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Originator: CMO Messaging

From: CMO Messaging

Issue date: Originally issued on 29-Nov-2022 08:29:29. This version was issued on 29-Nov-2022 08:29:29

This alert has been issued to:
  • MHRA (Medicines) Drug Alerts (Various Recipients)
  • Other contacts
  • Specialists Trusts
  • Independent Healthcare Providers (registered with CAS)
  • Clinical Commissioning Groups
  • NHS Foundation Trusts (England) - Medical Director
  • NHS Foundation Trusts (England) - Chief Executive
  • Ambulance Trusts
  • Special Health Authorities
  • NHS Trusts (England) - Medical Director
  • CMO Urgent Messages - Non-NHS Recipients on Public Health Link
  • MHRA (Medicines) Drug Alerts - Non-NHS Recipients
  • Territorial CMOs in Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales
  • Regional Directors of Public Health
  • Consultants in Communicable Diseases
  • CMO Urgent Messages - Recipients on Public Health Link
  • Director of Public Health
  • Acute Trusts
  • NHS Trusts (England) - Chief Executive

Action category: Action

Title: Interleukin-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab or sarilumab) for adult patients hospitalised due to COVID-19

Broadcast content:
***30/11/2022 update to the CEM-CMO-2022-018 document following publication***


The published policy, providing access to interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors (tocilizumab (RoActemra) or sarilumab (Kevzara)) to adult patients hospitalised due to COVID-19, has been updated following consideration of the recommendations of the updated World Health Organization (WHO) clinical guideline. An IL-6 inhibitor may be administered in combination with baricitinib (as well as corticosteroids, unless contraindicated), according to clinical judgement, in patients with severe or critical COVID-19. The WHO makes a strong recommendation for IL-6 inhibitors in all patients with severe/critical COVID-19, and also states that they may be co-administered with baricitinib and corticosteroids. 

The linked clinical guide, summarising the main COVID treatment options available to patients admitted to hospital due to COVID, has been updated accordingly to support clinical decision making.  



Additional information: This alert does not need to be cascaded to Primary Care.

Alert reference: CEM/CMO/2022/018

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