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Anyone have experience with Actemra (Tocilizumab)?

Posted , 5 users are following.

mary76396
mary76396

My Rheumatologist has changed my biologic DMARD from Cimzia, once a fortnight injection to Actemra once a week injection. Has anyone else had Actemra? Are there any disadvantages to taking it? I'm also on 20mg of MTX.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • tony35673
    tony35673 mary76396

    Posted

    Yep, I was on Actemra for a while, did absolutely nothing for me though.   It's just another med, they all have side effects that are very, very similar.   With luck, it may work for you.   Don't worry about side effects they may not bother you at all, they didn't me except for minor bruising.   Everyone is different and every one reacts differently to RA meds.

  • elspeth97587
    elspeth97587 mary76396

    Posted

    I started the injections last year as Etanercept had stopped working. I haven't had any problems at all. Also have 25mg sub cut Methotrexate once a week. Hope it works for you.

    • mary76396
      mary76396 elspeth97587

      Posted

      Thanks Elspeth, I have been lucky so far that I don't have reactions to MTX (other than liver problems occasionally) or Cimzia. However I've been having a few flares recently, pain and stiffness in my hands and wrists but also pain and stiffness affecting my hips and knees which is why  Margaret my Rheumatologist has decided on the change to Actemra. I just hope I continue to be reaction free with this new one.

  • meg83590
    meg83590 mary76396

    Posted

    Hi Mary I have been on Actemra for about 6 months. I have had no side effect apart from lowered wcc, however I have not had any infections at all. The best part is that all of my symptoms have completed subsided especially my debilitating fatigue. I hope it work well for you too.

    All the best!

    • mary76396
      mary76396 meg83590

      Posted

      Hi Meg, thanks for your input, it has put my mind at rest. I have been on Cimzia for a year and although not perfect with a few flares and still really exhausted all the time I had no real problems. When Margaret, my Rheumatologist, suggested changing I resisted but six months later and having more flares and having to take Predisnolone to stop them I've given in. I know quite a few names of different biologics from this site but I hadn't heard of Actemra before. It's good to know you've had such good results. Thank you. Mary

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