Fulminant Liver Failure due to Hepatitis B Reactivation During Treatment With Tocilizumab

Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-6 receptor that is frequently used for the treatment of refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Since patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were excluded from pivotal trials, the risk of HBV reactivation with this novel drug class remains uncertain. We present the first case of tocilizumab-associated HBV reactivation resulting in fulminant hepatic failure and a need for liver transplant. Our findings underscore the need for prophylactic antiviral therapy in patients being treated with novel immunosuppressive agents.