apollo
0
Written By Divya L , PharmaD
Reviewed By Sureshvarma D , MPharma
Non returnable*
COD available

Online payment accepted

rxMedicinePrescription drug

Whats That

tooltip

Composition :

TOCILIZUMAB-400MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Hetero Healthcare Pvt Ltd

Consume Type :

PARENTERAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

Expires on or after :

About Tocira-400 Infusion

Tocira-400 Infusion belongs to the class of 'immunosuppressants', primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis (inflammation of the lining of your arteries) in adults. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children, such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and cause joint pain with inflammation. Tocira-400 Infusion is currently being trialled to treat breathing complications in COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-19) patients. 

Tocira-400 Infusion consists of 'Tocilizumab' that belongs to the class of 'interleukin inhibitors.' It works by blocking the Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance released by the body that causes inflammation. Lately, Tocira-400 Infusion is also being used in COVID-19 infection to reduce the severity of inflammation and damage in the lungs. It is thought to decrease the cytokine storm, an excessive immune response that occurs in the lungs of a COVID-19 infected person.

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the medical condition. Common side effects of Tocira-400 Infusion include runny nose, sinus pain, sore throat, increased blood pressure, pain and swelling at the injection site, and headache. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. However, if the side effects are persistent, please reach out to your doctor.

Before starting Tocira-400 Infusion, inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers, multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and active infections. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Tocira-400 Infusion. Tocira-400 Infusion may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Tocira-400 Infusion should not be given to children under two years of age as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Tocira-400 Infusion as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of liver damage. 

Uses of Tocira-400 Infusion

Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis.

Directions for Use

Tocira-400 Infusion will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer.

Medicinal Benefits

Tocira-400 Infusion treats pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis. It contains 'Tocilizumab,' an 'interleukin inhibitor.' It works by blocking the Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance released by the body that causes inflammation. Lately, Tocira-400 Infusion is also being used in COVID-19 infection to reduce breathing complications, the severity of inflammation, and damage in the lungs. It is used to decrease the cytokine storm, an excessive immune response that occurs in the lungs of a COVID-19 infected person. 

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight
Side effects of Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml
  • To improve liver health and aid in the removal of toxins, drink lots of water.
  • Alcohol consumption should be reduced or stopped because it can raise ALT levels and impair liver function.
  • Consume a well-rounded diet full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit items that strain the liver, such as processed, fatty, or fried foods.
  • You can monitor your ALT levels and make treatment modifications with the support of routine blood tests.
  • Consume more fruits, vegetables, and cruciferous foods like cabbage, kale, and broccoli.
  • Reduced alcohol intake can enhance liver enzyme function.
  • Oxidative stress can be managed by eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.
  • Liver function tests regularly can help manage increased levels of AST.
Here's a comprehensive approach to managing medication-triggered high blood pressure (hypertension):
  • Inform your doctor if you experience high blood pressure symptoms after starting a new medication or changing your medication regimen.
  • To reduce high blood pressure symptoms, your doctor may change your medication regimen or dose.
  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly to track changes and potential side effects.
  • Make lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing sodium intake.
  • Consider incorporating stress-reducing activities, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine.
  • Create a personalized plan with your doctor to manage high blood pressure, which may include additional medications, therapies, or lifestyle modifications.
  • Follow up with your doctor on a frequent basis to assess progress, change treatment plans, and address any concerns or issues.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
  • Include omega-3 rich foods in your diet to reduce inflammation.
  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts to promote overall skin health.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Maintain a healthy skin care routine, using gentle, fragrance-free products.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize irritation.
  • Keep fingernails short and clean to prevent further skin damage.
  • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, reducing dryness and itchiness.
  • Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing to manage stress levels.

