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Actemra weekly shot vs infusions. Experiences?
It may be that the weekly shot of actemra isn’t working so well anymore. The shot site swells up and turns black and blue, initially itching. Wrists and fingers are very tight, hard to lift or hold things with one hand. Dr. mentioned changing the med or trying the infusions. Anyone with feedback, please let me know your opinion. He also mentioned trying a different biologic. I can’t take methotrexate due to RA intestinal lung disease. Any and all opinions welcome!
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How long have you been on it? Where do you inject yourself? In your arm?
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1 ReactionI have been in it for about 18 months. I vary the injection site each week, right thigh, left thigh, belly at a “fatty” area. It has never bruised before. And never swelled, so those are a concern. My rheumatologist brought up trying the infusions vs the weekly shot. I wanted to research a bit, check in and see if anyone had feedback before I made a decision.
I was on it for 6 months, home injections as well at first. I started expelling the shots after every injection at the start of 7 month. Prior, every medication you can name. Methotrexate weekly for 2 years wasn't enough. The infusions are better with Methotrexate for me. Only result is lower abnormal labs in last 2 years.
I am receiving Actemra Infusions once a month for giant cell arthritis I will be receiving my third next week and so far no reactions At the same time I am tapering off of prednisone that I’ve been on since April