July 2022 Update: Medication Alert

Dear Community,

Please find below an important message from our Medical Advisory Committee on behalf of Canadian Pediatric Rheumatologists.

***MEDICAL ADVISORY UPDATE***

July 2022

Re: Actemra (tocilizumab) Shortage

There is a shortage of the subcutaneous form of Actemra (tocilizumab) in Canada. This is likely to last several weeks at a minimum, but it could last longer.

At the moment, the company that makes Actemra is advising that they will not be able to process any NEW applications for injectable Actemra through their patient support program.

If your child is already on the injectable form of Actemra, you may find it more difficult to get the Autoinjector; the prefilled syringes may be more available.

If you find you are having trouble getting your child’s injectable Actemra doses at the pharmacy, please contact your pediatric rheumatology team.

The IV form of Actemra is available and may need to be used by some patients until this shortage improves.