A popular rheumatoid arthritis drug, Actemra, has been linked to serious and life-threatening Actemra side effects.

Actemra is an immunosuppressive drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is generically known as tocilizumab and was developed by Genentech and Roche.

More recently, Actemra was approved to treat adults with giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain and scalp. Actemra generally reduces inflammation, which is why it can treat both rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis.

When Actemra came to market in 2010, many believed it would be a sort of wonder drug. Other rheumatoid arthritis drugs are associated with heart failure, heart attacks and lung conditions. So without the risk of these problems, Actemra seemed like a great alternative to many who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

STAT news looked at 500,000 side effect reports from various rheumatoid arthritis drugs which included 13,000 from Actemra alone. It found that, even though they are not listed as Actemra side effects, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and other life-threatening conditions were just as high for Actemra users as they were for other types of rheumatoid arthritis medications.

STAT also notes that many other rheumatoid arthritis drug labels list these side effects, but Actemra’s label does not. In fact, STAT reports that the FDA has received well over 1,000 reports of Actemra side effects deaths.

These Actemra side effects are on the label for other rheumatoid arthritis drugs including Enbrel, Humira and Remicade.

Additionally, a study was done that looked at both Actemra and another rheumatoid arthritis drug, Enbrel. Actemra, it was found, was one and a half times more likely to contribute to stroke or heart failure in patients. Enebrel’s warning states that it can exacerbate cardiovascular disease. Another source found that in a Japanese study of 5,000 Actemra patients, the drug was a causal factor in 15 deaths and over 200 cases of pneumonia and severe fever.

Essentially, Actemra is a successful drug that many believe does not have the proper labeling so patients and doctors alike can take a proper look at potential risks.

Heart conditions aren’t the only risky Actemra side effects. Other serious potential Actemra side effects include heart failure, heart attack, stroke, pancreatitis, interstitial lung disease, infection, gastrointestinal perforation and death. None of these most serious possible Actemra side effects appears on any of the labeling for the drug. Critics say that as a result of the lack of warnings, patients have died.

Less serious potential Actemra side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, runny nose, headache, high blood pressure, and injection-site reactions.

If you or someone you love has been adversely affected by Actemra and has experienced life-threatening Actemra side effects, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A free consultation with a knowledgeable products liability attorney can give you an idea of your legal options.

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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