Tocilizumab
Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors, reducing inflammation in conditions where IL-6 plays a key role. It is used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and severe COVID-19.
Tocilizumab is an IL-6 receptor antagonist used to treat inflammatory conditions by blocking the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AC07
- RxNorm
- 612865
- Generic
- Tocilizumab
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Tyenne, Tofidence, Avtozma, Actemra
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 162mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 162mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 162mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second and third trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
continue only if already receiving therapy for maternal condition requiring ongoing treatment
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
decision to discontinue drug or breastfeeding should consider benefit to infant and mother
monitor infant for infections
geriatric
elderly over 65no dose adjustment required
use standard dosing but monitor for increased risk of infections
regular monitoring for infections and gastrointestinal perforation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderweight-based dosing required
approved for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
monitor growth, development and infection symptoms
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment needed
can be used at standard dosing in mild to moderate renal impairment
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available, use only if benefits outweigh risks
more frequent renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
monitor liver enzymes closely, may require dose interruption
regular liver function test monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment
liver function monitoring if accidentally used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Actemra
Drug class
Monoclonal antibody IL-6 inhibitor
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Tocilizumab is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (in adults and children), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis, systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, and severe COVID-19. It may also be used for cytokine release syndrome associated with CAR-T cell therapy.
Tocilizumab binds to both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors (sIL-6R and mIL-6R), preventing IL-6 from attaching to these receptors. This inhibits IL-6-mediated inflammatory signaling, reducing the immune response that causes tissue damage and symptoms in inflammatory conditions.
Tocilizumab increases infection risk, including tuberculosis and serious bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Regular monitoring of blood counts and liver function may be required. It is administered as an intravenous infusion, typically every 4 weeks.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy