Tocilizumab related adverse events: A cross-section analysis of FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

ABSTRACT

AIM: To analyze the adverse events (AE) of tocilizumab by using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. METHODS: AE reports related to tocilizumab were extracted from the FAERS database. Disproportionality analysis of reporting odds ratio (ROR) and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) methods were performed for safety signal detection. RESULTS: A total of 19 773 reports associated with tocilizumab as the primary or secondary suspected drugs were extracted from the FAERS database between July 2014 to March 2019. AEs of drug ineffective, pain, drug intolerance, fatigue and rash were commonly reported. There were 13 642 serious AE reports, and 602 reports of death outcome. The proportion of serious and death outcome AEs of male patients was significantly higher than female, and these proportions were significantly higher in children and elderly compared with others. Respectively 602 and 490 of tocilizumab signals were detected by ROR method and MHRA method, including common AEs such as infection, drug hypersensitivity, leukopenia, and hepatic enzyme increased, and signals not indicated in label, for instance, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, pancreatic toxicity and demyelination, were also detected. CONCLUSION: The commonly reported AEs of tocilizumab include drug inefficiency, pain, drug intolerance, fatigue and rash. Pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, pancreatic toxicity and demyelination, which not indicated in label, should be further assessed and be cautious in COVID-19 treatment.