I have been on a monthly infusion of Actemra for about a year. I started with Actemra injections every 2 weeks on Jan 1st, 2019. In four years of taking Actemra, I haven't had any serious side effects directly linked to Actemra.

I had many problems during 13 years of prednisone use. I developed a long list of medical conditions ... some of which required emergency room visits and hospitalizations. It was one problem after another.

I continued to have medical problems after Actemra was started but my symptoms stopped. I'm probably in remission but I still do Actemra infusions.

I was able to get completely off prednisone in about a year after Actemra was started. Not only did I taper off prednisone, I was able to discontinue several medications that were used to treat prednisone side effects. My overall health and well being has improved dramatically since Actemra was started. I no longer have some of the prednisone related health conditions I once had.

I hope to never need prednisone again. I haven't had any problems with infections or anything serious while on Actemra. Side effects from Actemra are possible but I think I'm better off being on Actemra compared to prednisone.

My rheumatologist doesn't know when I will be able to stop Actemra but at least I know Actemra can be stopped. People can get stuck on prednisone and it isn't easy to come off of it.