Tocilizumab

Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis. It works by blocking the action of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a protein that plays an important role in the body's inflammatory response. By blocking IL-6, tocilizumab helps to reduce the symptoms of these inflammatory conditions, such as joint pain and swelling. Tocilizumab is usually given as an injection, but can also be taken in pill form. It is usually used in combination with other medications, such as methotrexate or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.