1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Actemra and hives or itching on occasion? Weight gain?

Posted by ead @ead, May 3 12:08pm

I have RA and RAIL-D. I have been on actemra for a year with good results. However, I have gained 10 pounds and fine a few hives pop up at times. I also have itchy skin sometimes that is bad enough to drive me crazy! Anyone experience these things while on Actemra?

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gmh1939 | @gmh1939 | May 3 2:18pm

I've been on Actemra 6 months. It's working and no itching but 5 lbs weight gain and sky rocketing cholesterol!

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jeff97 | @jeff97 | May 4 9:32am

I have been taking prednisone for 10 months and Actemra for 9. I gained a few pounds and my cholesterol increased quite a bit, but both came back down as I tapered the prednisone to 5 mg per day.

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peppercat1 | @peppercat1 | May 18 10:50pm

Yes, I received actemra infusions from 2014 - 2016 and loved it. But I gained weight , 10 lbs the first year and 12 the following. I also had an itch that made me injure myself during sleep. Felt like I was peeling skin. We had to change to a new biologic and restart methotrexate. I lost weight but it took me time to do it.

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joann | @joanng | May 19 6:52am

weight gain yes but no allergic reaction -itching or hives.

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