Actemra (tocilizumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. This biologic therapy is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. Actemra has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, slow the progression of joint damage, reduce joint tenderness, and ease everyday activities. Actemra works by blocking the receptor sites for IL-6. IL-6 is a protein that can cause inflammation of the body’s immune cells. Blocking this process helps to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.