Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Regimen Library
Immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity Supportive care - tocilizumab
Treatment Overview
Until resolution to Grade 1.
Notes:
- Evidence for use of tocilizumab in the treatment of immune-related corticosteroid resistant hepatitis, cholangitis, pneumonitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Case reports of use in a variety of other immune-related adverse events such as colitis, myocarditis, and skin toxicity.
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 14 days
Cycle details
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 14 days
| Medication | Dose | Route | Days | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tocilizumab * | 8 mg/kg Cap dose per administration at: 800 mg | intravenous | 1 | 60 minutes |
Full details
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 14 days
Day: 1
| Medication | Dose | Route | Max duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tocilizumab * | 8 mg/kg Cap dose per administration at: 800 mg | intravenous | 60 minutes |
Instructions:
|
Supportive Care Factors
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Hypersensitivity / Infusion related reaction risk: | Low - routine premedication not recommended |
References
Roche Products (New Zealand) Limited. Actemra NZ data sheet 15 November 2024. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/a/Actemrainf.pdf (accessed 5 June 2025)
* The medicines, doses, combinations, and schedule in this treatment regimen have been carefully reviewed against international best practice guidelines by specialists in medical oncology around New Zealand and this advice has been accepted for publication by Te Aho o Te Kahu (the Cancer Control Agency). Sometimes medicines that are used in routine clinical practice have not been through a formal review process by the NZ Medicines Regulator Medsafe and are therefore considered unapproved or off-label. These medicines are legally able to be prescribed through sections 25 and 29 of the Medicines Act and by obtaining informed consent from patients. All treatment regimens listed on this website have been through robust peer review and are considered an accepted standard of care, whether prescribed through sections 25 or 29 or carrying formal Medsafe Approval.
s29: This symbol indicates that some formulations of the associated medicine are legally only able to be prescribed under section 29 of the Medicines Act. You can see which formulations are section 29 by hovering over the s29 symbol. You can access full medication details from the New Zealand Formulary by clicking on the medication name. Each clinician retains full responsibility for ensuring they have complied with all relevant obligations and requirements of section 29 including obtaining informed patient consent prior to prescribing the applicable medicine.