Description

Tofidence is a biosimilar to the medication Actemra (tocilizumab), which works as an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker. It targets and interrupts pathways of inflammation, which may be beneficial in treating various forms of arthritis. Tofidence is classified as an interleukin inhibitor and administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion by healthcare professionals.

Directions

Tofidence is given as an IV infusion injection with strengths of 80 mg/4 mL (20 mg/mL), 200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL), and 400 mg/20 mL (20 mg/mL) in single-dose vials that must be diluted before use. The standard dosage and frequency depend on the specific condition being treated and the patient's body weight. For adult rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, the initial dosage is typically 4 mg/kg every four weeks, which may be increased to 8 mg/kg with close monitoring for safety. For pediatric patients, doses vary based on weight and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Tofidence contains tocilizumab-bavi as the main active ingredient. Inactive ingredients may include arginine hydrochloride, histidine, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for injection.

Contraindications

Avoid using this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab or any component of the product formulation.

Cautions

• Before taking Tofidence, tell your doctor about:
• All medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines.
• Any medical conditions.
• If you have a known allergy to any medications.

• Tofidence has been associated with serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections. If a serious infection develops while on Tofidence, treatment should be paused until the infection is under control.
• Before starting Tofidence, get tested for latent TB. If the test is positive, you should be treated for TB before beginning Tofidence. Even if the initial TB test is negative, continue to monitor for active TB during treatment.
• Do not use Tofidence if you have an active infection, even a localized one. If a serious infection occurs, stop taking Tofidence until the infection is controlled.
• Use Tofidence with caution if you are at increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation.
• Monitor for signs of liver damage. If liver tests are persistently abnormal or if symptoms of liver disease develop, Tofidence may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
• Regular laboratory monitoring is recommended due to potential changes in neutrophils, platelets, lipids, and liver function tests from Tofidence treatment.
• Be aware of the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be severe and sometimes fatal.
• Avoid live vaccines while using Tofidence.

Side Effects

Tofidence can cause several side effects. Common tocilizumab side effects may include headache, upper respiratory tract infections, and high blood pressure. The infusion of this medication may also cause injection site reactions, such as swelling, itching, or redness around the area of injection.

Serious side effects may include nervous system problems and hepatitis B infection, with symptoms such as tiredness, vomiting, black, tarry stools, bloody or cloudy urine, and chills. Allergies may develop as unusual or allergic reactions to the medicine, with symptoms like dizziness, stomach pain, and shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects from Tofidence.

References:

Tofidence (Tocilizumab) Product Monograph. Cambridge, MA: Biogen MA Inc; 2023.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

Dr. Sison graduated with honors from the University of Florida. He began his career in pharmacy counseling patients in a community setting and later served in hospitals and clinics. He has also worked in medication therapy management services. Read More....

Product Code : 14423