Avtozma 162 mg/0.9 ml Solution for injection pre-filled syringe

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it onto others. It may harm them even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

In addition to this leaflet, you will be given a Patient Alert Card, which contains important safety information that you need to be aware of before and during treatment with Avtozma.

What is in this leaflet:

1. What Avtozma is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Avtozma
3. How to use Avtozma
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Avtozma
6. Contents of the pack and other information
7. Instructions for use

• if you or a child patient you look after are allergic to tocilizumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). (See special warnings at the end of this section under subtitle “Avtozma contains polysorbate”)
• if you or a child patient you look after have an active, severe infection.

If either of these applies to you, tell a doctor. Do not use Avtozma.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Avtozma.

• If you experience allergic reactions such as chest tightness, wheezing, severe dizziness or light-headedness, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or skin itching, hives or rash during or after the injection, then tell your doctor immediately.
• Do not take the next dose until you have informed your doctor AND your doctor has told you to take the next dose if you have experienced any allergic reaction symptoms after Avtozma administration.
• If you have any kind of infection, short- or long-term, or if you often get infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel unwell. Avtozma can reduce your body’s ability to respond to infections and may make an existing infection worse or increase the chance of getting a new infection.
• If you have had tuberculosis, tell your doctor. Your doctor will check for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis before starting Avtozma. If symptoms of tuberculosis (persistent cough, weight loss, listlessness, mild fever) or any other infection appear during or after therapy tell your doctor immediately.
• If you have had intestinal ulcers or diverticulitis, tell your doctor. Symptoms would include abdominal pain and unexplained changes in bowel habits with a fever.
• If you have liver disease, tell your doctor. Before you use Avtozma, your doctor may do a blood test to measure your liver function.
• If any patient has recently been vaccinated, or is planning a vaccination, tell your doctor. All patients should be up-to-date with all their vaccinations before they start treatment with Avtozma. Certain types of vaccines should not be given while receiving Avtozma.
• If you have cancer, tell your doctor. Your doctor will have to decide if you can still be given Avtozma.
• If you have cardiovascular risk factors such as raised blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels, tell your doctor. These factors need to be monitored while receiving Avtozma.
• If you have moderate to severe kidney function problems, your doctor will monitor you.
• If you have persistent headaches.

Your doctor will perform a blood test before you receive Avtozma, to determine if you have a low white blood cell count, low platelet count or high liver enzymes.

Avtozma subcutaneous injection is not recommended for use in children under 1 year of age.

Avtozma must not be given to children with sJIA weighing less than 10 kg.

If a child has a history of macrophage activation syndrome (activation and uncontrolled proliferation of specific blood cells), tell your doctor. Your doctor will have to decide if they can still be given Avtozma.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, or have recently taken any. Avtozma can affect the way some medicines work, and the dose of these may require adjustment. If you are using medicines containing any of the following active substances, tell your doctor:

• methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, used to reduce inflammation
• simvastatin or atorvastatin, used to reduce cholesterol levels
• calcium channel blockers (e.g. amlodipine), used to treat raised blood pressure
• theophylline, used to treat asthma
• warfarin or phenprocoumon, used as a blood thinning agents
• phenytoin, used to treat convulsions
• ciclosporin, used to suppress your immune system during organ transplants
• benzodiazepines (e.g. temazepam), used to relieve anxiety

Due to lack of clinical experience, tocilizumab is not recommended for use with other biological medicines for the treatment of RA, sJIA, pJIA or GCA.

Avtozma is not to be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or intend to become pregnant.

Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and up to 3 months after treatment.

Stop breast-feeding if you are to be given Avtozma, and talk to your doctor. Leave a gap of at least 3 months after your last treatment before you start breast-feeding. It is not known whether Avtozma is passed into breast milk.

This medicine can cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or use machines.

This medicine contains 0.2 mg of polysorbate 80 in each pre-filled syringe. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies.

The dose for RA and GCA adults is 162 mg (the content of 1 pre-filled syringe) given once a week.

