Avtozma (Tocilizumab-Anoh) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
Avtozma (tocilizumab-anoh) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It may be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic DMARDs. Avtozma is also known by its drug name, tocilizumab.

Avtozma is a biosimilar to Actemra (tocilizumab), meaning it is highly similar to an already approved biologic drug no significant clinical differences in safety or effectiveness Avtozma is an interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the activity of IL-6, a protein in the immune system that contributes to inflammation and joint damage in RA. By reducing IL-6 activity, Avtozma helps decrease symptoms such as pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Avtozma may be administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion or a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. For the IV formulation, the recommended starting dose is given every four weeks. The dosage may be increased based on how a person responds. For the subcutaneous formulation, injections may occur weekly or every other week, depending on factors including the recipient’s body weight. Avtozma should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Avtozma include upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), headache, hypertension (high blood pressure), increased ALT (a liver enzyme), and injection site reactions.

Rare but serious side effects may include serious infections such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestines), hepatotoxicity (liver damage), severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), a severe skin reaction. People taking this medication should also be monitored for changes in blood cell counts, cholesterol levels, and liver function tests.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Avtozma (Tocilizumab-Anoh) Injection, for Intravenous or Subcutaneous Use — Celltrion

FDA Approves Celltrion’s Tocilizumab-Anoh, Biosimilar to Actemra — AJMC