Actemra® 400mg/20ml Injection (Tocilizumab) – Biologic Therapy (Rx)

Quick answer: Actemra 400mg (tocilizumab) is a biologic medicine that blocks interleukin-6, a driver of inflammation. Doctors use it for rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, some childhood arthritis and cytokine release syndrome. A nurse gives it as a drip. MedHub supplies it on prescription with cold-chain delivery across Pakistan.

For patients and families

What is Actemra 400mg?

Actemra 400mg is a single vial of tocilizumab, made by Roche in Switzerland. Tocilizumab is an antibody that sits on the receptor for interleukin-6, a protein the body releases during inflammation. When the signal is blocked, swelling, pain and fever settle down. It does not treat infection and it does not replace your other arthritis medicines unless your doctor says so.

What is it used for?

Specialists prescribe tocilizumab for several inflammatory conditions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: in adults whose joints stay inflamed despite other treatment.
• Giant cell arteritis: inflammation of the blood vessels in the head and neck.
• Childhood arthritis: polyarticular and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Cytokine release syndrome: a severe immune reaction that can follow CAR T-cell therapy.
• COVID-19: in some hospitalized adults who already receive corticosteroids and need oxygen.

Your rheumatologist or oncologist decides whether it fits your situation. If you are comparing treatments, you can also browse our immunology medicines.

How is it given?

This vial is for infusion into a vein, so a trained nurse gives it in a hospital or infusion unit. The pharmacy dilutes the contents before the drip, which usually runs for about an hour. Your doctor decides the dose and how often you return, based on your weight and your condition.

Common side effects

• Upper respiratory infections, such as colds and sore throat
• Headache and dizziness
• Raised blood pressure
• Mouth ulcers or stomach upset
• Changes in liver tests or cholesterol on blood work

Tocilizumab lowers your defences, so report fever, a cough that will not clear, burning when you pass urine, severe stomach pain, yellow skin or a rash with swelling of the face straight away.

Storage

Tocilizumab must stay cold, between 2°C and 8°C, in its original carton and away from light. It must never freeze. Our team packs each vial for the journey, and you can read how we keep medicines cold during delivery. Place it in the fridge as soon as it arrives, unless your hospital collects it the same day.

How to order from MedHub

1. Send a photo of your prescription on WhatsApp.
2. Our pharmacist confirms the price and stock with you.
3. We deliver the vial to your door or hospital in a cold-chain box.

Many families in the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia arrange this treatment for a parent or relative at home. Tell us which hospital will give the infusion, and we plan the delivery around that appointment. Patients with leukaemia or lymphoma who need support after CAR T-cell treatment can also see our oncology range.

For healthcare professionals

• Composition: tocilizumab 400 mg in 20 ml (20 mg/ml), concentrate for solution for infusion
• Drug class: interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, humanized monoclonal antibody
• Indications: rheumatoid arthritis in adults, with methotrexate or alone; giant cell arteritis; polyarticular and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis; cytokine release syndrome induced by CAR T-cell therapy; COVID-19 in hospitalized adults receiving systemic corticosteroids and needing oxygen or ventilation
• Mechanism: binds soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors and blocks IL-6 signalling
• Label dose: rheumatoid arthritis 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks, up to 800 mg per infusion; giant cell arteritis 6 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks; cytokine release syndrome 8 mg/kg (12 mg/kg under 30 kg), up to 800 mg; COVID-19 8 mg/kg as a single infusion; juvenile arthritis dosing depends on weight and subtype
• Monitoring / key precautions: screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before treatment; do not start in active serious infection; check neutrophils, platelets and ALT/AST before each treatment and then at intervals; monitor lipids; use caution in diverticulitis because of gastrointestinal perforation; may mask fever and CRP rise
• Storage: 2–8°C, do not freeze, protect from light
• Manufacturer: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Switzerland
• Marketed in Pakistan by: Roche Pakistan Ltd
• Pack: 1 vial (20 ml)

Frequently asked questions

What is Actemra 400mg used for?

Actemra 400mg treats rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, some childhood arthritis and cytokine release syndrome. Your specialist chooses it when other treatments have not controlled inflammation well enough.

What is the Actemra 400mg price in Pakistan?

Actemra 400mg costs Rs 59,000 to Rs 59,764 per vial. Prices can change with supply, so message us on WhatsApp for today’s price before you order.

Is Actemra 400mg available in Lahore, Karachi or Peshawar?

Yes. MedHub delivers to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan and Faisalabad, and to other cities on request.

Do I need a prescription for Actemra 400mg?

Yes. It is a prescription-only biologic. Send a clear photo of the prescription on WhatsApp and our pharmacist checks it before confirming your order.

How is Actemra 400mg given?

A nurse gives it as a slow drip into a vein, usually over about an hour, in a hospital or infusion unit. The pharmacy first dilutes it in a bag of saline.

How should Actemra 400mg be stored?

Keep it in a fridge at 2°C to 8°C, in the original carton, away from light. Do not freeze it, and do not shake the vial.

Why does one dose of Actemra 400mg depend on body weight?

Doctors calculate most tocilizumab infusions in milligrams per kilogram. A 400 mg vial covers roughly a 50 kg adult at the usual rheumatoid arthritis dose, while heavier patients may need more than one vial.

Can I order Actemra 400mg for my parents in Pakistan from abroad?

Yes. Many families in the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia order through MedHub. Send the prescription on WhatsApp, and we arrange payment and cold-chain delivery to the home or hospital.

Last updated: 3 October 2026

This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.