Actemra (Tocilizumab) for Thyroid Eye Disease

Overview
Actemra is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat thyroid eye disease. It is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for various autoimmune diseases. Actemra is used to treat thyroid eye disease because it modifies the immune system’s behavior, helping reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

Actemra is also knownby its drug name, tocilizumab.

Actemra helps by stopping the action of IL-6, a substance in the body that can cause inflammation. In some autoimmune diseases, IL-6 levels are too high. By blocking IL-6, Actemra can lower inflammation and calm down the immune system. This can be especially helpful for people with thyroid eye disease, as it reduces swelling around the eyes.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Actemra can be given through an intravenous infusion (directly into a vein) or a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin), depending on the treatment plan. If Actemra is used for thyroid eye disease, which is not its usual use, the dosing would likely be similar to how it’s given for joint conditions. Actemra should be taken exactly as prescribed by the physician. 

Side effects
Common side effects of Actemra include upper respiratory tract infections, the common cold, headache, high blood pressure, increased liver enzymes, and injection site reactions. Patients are advised to watch for symptoms of infection and report them to their health care provider.

Rare but serious side effects may include infections that could lead to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis and other bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Other serious side effects include gastrointestinal perforations, changes in blood cell counts, and severe hypersensitivity reactions. Due to these risks, it’s important for patients to undergo screening for tuberculosis before starting treatment and to be monitored for active tuberculosis and other infections during treatment.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Actemra — Tocilizumab Injection, Solution, Concentrate — DailyMed

ACTEMRA (Tocilizumab) Injection — FDA Prescribing Label