Children and adolescents with sJIA (aged 1 year and over)

The usual dose of Avtozma depends on the patient’s weight.

• If the patient weighs less than 30 kg: the dose is 162 mg (the content of 1 pre-filled syringe) once every 2 weeks
• If the patient weighs 30 kg or more: the dose is 162 mg (the content of 1 pre-filled syringe) once every week

Children and adolescents with pJIA (aged 2 and over)

The usual dose of Avtozma depends on the patient’s weight.

• If the patient weighs less than 30 kg: the dose is 162 mg (the content of 1 pre-filled syringe), once every 3 weeks
• If the patient weighs 30 kg or more: the dose is 162 mg (the content of 1 pre-filled syringe), once every 2 weeks.

Avtozma is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously). At the start, your doctor or nurse may inject Avtozma. However, your doctor may decide that you may inject Avtozma yourself. In this case you will get training on how to inject Avtozma yourself. Parents and carers will get training on how to inject Avtozma for patients who cannot inject themselves, such as children.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about giving yourself or a child patient you look after an injection. You will find detailed “Instructions for administration” at the end of this leaflet.

Because Avtozma is given in one pre-filled syringe, it is unlikely that you will receive too much. However, if you are worried, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

It is very important to use Avtozma exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Keep track of your next dose.

• If you miss your weekly dose within 7 days, take your dose on the next scheduled day.
• If you miss your once every 2 weeks dose within 7 days, inject a dose as soon as you remember and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.
• If you miss your dose by more than 7 days, or you are not sure when to inject Avtozma, call your doctor or pharmacist.

It is very important to use Avtozma exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Keep track of the next dose.

• If a dose is missed within 7 days, inject a dose as soon as you remember and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
• If a dose is missed by more than 7 days, or you are not sure when to inject Avtozma, call the doctor or pharmacist.

You should not stop using Avtozma without discussing with your doctor first.

These are common: they may affect up to 1 in every 10 users

Allergic reactions during or after injection:

• difficulty with breathing, chest tightness or light-headedness
• rash, itching, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or face

If you notice any of these, tell your doctor immediately.

Signs of serious infections:

• fever and chills
• mouth or skin blisters
• stomach ache

Signs and symptoms of liver toxicity

These may affect up to 1 in every 1 000 users

• tiredness
• abdominal pain
• jaundice (yellow discolouration of skin or eyes)

If you notice any of these, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Very common side effects:

These may affect 1 in 10 patients or more

• upper respiratory tract infections with typical symptoms such as cough, blocked nose, runny nose, sore throat and headache
• high blood fat (cholesterol) levels
• injection site reactions

Common side effects:

These may affect up to 1 in 10 patients

• lung infection (pneumonia)
• shingles (herpes zoster)
• cold sores (oral herpes simplex), blisters
• skin infection (cellulitis) sometimes with fever and chills
• rash and itching, hives
• allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions
• eye infection (conjunctivitis)
• headache, dizziness, high blood pressure
• mouth ulceration, stomach pain
• fluid retention (oedema) in the lower legs, weight increase
• cough, shortness of breath
• low white blood cell counts shown by blood tests (neutropenia, leucopenia)
• abnormal liver function tests (increased transaminases)
• increased bilirubin shown by blood tests
• low fibrinogen levels in the blood (a protein involved in blood clotting)

Uncommon side effects:

These may affect up to 1 in every 100 patients

• diverticulitis (fever, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain)
• red swollen areas in the mouth
• high blood fat (triglycerides)
• stomach ulcer
• kidney stones
• underactive thyroid

Rare side effects:

These may affect up to 1 in every 1 000 patients

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (skin rash, which may lead to severe blistering and peeling of the skin)
• Fatal Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis [fatal])
• inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), jaundice

Very rare side effects:

These may affect up to 1 in every 10 000 patients

• low counts for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in blood tests
• liver failure

Side effects in children and adolescents with sJIA or pJIA are generally similar to those in adults. Some side effects are seen more often in children and adolescents: inflamed nose and throat, headache, feeling sick (nausea) and lower white blood cell counts.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

• The active substance is tocilizumab.
  Each pre-filled syringe contains 162 mg tocilizumab in 0.9 mL.
• The other ingredients are L-Histidine, L-Threonine, L-Methionine, polysorbate 80 and water for injections.

