Utility of dose frequency adjustment in tocilizumab administration for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To assess the utility of dose frequency adjustment of tocilizumab (TCZ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Patients who received TCZ at 3-week (n = 24) or 5-week (n = 61) interval were evaluated. Results. Disease Activity Score at 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the 3-week group significantly improved after 3 administrations at 3-week intervals (from 4.2 to 2.7, p = 0.001). Forty-five of the patients in the 5-week group (74%) successfully continued 5-week interval administration without disease exacerbation. Lower C-reactive protein level at TCZ initiation and shorter duration to remission achievement were key to successful dose frequency reduction. Conclusion. Adjusting the dose frequency of intravenous TCZ is a useful strategy.