Actemra sef Injection

Posted by frenchfrank51 @frenchfrank51, Mar 31 10:00am

Hello all.

I know it's a fairly simple question but, can anyone offer any advice on how to use the self injection pen for Actemra? I've not done it before and, although my rhumatologist gave me a prescription to have it done at home by a nurse, I'm having difficulty getting a nurse to do so. For a variety of reasons access to the village in which we live can be difficult so they tend to do their best to to avoid doing so.

The thing is that I feel really, really rough at the moment and don't feel I'm even up to starting a new medication never mind administering it myself without having a good idea about the do's and dont's beforehand, simple as they might be. Most of you, I Imagine, will know how that feels and any advice will help a lot.

Thanks in advance.

Frank

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papas | @papas | Apr 1 4:36pm

I would be talking to my rheumatologist about this - both times I was paused was the concern for infections and my body’s ability to handle them. Fortunately I did not have any problems. As a side note the Actemra was decided after I had an apparent GCA attack losing about 15-20% sight in my left eye in April 2024, starting 48mg Methylprednisolone tapering to 16mg Prednisone when I began the Actemra. My rheumatologist felt that was the best option for tapering quicker and lucky for me having good health coverage it was affordable. At my most recent visit we decided too continue for the summer at 2mg prednisone because I’m currently feeling either mild Prednisone withdrawal or PMR symptoms. I’m sure as you read more from this great group you will find that tapering below 5mg. can be challenging. best of luck and listen to your body.

frenchfrank51 | @frenchfrank51 | Apr 2 7:39am

In reply to @papas "I would be talking to my rheumatologist about this - both times I was paused was..." + (show)

Thank you again papas.

I'll post a question on the forum about infections and starting Actemra and see what people think. My rhumatologist seems very keen for me to start Actemra to help me feel better and possibly won't go through the process of testing or treating systemic infections first as that might take a while. I will ask her though once I've seen what responses I get from my post.