Avtozma is a solution for injection. The solution is colourless to yellow.

Avtozma is supplied as a 0.9 mL pre-filled syringe containing 162 mg tocilizumab solution for injection.

The Avtozma pre-filled syringe for patient use is available in packs containing:

• 1 pre-filled syringe
• 4 pre-filled syringes
• 12 (3 packs of 4) pre-filled syringes (Multipacks)

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder:

United Kingdom

• Do not remove the pre-filled syringe cap until you are ready to inject Avtozma.
• Do not try to take apart the pre-filled syringe at any time.
• Do not reuse the same syringe.
• Do not shake the pre-filled syringe.
• Do not use the pre-filled syringe if it has been dropped or damaged.
• Patient advice regarding hypersensitivity reactions (or anaphylaxis): If you develop symptoms such as, but not limited to skin rash, itching, chills, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, chest pain, wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing or feeling dizzy or faint at any time while not at the clinic during or following an injection you should seek emergency care immediately.

• Store the unused pre-filled syringe in the original carton in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8ºC. Do not freeze.
• Once removed from the refrigerator, Avtozma can be stored up to 3 weeks at or below 30°C. If not used within the 3 weeks, Avtozma should be discarded.
• Keep the pre-filled syringe out of direct sunlight.
• Do not remove the pre-filled syringe from its original carton during storage.
• Do not leave the pre-filled syringe unattended.
• Keep the pre-filled syringe out of the reach of children. Contains small part.

1. Gather the supplies for the injection.

a. Prepare a clean, flat surface, such as a table or countertop, in a well-lit area.

b. Take the carton containing the pre-filled syringe out of the refrigerator.

c. Make sure you have the following supplies (see Figure B):

• Carton containing Avtozma pre-filled syringe

Not included in the carton:

• Cotton ball or gauze
• Adhesive bandage
• Sharps disposal container
• Alcohol swab

2. Inspect the carton

a. Look at the carton and make sure you have the correct medicine and dose strength. (Avtozma)

b. Check the expiration date on the carton to make sure the date has not passed.

• Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the expiration date has passed.
• Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the carton looks like it has been opened or damaged if you are opening the carton for the first time and check to make sure that it is properly sealed.

3. Inspect the Pre-filled Syringe.

a. Open the carton and remove 1 single-dose pre-filled syringe from the carton. Return any remaining Avtozma pre-filled syringes in the carton to the refrigerator.

b. Check the expiration date on the Avtozma pre-filled syringe (see Figure D).

• Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the expiration date has passed. If the expiration date has passed, safely dispose of the pre-filled syringe in your sharps disposal container and get a new one.

c. Check the pre-filled syringe to make sure it is not damaged, and shows no sign of leakage.

• Do not use the pre-filled syringe if it has been dropped, damaged, or has leaked.

4. Wait 30 minutes.

a. Leave the pre-filled syringe outside of the carton at room temperature 20°C to 25°C for 30 minutes to allow it to warm up (see Figure E).

• Do not warm the pre-filled syringe using heat sources such as hot water or a microwave.
• Do not leave the pre-filled syringe in the direct sunlight.
• Do not remove the cap while allowing your pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature.
• If the pre-filled syringe does not reach room temperature, this could cause discomfort and make it hard to push the plunger.

5. Inspect the medication.

a. Hold your Avtozma with the cap pointing down.

b. Look at the medicine and confirm that the liquid is clear to slightly opalescent and colourless to yellow and does not contain any particles or flakes (see Figure F).

• Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the liquid is discoloured, cloudy, or has particles or flakes in it. Safely dispose of the pre-filled syringe in a sharps disposal container and use a new one.
• Air bubbles are normal.

