Medicinehospital

Tocilizumab

An IL-6 blocking biologic injection for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Clinical information

Common uses

moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
giant cell arteritis
juvenile idiopathic arthritis (age 2+)
severe cytokine release syndrome and hospitalized COVID-19

Common side effects

upper respiratory tract infections
cold-like symptoms
headache
high blood pressure
injection site reactions

Cautions

boxed warning: serious infections including tuberculosis — TB test first
risk of stomach or bowel perforation
liver injury possible — regular blood monitoring
avoid live vaccines during treatment

Interactions

live vaccines (avoid)
not studied with biologic DMARDs such as TNF blockers

Pregnancy: may harm the baby (animal data) — discuss with your doctor

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg) label, setid 87ac5047-4f2b-4571-a8a8-32e08865f379 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Tocilizumab	Parenteral ( pre-filled syringe injection)	162 mg/0.9 ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Tocilizumab	Parenteral ( Injection )	20 mg/ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital