Tocilizumab is a monoclonal humanized anti-IL-6-receptor antibody used for the 
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The safety of tocilizumab in HCV patients is 
an open question. We report on safety and efficacy of tocilizumab in a 
71-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic hepatitis C. 
Monotherapy with tocilizumab (8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, i.v.) was prescribed after 
the discontinuation, determined by clinical inefficacy, of anti-TNF-alfa agents 
(adalimumab and, subsequently, etanercept). We have registered an optimal and 
rapid clinical response to tocilizumab with early remission (SDAI <3.3 since 4 
weeks). The safety was good with no adverse events and maintenance, during a 
six-month followup, of normal liver enzymes. These data suggest a good safety 
profile of tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic 
hepatitis C virus pathology.