Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe (TOCILIZUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is used by injecting it into the skin. Please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for the correct places on your body where this medicine can be injected.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

The liquid should be clear or light yellow.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

If the medicine becomes frozen, you will need to throw it away.

You may store this medicine at room temperature for up to 14 days. Do not put back in refrigerator.

If your medicine is stored in the refrigerator, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.

You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.

Do not inject into moles, scars, stretch marks, or into skin that is tender, bruised, red, scaly, thickened, or hard.

Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• pain in the abdomen
• cough that does not go away
• fever or chills
• swelling in the neck or throat
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• increased urinary frequency
• difficulty or discomfort urinating

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.