Treatment of COVID-19 with tocilizumab during pregnancy or breastfeeding
A factsheet developed in collaboration with the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
Tocilizumab (brand name Actemra) is a medicine used to treat certain immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It blocks a protein that causes inflammation. Tocilizumab may also reduce inflammation caused by COVID-19. Trials have shown that tocilizumab, given as an intravenous infusion, improves survival and recovery from moderate-to-severe COVID-19 for hospitalised patients requiring oxygen.
Pregnant people with COVID-19 have a higher risk of becoming very sick compared to those who are not pregnant.
If your doctor prescribes tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19, you may like to download this factsheet.