A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Tofidence, with the active ingredient tocilizumab, is a revolutionary immunosuppressive drug designed to manage severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), giant cell arteritis, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). As a monoclonal antibody, Tofidence specifically targets the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, playing a crucial role in modulating immune response and inflammation.
Before you buy Tofidence, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Tocilizumab price.
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Generic Name | Tocilizumab |
Brand Name | Tofidence |
License | FDA Approved |
Indications | Rheumatoid Arthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Systemic Sclerosis |
Legal Status | Prescription Drug |
Mechanism of Action | Interleukin-6 Receptor Antagonist |
Dosage (Strength) | 162 mg/0.9 mL solution in prefilled syringe |
Routes of Administration | Subcutaneous, Intravenous |
Elimination Half-Life | 8-14 days (dose-dependent) |
Protein Binding | High (around 90%) |
PubChem CID | 50893234 |
DrugBank | DB06273 |
Pregnancy | Not recommended during pregnancy |
KEGG | D09333 |
Dosage and administration vary based on the specific condition and patient needs. Please refer to the specific guidelines for each condition or consult a healthcare provider before you buy tocilizumab.
Active Ingredient: Tocilizumab
Tofidence can lower the ability of the immune system to fight infections. Patients should be monitored for signs of tuberculosis, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
Changes in liver function tests have been observed. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes is recommended.
Regular monitoring of neutrophil and platelet counts is advised as Tofidence may cause deviations in these counts.
Immediate medical attention is required if signs of an allergic reaction occur, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Discuss potential risks with a healthcare provider. It is unknown if Tofidence can affect reproductive capacity or if it passes into breast milk.
Avoid the use of live vaccines during treatment with Tofidence due to an increased risk of infection.
Tocilizumab may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, such as warfarin and cyclosporine. Monitor and adjust dosages as necessary.
Concomitant use with TNF inhibitors is not recommended due to an increased risk of infection.
While Tofidence is effective in treating inflammatory conditions, it can cause side effects. The most common include:
What is Tofidence used for?
Tofidence (tocilizumab-bavi) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis, or polyarticular or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
What are the indications for Tofidence?
Tofidence is indicated for treating adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), and children aged 2 years and older with active polyarticular or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It’s also indicated for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
Is tocilizumab safe?
Tocilizumab is generally safe but can cause serious side effects such as serious infections, including tuberculosis, bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic infections. It can also cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation, unusual bleeding, and liver problems.
Does tocilizumab lower your immune system?
Yes, tocilizumab can lower your ability to fight infection from bacteria, viruses, and fungi, increasing the risk of serious or life-threatening infections.
Can tocilizumab cause liver damage?
Yes, there have been reports of serious liver injury, including acute liver failure, hepatitis, and jaundice, associated with the use of tocilizumab.
How successful is tocilizumab?
Tocilizumab has shown some effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not a cure. It’s also been found effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis.
Does tocilizumab cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not commonly reported as a side effect of tocilizumab. However, some studies suggest small changes in weight may occur.
Can you drink alcohol while taking tocilizumab?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking tocilizumab, especially if you are also taking methotrexate.
Does tocilizumab cause fatigue?
Fatigue is reported as a side effect of tocilizumab.
How long does tocilizumab take to work?
Tocilizumab can start working within three to six months of treatment, with some patients feeling better as early as two weeks after starting treatment.
Where do you inject tocilizumab?
Tocilizumab can be administered as an intravenous infusion or as a subcutaneous injection in your belly or thigh.
Does tocilizumab need to be refrigerated?
Specific storage instructions for tocilizumab should be provided by the healthcare provider or pharmacist. It’s generally recommended to store medications as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Who should not take tocilizumab?
Tocilizumab should not be given to people with a known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab or any of the inactive ingredients in the infusion. It should also not be administered during an active infection, even small infections.