Actemra (tocilizumab) is a prescription medicine called an Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor. It is used alone or in combination with other medications to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in patients who have not been helped by other medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Actemra is in a class of medications called interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of interleukin-6, a substance in the body that causes inflammation.

Actemra comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) in your arm by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient clinic. It is usually given once every 4 weeks. It will take about 1 hour for you to receive your dose of Actemra.

Some common side effects of Actemra include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), increased blood pressure and headache.