6. Wash your hands.

a. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly (see Figure G).

7. Choose an appropriate injection site (see Figure H).

a. You may inject into

• The front of the thighs
• The lower abdomen below the belly button, except for the 5 cm around the belly button.
• The outer area of the upper arm (only if you are a caregiver or healthcare professional (HCP).
  • Do not inject into the upper arm by yourself.
  • Choose a different injection site for each new injection at least 2.5 cm from the last area you injected.
  • Do not inject into moles, scares, bruises, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard or not intact.

8. Clean the injection site.

a. Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry for approximately 10 seconds (see Figure I). This will reduce the chance of getting an infection.

• Do not touch the injection site again before giving the injection.
• Do not fan or blow on the clean area.

9. Remove the cap.

a. Hold the pre-filled syringe by the syringe body using one hand.

Gently pull the cap straight off with the other hand (see Figure J).

Note: If you cannot remove the cap, you should ask a caregiver for help or contact your healthcare provider.

• Do not hold the plunger while removing the cap.
• You may see a drop of liquid at the tip of the needle. This is normal.
• If the pre-filled syringe is not used within 5 minutes of needle cap removal, the prefilled syringe should be disposed of in the puncture resistant container or sharps container and a new prefilled syringe should be used.

b. Dispose of the cap right away in your sharps disposal container (see step 14 and Dispose of pre-filled syringe and Figure N)

• Do not re-cap the pre-filled syringe.
• Do not touch the needle shield at the tip of the pre-filled syringe to avoid accidental needle stick injury.

10. Insert the pre-filled syringe into the injection site.

a. Gently pinch a fold of skin at the injection site with one hand.

Note: Pinching the skin is important to make sure that you inject under the skin (into fatty tissue) but not any deeper (into muscle).

• Do not pull back on the plunger rod at any time.

b. With a quick and “dart-like” motion, insert the Needle completely into the fold of skin at a 45 to 90-degree angle (see Figure K).

Note: It is important to use the correct angle to make sure the medicine is delivered under the skin (into fatty tissue), or the injection could be painful, and the medicine may not work.

• Do not touch the plunger while inserting the needle into the skin.

11. Give the injection.

a. After the needle is inserted, release the pinch.

b. Slowly push the plunger all the way down until the full dose of medicine gets injected, and the syringe is empty (see Figure L).

• If the plunger cannot be depressed, discard the pre-filled syringe and use a new pre-filled syringe.
• Do not change the position of the pre-filled syringe after the injection has started.
• If the plunger is not fully pressed, the needle guard will not extend to cover the needle when it is removed.
• If the needle is not covered, proceed carefully to dispose of the syringe (see step 14. Dispose of pre-filled syringe).

12. Remove the pre-filled syringe from the injection site.

a. After the pre-filled syringe is empty, remove the needle from the injection site and release the plunger until the entire needle is covered by the guard (see Figure M).

• Some bleeding may occur (see step 13. Care for the injection site).
• In case of skin contact with medicine, wash the area that touched the medicine with water.
• Do not reuse the pre-filled syringe.

13. Care for the injection site.

a. If a little bleeding occurs, treat the injection site by gently pressing, not rubbing, a cotton ball or gauze to the site and apply an adhesive bandage if needed.

• Do not rub the injection site.

14. Dispose of the pre-filled syringe.

a. Put the used pre-filled syringe in your sharps disposal container right away after use (see Figure N).

Note: If your injection is given by another person, this person must also be careful when removing the pre-filled syringe and disposing of it to prevent accidental needle stick injury and passing infection.

• Do not re-use the pre-filled syringe.
• Do not put the cap back onto the pre-filled syringe.
• Do not throw away (dispose of) your used sharps disposal container in your household trash.
• Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
• Keep the Avtozma pre-filled syringe and disposal container out of the reach of children.

Dispose of the full container as instructed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If you do not have a sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is closable and puncture resistant. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

15. Record your injection.

a. Write the date, time, and specific part of your body where you injected yourself.