acterma

Posted , 6 users are following.

I had my first acterma infusion yesterday.

It was started at 9:30 a.m. and appx. 2 p.m. I started getting terrible heartburn. It got worse as the day/evening went on (massive heartburn). I take Prevacid every day. I took an extra Prevacid and was taking Pepto Bismol.  This continued until appx. 2:30 a.m.

They told me this was the low dose. Next month it will be doubled and that will be the dose each month.

Wonder if there is anything I can do to prevent it happening or what would help once it starts?.

I'm fine today.

Looked up the side effects and heartburn was one of them.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    What is Acterma?                                                                           
    • Posted

      A monoclonal antibody (biologic) drug, used for rheumatoid arthritis, which has recently been approved for use in GCA. It is administered either as an infusion or weekly injections. It blocks the production of IL-6, the cytokine that is most likely involved in causing the inflammation of GCA.
    • Posted

      Brand name, Actemra, for tocilizumab, a new drug as described by Eileen.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.