If you use Tocilizumab, then you will know it’s used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses. But depending on whether you adopt infusion or injection largely dictates if a filter is needed at all. So does Tocilizumab need a filter?
Let’s start with a quick summary, then well get into more details.
Generally speaking, there is no need to filter Actemra. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist for any special considerations that need to be made. In some cases, such as an existing kidney condition, your doctor may recommend using a filtering system while taking Tocilizumab.
Of course, it’s important to follow all medical advice from your physician to get the most benefit from this medicine. You should also make sure you are up-to-date on any new developments regarding possible drug interactions with medications that you may be taking concurrently.
Does Tocilizumab need a filter…
That’s the quick summary, but as with many medications, there is more detail around it. So let’s dive into more detail, starting with defining what Tocilizumab is.
What is Tocilizumab?
Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody, a laboratory-created protein approved by the FDA in 2010 to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It works by binding to interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance produced by your body that can contribute to inflammation and joint damage.
By blocking IL-6, Tocilizumab decreases inflammation and reduces the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, it may also be used in treating other conditions such as certain types of cancer, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or giant cell arteritis. In these cases, its use must be discussed with your healthcare provider before taking it.
Tocilizumab is more commonly known as Actemra.
What is Actemra?
Actemra, also known as Tocilizumab, is an antibody therapy drug used to reduce inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
It works by blocking the activity of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance that can contribute to inflammation and joint damage associated with RA. By blocking IL-6, Actemra decreases inflammation and improves symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and mobility issues caused by RA.
Additionally, research has shown that Actemra may help slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis to help preserve joint function.
Actemra is approved for use in adults with moderately or severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded
How to get Actemra via Prescription Hope’s medication access service
Prescription Hope offers a wide range of treatments for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis at an affordable price. Actemra is one of the medications we offer, and you can get it through us with just four easy steps:
1. Complete our online enrollment form – Provide your information on our enrollment form here, so we can determine your eligibility to receive prescription medication.
2. Receive a welcome email – After completing the enrollment form, you’ll receive an email outlining all of the services that Prescription Hope offers and instructions on how to access them.
3. Talk to your doctor – Speak with your healthcare provider about Actemra and get a prescription from them if they approve it for you.
4. Receive your medication – Once we have all of the necessary information from you and your doctor, we’ll ship Actemra directly to your door. We also offer refill reminders, so you don’t have to worry about missing a dose or running out of medication.
Prescription Hope is committed to providing affordable medications for our customers and making sure everyone can get the treatments they need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with Actemra or any other prescription medications !
How Tocilizumab works
Tocilizumab works by binding to IL-6, a substance produced by your body that can contribute to inflammation and joint damage. Blocking IL-6 decreases inflammation and reduces the progression of RA.
To block the IL-6 receptor, Tocilizumab needs to be given as an intravenous (IV) injection.
Most people need two injections to get the full benefit of Tocilizumab. After that, they usually only need one injection every four weeks.
Your doctor will determine how often you should receive your injections based on your response and other factors.
What is a filter in medication?
A filter in medication is an instrument used to remove any impurities or contaminants from a medication.
A filter can be made of paper, cloth, sand, ceramic, glass fiber, or other material that prevents particles and debris from entering and leaving the medicine.
Filters are typically placed in IV bags and infusion pumps to prevent anything harmful from entering the body when giving medications intravenously.
They also help protect healthcare workers who frequently handle medications by providing a barrier between them and potentially hazardous substances.
By using filters, doctors can ensure that their patients receive only safe, effective medications free from contamination.
So, does Tocilizumab need a filter?
A filter is designed to remove particles from a substance. In the case of Tocilizumab, it does not need to be filtered. The drug is given as an intravenous injection, so the particles that could potentially block blood vessels have been removed before administration.
If you do use a filter, it should be a low-protein binding 0.2-micron filter specifically designed for use with biologics.
This type of filter is often used to remove particles and other impurities that can clog intravenous lines or cause allergic reactions in patients. It also helps reduce the risk of contaminated medication entering the patient’s bloodstream.
Filters are also used in drug manufacturing processes to ensure that all medications are free from microbial contamination, particulates, and other contaminants before they reach patients. By using filters, drug companies can help guarantee that their products are safe and effective when used as directed.
In conclusion, while Tocilizumab does not need a filter before administration, the use of a specific type of filter can be beneficial in many other situations.
Using the right type of filter can help reduce the risk of contaminated medication entering the patient’s bloodstream, as well as filter out particulates and other impurities that could cause allergic reactions or clog intravenous lines.
Filters are also an important part of drug manufacturing processes, ensuring that all medications are free from contamination before they reach patients. Thus, filters continue to play an important role in providing safe and effective treatments for disease.
What are the side effects of Tocilizumab?
As with all medications, there are potential side effects associated with Tocilizumab use. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Increased risk of infection
- Inflammation at the injection site
It’s important to talk to your doctor about any potential risks or adverse reactions you may experience while taking this medication so they can make sure your treatment is safe and effective for you.
Can a pharmacist fill a Tocilizumab prescription?
Yes, a pharmacist can fill a Tocilizumab prescription. But when supplied in the form of intravenous medication, it must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Your doctor or healthcare provider will provide you with the necessary information on how to obtain and administer the medication. The pharmacist will then be able to dispense the medication according to your doctor’s instructions.
Is there any cost associated with taking Tocilizumab?
Yes, there are costs associated with taking Tocilizumab. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may have some or all of these costs covered; however, if not, they will need to be paid out-of-pocket.
But there is another way by using Prescription Hope’s medication access service. Prescription Hope works with hundreds of major pharmaceutical companies to help Americans access over 1,500 brand-name medications. We negotiate with drug companies to get a lower price for Tocilizumab and pass these savings on to you.
Prescription Hope is not a Tocilizumab coupon or insurance policy. Instead, we work directly with your healthcare provider to obtain the medication for you at the lowest possible cost.
We hope this has answered the question; does Tocilizumab need a filter? Our team of patient advocates is here to answer any questions you may have regarding your prescription medications and Prescription Hope’s medication access service.
