Key takeaways
Rituxan (rituximab) and Actemra (tocilizumab) are both used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they work in different ways and treat different conditions. Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets B cells, which can be involved in blood cancers and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It is given as an intravenous infusion and can cause serious infusion-related reactions. Actemra (tocilizumab), on the other hand, is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist that blocks a chemical causing inflammation and fever. It treats conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis and can be given as an infusion or an injection under the skin. Actemra (tocilizumab) also has a biosimilar called Tofidence, while Rituxan (rituximab) has several biosimilars, but they don't all treat the same conditions. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Actemra (tocilizumab) can also cause liver problems and high cholesterol.
