Avtozma vs. Actemra for Rheumatoid Arthritis and COVID-19: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Avtozma

(tocilizumab)

Actemra

(tocilizumab)

Summary for Avtozma

Prescription only

Avtozma (tocilizumab or tocilizumab-anoh) is a biologic medication and a biosimilar to Actemra (tocilizumab). It helps lower inflammation in certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It's also FDA approved to treat giant cell arteritis and COVID-19. Avtozma (tocilizumab) is given as an injection, either under the skin or into a vein, depending on your condition. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection‑site reactions.

Indications for Avtozma

Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) - adults
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) - adults and children 2 years and older
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) - adults and children 2 years and older
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) - adults and children 2 years and older
COVID-19 infection - adults

Pros and Cons for Avtozma

Pros

Can help multiple inflammatory autoimmune conditions
Given every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the condition being treated
Available as an IV or SC injection

Cons

Raises your risk for serious infections
Can affect your liver, so regular blood tests are needed
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Avtozma

Upper respiratory tract infections (up to 7%)
Common cold symptoms (up to 7%)
Headache (up to 7%)
High blood pressure (up to 6%)
Higher liver enzymes (up to 6%)
Injections-site reactions

The side effects listed above were reported in clinical trials where IV Actemra was used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Warnings for Avtozma

Serious infections
Tears in the stomach or intestines
Liver problems
Low blood cell counts
High cholesterol and triglycerides
Cancer
Severe allergic reactions
Nerve problems
Vaccines

Summary for Actemra

Prescription only

Actemra (tocilizumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. It treats several inflammatory conditions in children and adults, including rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking IL-6, a chemical released by the immune system that causes inflammation and fever. Actemra (tocilizumab) is given as an injection (either through the veins or under the skin), typically weekly or every few weeks, depending on the condition you're taking it treat. Side effects include a higher risk of infections and headache.

Indications for Actemra

Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) - adults
Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) - adults
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA) - adults and children 2 years and older
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) - adults and children 2 years and older
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) - adults and children 2 years and older
COVID-19 infection - adults and children 2 years and older

Pros and Cons for Actemra

Pros

Typically given every 1 to 4 weeks
Can be used in children age 2 years and older (for some conditions)
Comes as a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy at-home injections under the skin

Cons

Needs to be given by an injection only
Can cause liver problems
Raises your risk for infections because it weakens your immune system

Common Side Effects for Actemra

Upper respiratory tract infections (up to 7%)
Headache (up to 7%)
High blood pressure (up to 6%)
Higher liver enzymes (up to 6%)

Note: The side effects you experience might differ depending on why you're taking Actemra (tocilizumab) and whether you're receive it IV or SC.

Warnings for Actemra

Risk of serious infections
Stomach tears and blockage
Worsening liver problems and risk of liver failure
Severe allergic reactions
Lower white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts
High cholesterol
Vaccines

Prices with our coupons for Avtozma vs. Actemra

Avtozma4 cartons / 1 vial of 80 mg/4ml

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Actemra1 vial / 4ml of 20mg/ml

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Avtozma vs. Actemra

Avtozma

Actemra

Summary for Avtozma

Indications for Avtozma

Pros and Cons for Avtozma

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Avtozma

Warnings for Avtozma

Summary for Actemra

Indications for Actemra

Pros and Cons for Actemra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Actemra

Warnings for Actemra

Prices with our coupons for Avtozma vs. Actemra

Browse medications by letter

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Avtozma

Actemra

Summary for Avtozma

Indications for Avtozma

Pros and Cons for Avtozma

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Avtozma

Warnings for Avtozma

Summary for Actemra

Indications for Actemra

Pros and Cons for Actemra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Actemra

Warnings for Actemra