How ACTEMRA is believed to work on polyarticular JIA
To understand how ACTEMRA may work, let’s start with what may contribute to polyarticular JIA (PJIA). PJIA occurs when the immune system, the system that protects the body by attacking harmful bacteria and viruses, starts targeting healthy cells.
In a healthy immune system, many different cells protect the body by fighting harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Our immune system uses messengers called cytokines to tell these cells when and where to attack.
There are many different types of cytokines, including:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1)
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
Some patients with PJIA may have higher levels of cytokine messengers in their bodies. This causes the immune system to attack the healthy cells, which can contribute to the signs and symptoms of PJIA.
Take the cytokine IL-6, for example. In order for IL-6 to cause cell activation, it needs to connect to the cell. ACTEMRA is believed to work by blocking IL-6 from connecting to the cell.
Without ACTEMRA
IL-6 connects to the cell and tells the cell to activate. When the cell activates, it may contribute to the signs and symptoms of PJIA.
With ACTEMRA
ACTEMRA blocks IL-6 from
connecting to the cell.
The way ACTEMRA is believed to work was suggested in preclinical research. It is not known exactly how it works in the body.
Important Side Effect Information | Serious infections
ACTEMRA changes the way your immune system works. This can make you more likely to get infections or make any current infection worse. Some people have serious infections while taking ACTEMRA, 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 test you for TB before starting and during treatment with ACTEMRA.
Before starting ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- an infection, think you may have an infection, are being treated for an infection, or get a lot of infections that return. Symptoms of an infection, with or without a fever, include sweating or chills; shortness of breath; warm, red or painful skin or sores on your body; feeling very tired; muscle aches; blood in phlegm; diarrhea or stomach pain; cough; weight loss; burning when you urinate or urinating more than normal
- any of the following conditions that may give you a higher chance of getting infections: diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system
- tuberculosis (TB), or have been in close contact with someone with TB
- live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the United States where there is an increased chance of getting fungal infections. These parts include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest
- hepatitis B or have had hepatitis B
Who should not take ACTEMRA?
Do not take ACTEMRA if you are allergic to tocilizumab, or any of the ingredients in ACTEMRA.
Please see Important Safety and Side Effect Information. For additional Important Safety Information, please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.
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