TOCILIZUMAB

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Genentech, Inc.

High Seriousness and Diverse Reactions for Tocilizumab

689,384 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About TOCILIZUMAB

TOCILIZUMAB is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Genentech, Inc.. Based on analysis of 689,384 FDA adverse event reports, TOCILIZUMAB has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for TOCILIZUMAB include DRUG INEFFECTIVE, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, PAIN, OFF LABEL USE, ARTHRALGIA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for TOCILIZUMAB.

AI Safety Analysis

Tocilizumab has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 689,384 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Genentech, Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Drug Ineffective, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pain. Of classified reports, 76.7% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Tocilizumab reports show a high percentage of serious adverse events, particularly infections and infusions-related reactions.

The drug is associated with a wide range of reactions, including musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal issues. Fatigue and pain are among the most frequently reported symptoms, indicating a common but not necessarily severe issue.

Patients taking Tocilizumab should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Tocilizumab can cause serious infections and infusion-related reactions, and caution is advised when used in patients with a history of these conditions. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Tocilizumab received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 76.7% serious event ratio across 110,076 classified reports. The score accounts for 689,384 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DRUG INEFFECTIVE34,933 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS22,237 reports
PAIN19,781 reports
OFF LABEL USE19,720 reports
ARTHRALGIA16,864 reports
JOINT SWELLING15,941 reports
FATIGUE14,940 reports
RASH13,364 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE12,825 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED11,876 reports
ARTHROPATHY10,614 reports
ALOPECIA10,464 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT10,324 reports
SYNOVITIS10,292 reports
SWELLING10,213 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY9,899 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE9,795 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS9,391 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED9,348 reports
HEADACHE9,346 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION9,102 reports
PEMPHIGUS8,898 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY8,615 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING8,610 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED8,399 reports
GLOSSODYNIA8,227 reports
NAUSEA8,082 reports
INFECTION8,008 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED7,819 reports
HAND DEFORMITY7,701 reports
DIARRHOEA7,420 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS7,203 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED7,099 reports
WOUND6,962 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS6,931 reports
DYSPNOEA6,705 reports
NO ADVERSE EVENT6,634 reports
PRURITUS6,582 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE6,398 reports
PYREXIA6,328 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY6,244 reports
HYPERTENSION6,214 reports
PNEUMONIA6,194 reports
VOMITING6,165 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY6,018 reports
MALAISE5,982 reports
PERICARDITIS5,923 reports
SINUSITIS5,745 reports
ANTI CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY POSITIVE5,716 reports
DISCOMFORT5,584 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION5,383 reports
STOMATITIS5,283 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE5,210 reports
BLISTER4,979 reports
IMPAIRED HEALING4,947 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED4,893 reports
URTICARIA4,844 reports
HELICOBACTER INFECTION4,796 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION4,791 reports
ILL DEFINED DISORDER4,772 reports
DIZZINESS4,696 reports
DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION4,678 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER4,525 reports
RHEUMATOID FACTOR POSITIVE4,466 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE4,458 reports
INSOMNIA4,407 reports
ASTHENIA4,382 reports
FOLLICULITIS4,382 reports
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME4,310 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER4,288 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY4,204 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED4,160 reports
C REACTIVE PROTEIN INCREASED4,120 reports
CONTUSION4,069 reports
MUSCLE INJURY3,911 reports
FIBROMYALGIA3,835 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED3,823 reports
INFLAMMATION3,791 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA3,693 reports
LOSS OF PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE IN DAILY ACTIVITIES3,683 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS3,638 reports
C REACTIVE PROTEIN ABNORMAL3,617 reports
SLEEP DISORDER3,541 reports
FALL3,388 reports
ARTHRITIS3,366 reports
OSTEOARTHRITIS3,365 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION3,228 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE3,182 reports
RHEUMATIC FEVER3,121 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN3,079 reports
LIVER INJURY3,067 reports
SLEEP DISORDER DUE TO GENERAL MEDICAL CONDITION, INSOMNIA TYPE3,012 reports
INJURY3,008 reports
DECREASED APPETITE2,895 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN2,850 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT INCOMPLETE2,838 reports
BACK PAIN2,776 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED2,677 reports
CHEST PAIN2,671 reports
RED BLOOD CELL SEDIMENTATION RATE INCREASED2,611 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • High percentage of serious adverse events (76.7%)
  • Frequent reports of infections and infusion-related reactions
  • Diverse reactions including musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal issues

