Effective Desensitization to Tocilizumab in Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction

Pharmacology. 2018;102(1-2):114-116. doi: 10.1159/000490419. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Abstract

We present tocilizumab desensitization of a 47-year-old woman affected by rheumatoid arthritis with full body delayed erythematous urticarial reaction. Skin test for tocilizumab gave cutaneous reaction after 6 h at 20 mg/mL. The schedule of desensitization was then adapted for non-immediate reaction. We prepared a desensitization procedure reaching the cumulative dose of 516 mg in 5 weeks. After 6 months, the repetition of skin tests had a negative result, with demonstration of tolerance induction. Today the patient has good control of the disease.

Keywords: Delayed hypersensitivity; Desensitization; Tocilizumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Desensitization, Immunologic / methods*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / immunology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • tocilizumab