| Rheumatoid Arthritis

Actemra vs Acthar

Side-by-side clinical, coverage, and cost comparison for rheumatoid arthritis.

Deep comparison between: Actemra vs Acthar with Prescriber.AI

AI compares prescribing info and payer-specific access barriers across 1,200+ formularies. Here's a preview of what prescribers are already asking.

Safety signalsActhar has a higher rate of injection site reactions vs Actemra based on FDA-approved prescribing information

Coverage gaps3 major payers require step therapy for Acthar but not Actemra, including UnitedHealthcare

Category

Actemra

Acthar

At A Glance

RouteIV infusion or SC injection

FrequencyEvery 4 weeks (IV) or Every week to Every other week (SC)

ClassIL-6 receptor antagonist

RouteIM or SC injection

ClassCorticotropin analog

Indications

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Giant Cell Arteritis
Lung disease with systemic sclerosis
Juvenile polyarthritis
Systemic onset juvenile chronic arthritis
Cytokine Release Syndrome
COVID-19 Virus Disease

Infantile Spasm
Multiple Sclerosis
Arthritis, Psoriatic
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Dermatomyositis
Polymyositis
Erythema Multiforme
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Serum Sickness
Keratitis
Iritis
Iridocyclitis
Uveitis, Posterior
Choroiditis
Optic Neuritis
Chorioretinitis
Sarcoidosis
Nephrotic Syndrome

Dosing

Rheumatoid Arthritis IV: 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks, increase to 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks based on response; SC: 162 mg every other week (for <100 kg) or every week (for >=100 kg), increase to every week based on response.

Giant Cell Arteritis IV: 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks with tapering glucocorticoids; SC: 162 mg every week with tapering glucocorticoids (may use every other week based on clinical considerations).

Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease SC: 162 mg every week.

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis IV: 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks (<30 kg) or 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks (>=30 kg); SC: 162 mg every 3 weeks (<30 kg) or every 2 weeks (>=30 kg).

Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis IV: 12 mg/kg every 2 weeks (<30 kg) or 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks (>=30 kg); SC: 162 mg every 2 weeks (<30 kg) or every week (>=30 kg).

Cytokine Release Syndrome IV: 12 mg/kg (<30 kg) or 8 mg/kg (>=30 kg) as single dose, alone or with corticosteroids; up to 3 additional doses at least 8 hours apart if no improvement.

COVID-19 IV: 12 mg/kg (<30 kg) or 8 mg/kg (>=30 kg) as single 60-minute infusion; one additional dose at least 8 hours later if clinical signs worsen or do not improve.

Infantile Spasm 150 U/m2/day IM divided into 75 U/m2 twice daily for 2 weeks, then taper over 2 weeks; Acthar Gel vial only -- do not use the pre-filled SelfJect injector.

Multiple Sclerosis 80-120 units IM or SC daily for 2-3 weeks for acute exacerbations; taper as needed.

Arthritis, Psoriatic, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Erythema Multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Serum Sickness, Keratitis, Iritis, Iridocyclitis, Uveitis, Posterior, Choroiditis, Optic Neuritis, Chorioretinitis, Sarcoidosis, Nephrotic Syndrome 40-80 units IM or SC every 24-72 hours; individualize dosing based on disease severity and patient response; taper dose upon discontinuation.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab

Intravenous administration
Use in infants under 2 years of age with suspected congenital infections
Concomitant live or live-attenuated vaccines during immunosuppressive doses of Acthar Gel
Scleroderma
Osteoporosis
Systemic fungal infections
Ocular herpes simplex
Recent surgery
History of or presence of peptic ulcer
Congestive heart failure
Uncontrolled hypertension
Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
Adrenocortical hyperfunction
Sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin

Drug Interactions

856View drug interactions

648View drug interactions

Adverse Reactions

Most common (>=5%) Upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension, increased ALT, injection site reactions (SC only).

Serious Serious infections (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis, bacterial arthritis), gastrointestinal perforations, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis.

Postmarketing Fatal anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), pancreatitis, drug-induced liver injury, hepatitis, hepatic failure, jaundice, hypofibrinogenemia.

Most common (>=5%) Infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, pyrexia (reported in infantile spasm trials at recommended dose)

Serious Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency upon withdrawal, elevated blood pressure, salt and water retention, hypokalemia, gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding, behavioral and mood disturbances, ophthalmic effects, decreased bone density, negative effects on growth and physical development

Postmarketing Anaphylaxis, necrotizing angitis, pancreatitis, intracranial hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, reversible brain shrinkage, vertebral compression fractures, insomnia, injection site reactions

Pharmacology

Tocilizumab is a humanized IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds to soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors, inhibiting IL-6-mediated signaling involved in inflammatory and immune processes.

Repository corticotropin (ACTH) analog that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and weak androgens; also reported to bind melanocortin receptors, with the trophic effects on the adrenal cortex appearing to be mediated by cyclic AMP.

View Full FDA Information

View full FDA information

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Most Common Insurance

Anthem BCBS

Actemra