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 75,483, Male: 20,969, Unknown: 127. The most frequently reported age groups are age 44 (2,644 reports), age 43 (2,582 reports), age 59 (1,854 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 110,076 classified reports for TOCILIZUMAB:

  • Serious: 84,465 reports (76.7%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 25,611 reports (23.3%)
Serious 76.7%Non-Serious 23.3%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female75,483 (78.2%)
Male20,969 (21.7%)
Unknown127 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 442,644 reports
Age 432,582 reports
Age 591,854 reports
Age 601,659 reports
Age 581,640 reports
Age 631,640 reports
Age 671,560 reports
Age 641,554 reports
Age 401,541 reports
Age 651,508 reports
Age 611,483 reports
Age 621,435 reports
Age 561,344 reports
Age 571,305 reports
Age 711,274 reports
Age 541,253 reports
Age 551,218 reports
Age 661,215 reports
Age 691,150 reports
Age 701,135 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Tocilizumab can cause serious infections and infusion-related reactions, and caution is advised when used in patients with a history of these conditions.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Tocilizumab, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include drug ineffective, rheumatoid arthritis, pain, off label use, arthralgia. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for signs of infection, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions. Be aware of potential musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal side effects, and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of Tocilizumab, and updates will be provided based on ongoing studies and reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Tocilizumab?

The FDA has received approximately 689,384 adverse event reports associated with Tocilizumab. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Tocilizumab?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Tocilizumab include Drug Ineffective, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pain, Off Label Use, Arthralgia. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Drug Ineffective (34,933 reports), Rheumatoid Arthritis (22,237 reports), Pain (19,781 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Tocilizumab.

What percentage of Tocilizumab adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 110,076 classified reports, 84,465 (76.7%) were classified as serious and 25,611 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Tocilizumab (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Tocilizumab break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 75,483, Male: 20,969, Unknown: 127. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Tocilizumab?

The most frequently reported age groups for Tocilizumab adverse events are: age 44: 2,644 reports, age 43: 2,582 reports, age 59: 1,854 reports, age 60: 1,659 reports, age 58: 1,640 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Tocilizumab?

The primary manufacturer associated with Tocilizumab adverse event reports is Genentech, Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Tocilizumab?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Tocilizumab include: Joint Swelling, Fatigue, Rash, Drug Intolerance, Contraindicated Product Administered. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Tocilizumab?

You can report adverse events from Tocilizumab to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Tocilizumab's safety score and what does it mean?

Tocilizumab has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Tocilizumab reports show a high percentage of serious adverse events, particularly infections and infusions-related reactions.

What are the key safety signals for Tocilizumab?

Key safety signals identified in Tocilizumab's adverse event data include: High percentage of serious adverse events (76.7%). Frequent reports of infections and infusion-related reactions. Diverse reactions including musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal issues. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Tocilizumab interact with other drugs?

Tocilizumab can cause serious infections and infusion-related reactions, and caution is advised when used in patients with a history of these conditions. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Tocilizumab.

What should patients know before taking Tocilizumab?

Monitor for signs of infection, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions. Be aware of potential musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal side effects, and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Are Tocilizumab side effects well-documented?

Tocilizumab has 689,384 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The drug is associated with a wide range of reactions, including musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal issues. The volume of reports for Tocilizumab reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Tocilizumab?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of Tocilizumab, and updates will be provided based on ongoing studies and reports. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to TOCILIZUMAB based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

AbacavirRitonavirCobicistat
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.