=\"Botrule First First\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\"><span class=\"Bold\"><a name=\"step13b\"></a>13. Care for the injection site.</span>a.If a little bleeding occurs, treat the injection site by gently pressing, not rubbing, a cotton ball or gauze to the site and apply an adhesive bandage if needed.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> rub the injection site</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" class=\"Lrule\"><img alt=\"Figure O\" src=\"/dailymed/image.cfm?name=tocilizumab-31.jpg&setid=60381a7e-d7ae-4384-925d-c19c418d1663\"/></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"><span class=\"Bold\"><a name=\"step14b\"></a>14. Dispose of Tocilizumab-anoh.</span>a.Put the used prefilled autoinjector and other supplies in your FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use (see <span class=\"Bold\"><a href=\"#figo2\">Figure O</a>)</span>.<br/>Note: If your injection is given by another person, this person must also be careful when removing the prefilled autoinjector and disposing of it to prevent accidental needle stick injury and passing infection.<ul class=\"Disc\">\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> re-use the prefilled autoinjector.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> put the cap back onto the prefilled autoinjector.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash.</li>\n<li>\n<span class=\"Bold\">Do not</span> recycle your used sharps disposal container.</li>\n<li>Keep the Tocilizumab-anoh prefilled autoinjector and disposal container out of the reach of children.</li>\n</ul>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"right\" class=\"Lrule\"><span class=\"Bold\">Figure O</span></td><td align=\"left\" class=\"Rrule\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\">If you do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:<br/> - made of a heavy-duty plastic<br/> - can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out<br/> - upright stable during use<br/> - leak-resistant<br/> - properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Botrule\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\">When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should dispose of used autoinjectors. For more information about the safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr class=\"Last\">\n<td align=\"left\" class=\"Lrule Rrule\" colspan=\"2\"><span class=\"Bold\">15. Record your injection.</span>a.Write the date, time, and specific part of your body where you injected yourself.</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table></div>" }
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Issued: 1/2025
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Manufactured by: CELLTRION, Inc., 23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22014, Republic of Korea US License Number 1996
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Manufactured by: CELLTRION, Inc., 23, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22014, Republic of Korea US License Number 1996" }
Distributed by: CELLTRION USA, Inc., One Evertrust Plaza Suite 1207, Jersey City, NJ 07302
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NDC 72606-048-01 Rx only
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "NDC 72606-048-01 Rx only" }
Tocilizumab-anoh Injection
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80 mg/4 mL (20 mg/mL)
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For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution. Single-Dose Vial. Discard Unused Portion.
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1 vial
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CELLTRION USA CELLTRION
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "CELLTRION USA CELLTRION" }
NDC 72606-049-01 Rx only
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "NDC 72606-049-01 Rx only" }
Tocilizumab-anoh Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Tocilizumab-anoh Injection" }
200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL)
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL)" }
For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution. Single-Dose Vial. Discard Unused Portion.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution. Single-Dose Vial. Discard Unused Portion." }
1 vial
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "1 vial" }
CELLTRION USA CELLTRION
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NDC 72606-050-01 Rx only
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "NDC 72606-050-01 Rx only" }
Tocilizumab-anoh Injection
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "Tocilizumab-anoh Injection" }
400 mg/20 mL (20 mg/mL)
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "400 mg/20 mL (20 mg/mL)" }
For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution. Single-Dose Vial. Discard Unused Portion.
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "For Intravenous Infusion After Dilution. Single-Dose Vial. Discard Unused Portion." }
1 vial
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CELLTRION USA CELLTRION
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "CELLTRION USA CELLTRION" }
Tocilizumab-anoh Injection
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162 mg/0.9 mL
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FOR SUBCUTANEOUS USE ONLY ATTENTION: Dispense the enclosed Medication Guide to each patient
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NDC 72606-051-04
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Rx only
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Each carton contains 1 single-dose Autoinjector, 1 Medication Guide, 1 Prescribing Information and 1 Instructions for Use
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x 1
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1 single-dose Autoinjector
{ "type": "p", "children": [], "text": "1 single-dose Autoinjector" }
CELLTRION USA CELLTRION
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