Living with an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or giant cell arteritis (GCA) can be challenging. For many patients, standard medications may not provide enough relief, or side effects can interfere with daily life. That’s where advanced biologic therapies like Actemra® infusion treatment come in. If you or a loved one are considering Actemra, this patient-friendly guide will help you understand what it is, how it works, and what to expect during treatment.
What is Actemra
Tocilizumab (Actemra ®, is a FDA approved prescription biologic, used to treat such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis. It is used by lowering the impact of a particular protein in the body known as the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor; this protein is instrumental in inflammation. By inhibiting IL-6, Actemra suppresses immune system hyperactivity, which helps to calm down the inflammation process, achieve pain relief, and reduce the disease progression.
Why Infusion Therapy?
Actemra can be used in form of an injection or infusion. Most patients opt to use infusion treatment.
- Douses the drug directly into the bloodstream.
- The healthcare professionals are involved in the supervision of the Is.
- Provides scheduled treatment intermittent (usually every 4 weeks) and eliminates a need to take doses daily or weekly.
- Enables clear control to be achieved and safety and efficacy guaranteed.
Infusion therapy is a consistent and viable choice in the case of severe or resistant auto immune conditions in patients.
What to Expect When Getting Infusion of Actemra
Maybe you have some questions because it is your first time to be asked to undergo infusion therapy. The following is a step-by-step description of what normally takes place:
- Check before Treatment-Your doctor may conduct a blood test to determine the state of liver, cholesterol, and general immune system before you start infusions.
- Relaxed Atmosphere – Infusions are typically administered in a clinic, or infusion facility, or hospital. The treatment process will see you seated on an ergonomic chair throughout.
- The Infusion Process-A nurse inserts a small IV line into your arm, and Actemra slowly goes in over about an hour.
- Observation Period-Even after getting the infusion, staff members may watch you a little to make sure there is no immediate reaction.
- Restart Normal Life – The majority of patients are getting back in their usual life immediately after treatment.
Benefits of Actemra® Infusion
- Lessens the inflammations and pain in the joints.
- Stalls the progress of a disease and preserves improvements in the long-term.
- Enhances mobility and energy levels, making the patients lead a better life.
- Therapy which targets immune pathways as opposed to the general immunologic suppression method.
Most patients begin to see improvements in a matter of weeks, but it also depends.
Side Effects
Actemra also has side effects as with other medications. These are most frequently reported to be headaches, high blood pressure, or other low-level infusion-related reactions. Not as frequently, it can raise the level of cholesterol or susceptibility to infection. The risks will be minimized by monitoring you carefully by your healthcare team.
Is Actemra Right for you?
Actemra infusion can be prescribed in case of:
- Strength should strengthen RA medications or steroids do not work
- You want another specific and more advanced treatment.
- Your physician assures you are a good fit depending on your health status.
You should always ask and consult with a rheumatologist first before you take the biologic therapies as they are able to prescribe them more to fit your illness.
Final Thoughts
Actemra infusion, as treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or GCA, offers hope to patients with better control of their diseases, pain reduction and improved quality of life. Reading how the process works, what are the benefits and possible risks of doing so, will help you feel more educated to make the right choices regarding your treatment. When expertly guided and monitored consistently, Actemra is safe and effective in your treatment.
