Actemra FAQs

Question 1

How much does Actemra cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

At most pharmacies, the full cost of Actemra will be $6,039.68. That same prescription will cost $5,196.78 per 2, 20ml of 400mg/20ml vials using a SingleCare savings card, which you can use at specialty and participating pharmacies. However, Actemra is usually injected by a healthcare professional and is only available in pharmacies as a pen injection.

Question 2

How much does Actemra cost with insurance?

Accepted Answer

The copay cost of Actemra varies greatly depending on your health insurance plan and the dose prescribed. With SingleCare, Actemra costs. Ask your pharmacist to compare that SingleCare cost to your copay so that you get the best deal on your prescription.

Question 3

Does Medicare cover Actemra and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance plans usually do not provide coverage for Actemra. Actemra is most often injected by a healthcare provider, so Actemra will be covered under Medicare Part B. If you have a prescription for Actemra, consider using a SingleCare Actemra coupon for your prescription. With SingleCare, the price of Actemra is $5,196.78 for 2, 20ml of 400mg/20ml vials.

Question 4

Is there a generic of Actemra?

Accepted Answer

Actemra is a brand-name prescription drug with the active ingredient tocilizumab. Generic tocilizumab is not available at this time.

Question 5

What is Actemra?

Accepted Answer

Actemra is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis, a painful condition in which the arteries swell up, particularly the arteries at the top of the head. It can also treat cytokine release syndrome. These are all conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks tissues in the joints or arteries as if they were an infection, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. The active ingredient in Actemra, tocilizumab, interferes with the chemicals that “signal” the immune system to mount an attack, so the result is a slowing down or suppression of the immune system. Actemra is injected by a healthcare provider by IV infusion or by using a prefilled syringe. However, a pen injector is available for purchase as a prescription drug. Actemra is injected once per week or every other week, and may be used alone or in combination with other medication(s).

Question 6

What are the side effects of Actemra?

Accepted Answer

Actemra suppresses the immune system and sometimes lowers white blood cell counts, the first line of defense against infections. So Actemra lowers the body's ability to prevent or fight infections, putting patients at a higher risk of infections, including severe and life-threatening infections. Patients with active infections should not take Actemra unless approved by the prescribing physician. Immune suppression also increases the risk of certain types of cancer. Other side effects include headache, dizziness, itching, stomach cramps, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, liver problems, and perforations of the stomach or intestines. Allergic reactions are rare but can be severe. If you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, and/or difficulty breathing, get emergency medical treatment. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Consult with your prescribing physician and pharmacist for medical advice about possible side effects before starting on Actemra. Ask your doctor before using Actemra if you have liver problems. Do not get a live vaccine while taking Actemra.

Actemra

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