Some tocilizumab (Actemra) products are currently in limited supply.
People with rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis and children with juvenile arthritis who are taking tocilizumab (Actemra) may be affected.
If you are taking tocilizumab, contact your rheumatologist as soon as possible about your treatment.
Shortages are expected to last between six weeks and six months depending on the form of the product. Supply of the pre-filled syringes and pre-filled pens (ACTPen Autoinjector), which are the most common forms, is likely to return to normal by mid-October 2021.
Steps are being taken to manage supply to reduce the impact on people taking tocilizumab. You may find you need to change between the pre-filled syringe and pre-filled pen for a short time, depending on stock availability. If so speak to your rheumatologist or pharmacist about how to use the alternate device.
For more information about these shortages, see the TGA website: https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/shortages-tocilizumab-actemra-medicines
For arthritis information and access to local support services, call the Arthritis Infoline on 1800 011 041.
