Actemra heart disease is a potentially fatal side effect of the rheumatoid arthritis drug.

Actemra (tocilizumab, made by Roche and distributed in the U.S. by Genentech, began distribution in 2010. At that time, it was hailed as a better alternative to Enbrel, a rheumatoid arthritis medication that had been linked to heart attacks heart failure, and lung problems. Actemra is administered through injection or infusion.

Actemra works by interfering with the interleukin-6 signaling pathway, which is responsible for provoking cellular and physiological responses including the immune system and inflammation.

A new analysis of FDA-reported adverse events shows a notable incidence of Actemra heart disease. Reports indicate hundreds of patients have died or suffered heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and lung complications allegedly from Actemra. In fact, the risks for such side effects could be even higher than with some competing medications, says a review of more than 500,000 adverse event reports by STAT.

Actemra’s competitor drugs address their dangerous side effects in their labeling information, but Actemra has tried to set itself apart by not causing such problems. Actemra heart disease is not listed as a possible risk.

The FDA has collected 1,128 reports of people dying after being administered Actemra. Unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t have the means to determine if the drug was the deciding factor that resulted in those deaths.

Actemra Heart Disease and Other Side Effects

Despite the fact the American College of Rheumatology reported the risk of stroke and heart failure is about 1.5 times higher in patients treated with Actemra over those treated with Embrel, the FDA has not indicated a label change for Actemra.

Actemra heart disease and pancreatitis are two of the most dangerous possible side effects. Experts recommend further investigation of the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and lung disease.

Currently, Actemra acknowledges that use of the medication can affect the immune system and lower the patient’s ability to fight infections. Actemra also can cause tears in the stomach or intestines, and can increase the risk of certain cancers due to the drug’s interference with the immune system.

The most common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, including catch colds more easily and developing sinus infections. Headaches and high blood pressure are common side effects as well. High blood pressure is a contributing factor to heart attacks and strokes.

Deaths allegedly associated with the drug include a man who died of a fatal brain bleed just two days after an Actemra treatment. In another case, the Roche company admitted that Actemra was related to woman’s fatal heart attack.

If you or someone you love has suffered from Actemra heart disease, stroke, pancreatitis, or other serious ailments, you could benefit from consulting with an attorney regarding your options for compensation.

In general, Actemra lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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