Actemra FAQ
What is Actemra?
How does Actemra work?
Who makes Actemra?
What is the recommended dosing of Actemra?
Where can I view the Actemra package insert?
What’s the problem with Actemra?
Was the public warned about the risks associated with Actemra?
What serious side effects has Actemra been linked to?
Are there other side effects of Actemra?
Has an Actemra class action lawsuit been filed?
Have there been any Actemra settlements?
How long do I have to file a claim?
What is Actemra?
Actemra (tocilizumab injection) is a biologic drug approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (PJIA), and the systemic form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in children.
How does Actemra work?
Biologic drugs are synthetically engineering to be related to a protein that occurs naturally in the body. They are used to suppress the immune system in autoimmune disease.
Who makes Actemra?
Actemra is manufactured by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. The medicine was first approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2010.
What is the recommended dosing of Actemra?
The recommended dosage of Actemra for adult patients given as a 60-minute single intravenous (IV) drip infusion is 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks followed by an increase to 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks based on clinical response.
Where can I view the Actemra package insert?
Click here to read the Actemra Prescribing Information
What’s the problem with Actemra?
A recent Stat News investigation found that hundreds of patients taking Actemra died from heart failure, pancreatitis, stroke and interstitial lung disease – complications the medication was not previously linked to.
Was the public warned about the risks associated with Actemra?
No. Unlike other similar rheumatoid arthritis medicines, the labeling of Actemra contains no warning about the above side effects. For this reason, patients injured by the drug may qualify to obtain compensation through the filing of a lawsuit.
What serious side effects has Actemra been linked to?
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pancreatitis
- Interstitial lung disease
Are there other side effects of Actemra?
Other less severe side effects of Actemra may include:
- Runny nose
- Sinus pain
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Stomach cramps
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Has an Actemra class action been filed?
No. The problems with Actemra have only recently surfaced, and the litigation is still in its early stages. If enough claims alleging similar injuries are filed against Roche/Genentech, the lawsuits may eventually be centralized in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) for pretrial handling.
Have there been any Actemra settlements?
To date, there have been no reports of Roche offering settlements in Actemra lawsuits.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Each state has its own specific time limit (statute of limitations or “SOL”) regarding how long injured parties have to file claims against manufacturers of allegedly defective pharmaceuticals. If you’ve been injured and feel that Actemra may be to blame, you should act now and contact a lawyer about your legal rights. Waiting to do so could bar you from obtaining compensation for your injuries.