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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.
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1 ReactionI 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.
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1 ReactionI 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
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1 ReactionHave been taking medrol to control bullis permagoid for 5 years. Month ago had an IVIG infusion. So far no results.
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1 ReactionI take actemra shots 2x month
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1 ReactionHi...I have no experience with Actemra injections, but my infusion program--400 mg every four weeks--has been wonderfully successful for the treatment of my GCA...pain free and simultaneously on a rapid tapering from Prednisone...(now in second week of 4 mg daily, started, before Actemra infusion program, with 60 mg daily...)
I am sad about your discomfort from injections...my rheumatologist never considered injections as an option...
Be well, and
Peace,
W A Ewing
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1 ReactionHey, me too! Very successful for me, pain free and the accompanying Prednisone tapering is already down to 4 mg daily after starting at 60 mg daily...hapopy for both of us!
Newell, and
Peace,
W A Ewing
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1 ReactionI also started on prednisone 60 mg this past April for giant cell arthritis I am now on 10 mg of prednisone. Were you also diagnosed with GCA?
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1 ReactionNo. I have rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis intestinal lung disease (RAIL-D).
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