Drug Warnings

Inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers (diverticulitis), multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), low blood cell count, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and active infections before starting Tocira-400 Infusion. Avoid close contact with people who have infections like chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis, and flu that can be easily spread. Thoroughly wash your hands to prevent the spread of infection. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Tocira-400 Infusion to prevent any serious consequences. Tocira-400 Infusion may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Tocira-400 Infusion as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers. Tocira-400 Infusion is not recommended in children younger than two years of age as safety and efficacy is not established. Store Tocira-400 Infusion at temperatures of 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze the vial.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

Drug-Drug Interactions

Login/Sign Up

How does the drug interact with Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml:
Combining Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml with Clozapine can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml and Clozapine together can evidently cause an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has suggested it. Your doctor can recommend other options that won't cause problems when taken together. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. Do not discontinue any medications without first consulting your doctor.
How does the drug interact with Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml:
Coadministration of Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml with Baricitinib can increase the risk of developing serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml with Baricitinib can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle pains, breathing difficulty, blood in your coughing fluid, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, and discomfort or burning when you urinate. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

Login/Sign Up

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching that is less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
  • Massages can also be helpful.
  • Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
  • Rest well and get plenty of sleep.
  • To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.
  • Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice-pack or hot-pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
  • Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS

Author Details

Doctor imageWe provide you with authentic, trustworthy and relevant information

Drug-Diseases Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
No Drug - Disease interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Diseases Interactions

Login/Sign Up

FAQs

Tocira-400 Infusion contains Tocilizumab, an immunosuppressant. It blocks the action of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance released by the body that causes inflammation. Thus, it helps in decreasing pain and inflammation in various diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis.

When a person is infected with the coronavirus, his/her immune system responds in such a way that it sends useful immune chemicals to the affected areas of the lungs to fight the infection. However, in some people, this release of immune chemicals is overactive, resulting in a cytokine storm, an excessive immune response in the lungs. This can further lead to severe breathing complications in an infected person. Tocira-400 Infusion reduces this cytokine storm and further prevents the inflammation and damage in the lungs of a COVID-19 infected person.

Though Tocilizumab in Tocira-400 Infusion is under the clinical trial stage of development by FDA for being used in COVID-19 infection, it is currently used to treat breathing complications for COVID-19 patients. It is known to show improvement in pneumonia during coronavirus infection.

Tocira-400 Infusion is not recommended for every person infected with the coronavirus. Tocira-400 Infusion has potential hazards and is only prescribed by doctors in patients with severe breathing difficulties and who have highly dropping saturation levels (blood oxygen level (SpO2)).

Tocira-400 Infusion is to be carefully administered with caution in patients under doctor's supervision only since it can cause potential side effects like elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils), and thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets). It can also cause serious viral infections like hepatitis B, bacterial infections including active tuberculosis, and fungal infections including candidiasis, aspergillosis, and pneumocystis.

Tocira-400 Infusion affects your immune system and makes you more susceptible to infections. Hence, it is not recommended in people with active infections like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, abnormal liver enzymes, and platelet counts less than 50,000. Tocira-400 Infusion can also increase the risk of developing cancers; hence it is essential to mention your doctor if you had a history of any cancer.

Even if there is no improvement after administering Tocira-400 Infusion, your doctor may suggest an alternate course. Please note that Tocira-400 Infusion does not reverse the damage caused due to coronavirus infection, but it will further prevent the inflammation of the lungs. It is also advised to medically examine for other lung and heart related dysfunctions even the patient suffers breathlessness after Tocira-400 Infusion administration.

It is not recommended to get live vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine while being treated with Tocira-400 Infusion. This could lead to a severe infection. Please consult a doctor before you start Tocira-400 Infusion if you are undergoing any vaccinations.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • INFLIXIMAB
  • ADALIMUMAB
  • ABATACEPT
  • ETANERCEPT
  • WARFARIN
  • ATORVASTATIN
  • LOVASTATIN
  • SIMVASTATIN
  • OMEPRAZOLE
  • DEXTROMETHORPHAN
  • CERTOLIZUMAB
  • GOLIMUMAB
  • ANAKINRA

Special Advise

  • It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
  • It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Tocira-400 Infusion.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities, and loss of joint function. 

Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other body parts. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include decreased flexibility, which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture, and pain in the back and joints. 

COVID-19: It is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). It mainly affects the respiratory system and is spread through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, tiredness, body aches, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and conjunctivitis. With the severity of the disease, symptoms like dropping oxygen saturation levels, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, and severe weakness are also noticed. The coronavirus can further lead to complications like pneumonia, respiratory failure, heart problems, liver problems, septic shock, and death.

Have a query?

whatsapp Floating Button