← Return to Anyone tried Actemra (Tocilizumab) to treat PMR? FDA approved for GCA

Discussion

Anyone tried Actemra (Tocilizumab) to treat PMR? FDA approved for GCA

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: May 21 8:50pm | Replies (107)
Comment receiving replies
@normank

afternoon all,

I have been on Medrol 16mg, Exinef 90mg, and colchicine .5mg for the past 14 months, 4 weeks ago I was finally diagnosed with PM and AR. My IL6 count was 79,6. My rheumatologist suggested I go on Actemra. I received my 1st dose of injections today, however, sometimes being my own worst enemy I read up on the side effects of the drug and was wondering how many of you experienced the most common side effects.

Jump to this post

Replies to "afternoon all, I have been on Medrol 16mg, Exinef 90mg, and colchicine .5mg for the past..."
DadCue | @dadcue | Aug 17, 2023

"The most common adverse reactions (incidence of at least 5%): upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension, increased ALT, injection site reactions. "

My ALT is elevated but it isn't clear what is causing that. I was evaluated in the liver clinic to see if Actemra should be stopped. The liver clinic doctor wasn't concerned at all. She said a fatty liver from long term prednisone use has likely caused some liver impairment but not enough to worry about.

Serious infections are possible while taking Actemra. I haven't had any serious infections ... not even Covid.

I can't identify any side effects that I would attribute to Actemra only. I have been on injections and infusions for more than 4 years. Actemra allowed me to taper off prednisone. My side effects from long term prednisone use were numerous.

My rheumatologist thinks I'm better off being on Actemra. There are monitoring labs that should be done routinely. I was also screened for diverticulitis and latent TB before starting Actemra.

VIEW AND REPLY