**This alert was updated on 11 February 2022. Tocilizumab (RoActemra®)
162mg/0.9ml solution for injection pre-filled syringes and pre-filled
pens supplies have stabilised, therefore, this Supply Disruption Alert is no longer in effect.***
**This alert was updated on 23 December 2021
to reflect an update in the resupply date from January to March 2022.**
Tocilizumab (RoActemra®) 162mg/0.9ml
solution for injection pre-filled syringes and pre-filled pens
are in limited supply until January 2022.
Prescribers should urgently review their Rheumatoid
Arthritis guidelines and amend in line with the advice in the clinical
prioritisation section of this Supply Disruption Alert (SDA).
Remaining stock should be prioritised for patients
already established on these formulations and new patients, as outlined in the clinical
prioritisation advice below.
Tocilizumab (RoActemra®) solution for
infusion vials, which are also used in Covid-19 patients, are not
covered by this SDA but supply remains constrained; and advice previously
issued still applies.
Sarilumab (Kevzara®) solution for injection
pre-filled pens should be considered the first line agent for treatment of Rheumatoid
Arthritis when an IL-6 antagonist is indicated and can support an increase in
demand. Sarilumab (Kevzara®) solution for injection pre-filled
syringes are unable to support an uplift in demand.
Sarilumab (Kevzara®) nurse injection training
and initiation at patient's home is not funded by Sanofi and the initiating
trust will need to ensure that appropriate training is available, either on
site or in patient’s homes.
This alert contains further information and action for providers.
Please note that no response is required via the CAS website to this alert.