There are 2 ways to take ACTEMRA: subcutaneous administration and intravenous infusion. If you are giving your child the subcutaneous administration, your child’s doctor or nurse will train you to properly inject ACTEMRA. Also, your child's doctor or nurse will train your child to self-inject ACTEMRA, if both you and the doctor find it appropriate. Please follow the directions below.
SC Administration
This is not a complete list of all the things to know before using the ACTEMRA prefilled syringe or ACTEMRA ACTPen® autoinjector. Remember to download the Instructions for Use or watch the ACTEMRA SC Training Videos for more guidance.
If you have any questions or concerns about your ACTEMRA prefilled syringe or ACTPen autoinjector, please contact your healthcare provider familiar with ACTEMRA or call 1-800-ACTEMRA.
Before the injection
Make sure to check:
- The expiration date on the ACTEMRA prefilled syringe or ACTPen autoinjector. Do not use it if the expiration date has passed because it may not be safe to use
- The liquid in the ACTEMRA prefilled syringe or ACTPen autoinjector. It should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. Do not inject ACTEMRA if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has lumps or particles in it because it may not be safe to use
- Do not use the ACTPen autoinjector if it appears to be damaged or if you have accidentally dropped the ACTPen autoinjector
Blood test. At the start of your child's ACTEMRA treatment, his or her doctor will do blood tests every 4-8 weeks.
Reviewing safety. Before your child starts on ACTEMRA, make sure you review the ACTEMRA Medication Guide. Take note of the following sections:
- "What is the most important information I should know about ACTEMRA?"
- "Before you receive ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions"
Choose an injection site. The front of your child’s thigh and abdomen–except for the 2-inch area around his or her navel–as well as the outer areas of the upper arms, are the recommended injection sites. The outer area of the upper arms may also be used only if the injection is being given by a caregiver. Do not attempt to inject into the upper arm area by yourself. Choose a different injection site for each new injection at least 1 inch from the last area injected. Refer to the Instructions for Use or the ACTEMRA SC Injection Training Videos for more guidance.
Prepare injection site:
- To reduce the chance of your child getting an infection, wipe the injection site with an alcohol pad in a circular motion
- Let injection site air-dry
- Do not touch the injection site again before giving the injection
- Do not fan or blow on the clean area
Provide distraction. Distract your child with a favorite game or song to help reduce pain and keep your child calm.
During and after the injection
Remember to keep an eye out for any side effects during and after your child’s injection. Allergic reactions may happen even if they have not happened before. Please seek immediate medical attention if your child starts to experience any serious allergic reaction, including:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
- Chest pain
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Moderate or severe stomach pain or vomiting
Please refer to the Instructions for Use for more information.
IV Administration
Before the infusion appointment
Make infusions less stressful for your child. Because ACTEMRA is given over the course of an hour, here are some tips to make the infusion appointment more comfortable for you and your child.
- Have your child wear comfortable clothing
- Arrive early to fill out any paperwork
- This will keep your appointment running smoothly
- Bring entertainment for your child
- Music, a book, or games will make the time fly by
- Bring up any questions you have with your child’s doctor and nurses
- They’ll be on hand to monitor your child, so use the visit to get answers
At the infusion appointment
Blood test. At the start of your child’s ACTEMRA treatment, his or her doctor will do blood tests every 4-8 weeks.
Reviewing safety. Before your child starts on ACTEMRA, make sure you review the ACTEMRA Medication Guide. Take note of the following sections:
- "What is the most important information I should know about ACTEMRA?"
- "Before you receive ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions"
Monitoring. While receiving treatment, a doctor or nurse will monitor your child. ACTEMRA may lead to serious allergic reactions, including death. These events may happen at any infusion, even if they have not happened before. Let your doctor or nurse know if your child is experiencing:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Chest pain
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Moderate or severe stomach pain or vomiting
However, a doctor or nurse should always be on hand during your child’s infusion to respond to any reactions and answer any questions you may have.
After the infusion appointment
Monitoring. Pay attention to how your child is feeling during and after every infusion. Let the doctor or nurse know right away if your child is having any reactions such as shortness of breath.
Scheduling. Remember to schedule your child’s next ACTEMRA infusion appointment and lab tests.
Lab tests
Both ways of taking ACTEMRA can affect your child's laboratory test results. This may include your child's neutrophil and platelet counts, liver enzymes, and cholesterol levels. A trained doctor will perform blood tests to review these levels. After your child starts ACTEMRA, he or she will need to visit the doctor regularly for these tests. After your child's first few months on ACTEMRA, however, the monitoring may become less frequent.
For blood tests, you will need to schedule an appointment with your child's doctor every 4 to 8 weeks after starting treatment. Your child's doctor should discuss the Medication Guide in the ACTEMRA Prescribing Information with you as well.
Learn how to inject
Watch step-by-step videos to get you comfortable with the process of injecting ACTEMRA.