Shortages of tocilizumab medicines

TGA

Roche Products Pty Limited (Roche), the sponsor of tocilizumab (Actemra), has notified the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of shortages of multiple presentations of tocilizumab (Actemra) products due to global demand in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Actemra 200mg intravenous (IV) injection is currently in shortage until the end of August 2021.

Shortages of Actemra products are anticipated for the following estimated period:

Actemra 400mg IV – from August

The Medicine Availability Working Group is continuing to assess and monitor availability to ensure distribution is prioritised to those hospitals with COVID-19 patients.

Information for consumers

Patients should contact their prescriber for further guidance on managing treatment during the shortage.

Information for prescribers

Consider the current shortage of tocilizumab when prescribing, particularly when initiating new patients on treatment for the registered (tocilizumab) Actemra indications.

The TGA has met with Roche, the Australian Rheumatology Association and Arthritis Australia to discuss potential clinical management options during the shortage. Further information will be provided soon.

Information for pharmacists

Pharmacists should refer patients to their prescriber for further guidance on managing treatment during the shortage.

/Public Release. View in full here.