Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml belongs to the class of 'immunosuppressants', primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis (inflammation of the lining of your arteries) in adults. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children, such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and cause joint pain with inflammation. Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml is currently being trialled to treat breathing complications in COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-19) patients. 

Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml consists of 'Tocilizumab' that belongs to the class of 'interleukin inhibitors.' It works by blocking the Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance released by the body that causes inflammation. Lately, Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml is also being used in COVID-19 infection to reduce the severity of inflammation and damage in the lungs. It is thought to decrease the cytokine storm, an excessive immune response that occurs in the lungs of a COVID-19 infected person.

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the medical condition. Common side effects of Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml include runny nose, sinus pain, sore throat, increased blood pressure, pain and swelling at the injection site, and headache. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. However, if the side effects are persistent, please reach out to your doctor.

Before starting Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml, inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers, multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and active infections. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml. Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml should not be given to children under two years of age as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of liver damage. 

Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml treats pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and giant cell arteritis. It contains 'Tocilizumab,' an 'interleukin inhibitor.' It works by blocking the Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance released by the body that causes inflammation. Lately, Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml is also being used in COVID-19 infection to reduce breathing complications, the severity of inflammation, and damage in the lungs. It is used to decrease the cytokine storm, an excessive immune response that occurs in the lungs of a COVID-19 infected person. 

• Runny nose
• Sinus pain
• Sore throat
• Increased blood pressure
• Pain and swelling at the injection site
• Headache 

Inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers (diverticulitis), multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), low blood cell count, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and active infections before starting Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml. Avoid close contact with people who have infections like chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis, and flu that can be easily spread. Thoroughly wash your hands to prevent the spread of infection. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml to prevent any serious consequences. Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers. Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml is not recommended in children younger than two years of age as safety and efficacy is not established. Store Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml at temperatures of 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze the vial.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml may interact with other immunosuppressants (certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, adalimumab, rituximab), medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (abatacept, etanercept, anakinra), blood thinners (warfarin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), acidity treating medicines (omeprazole), cough suppressants (Dextromethorphan), and birth control pills.

Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol consumption may cause dizziness and increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml should be used with caution in cases of liver, heart or kidney diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers (diverticulitis), multiple sclerosis, low blood cell count, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and active infections.

• INFLIXIMAB
• ADALIMUMAB
• ABATACEPT
• ETANERCEPT
• WARFARIN
• ATORVASTATIN
• LOVASTATIN
• SIMVASTATIN
• OMEPRAZOLE
• DEXTROMETHORPHAN
• CERTOLIZUMAB
• GOLIMUMAB
• ANAKINRA

• Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching that is less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
• Massages can also be helpful.
• Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
• Rest well and get plenty of sleep.
• To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.
• Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice-pack or hot-pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.

• It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
• It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Tocira-400 Infusion 20 ml.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities, and loss of joint function. 

Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other body parts. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include decreased flexibility, which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture, and pain in the back and joints. 

COVID-19: It is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). It mainly affects the respiratory system and is spread through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, tiredness, body aches, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and conjunctivitis. With the severity of the disease, symptoms like dropping oxygen saturation levels, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, and severe weakness are also noticed. The coronavirus can further lead to complications like pneumonia, respiratory failure, heart problems, liver problems, septic shock, and death.