I have recently switched from Actemra to Tyenne due to insurance.
I have recently had to switch from Actemra injections to Tyenne due to insurance. Since the switch I am experiencing a lot of swelling in my feet and legs. Has anyone else had to make this switch and had similar experiences?
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I haven't make that switch, but I just googled "Can Tyenne cause edema", and I got this result for one website:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
...
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
...
Here is a link to the website - https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611004.html#:~:text=Some%20side%20effects%20can%20be,colored%20urine;%20or%20pale%20stools
I had some minor swelling of my feet and ankles from high doses of prednisone, but that faded as I tapered.
The active ingredient (tocilizumab) is similar for both, except the "AAZG" in tocilizumab in Tyenne is apparently Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine, an ingredient commonly used in anti-perspirants to block sweat pores. What purpose does it have in Tyenne? No idea. The other inactive ingredients are also different. I wonder if you're having a reaction to one of the new ingredients? I'd also be interested to know how others who have switched brands are doing.
TYENNE
Active ingredient: tocilizumab-aazg.
Inactive ingredients of Tyenne: arginine, histidine, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.
ACTEMRA
Active ingredient: tocilizumab.
Inactive ingredients of Actemra: disodium phosphate dodecahydrate/sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate buffered solution, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for injection.
Thank you for this. It is interesting that, since I have been taking it, I have started sweating again!! Haven't done that in years!! And it is supposed to block sweat?!
Thanks so much for the reply. I have called my doctor. We will see what she thinks.
Ask your physician to request a drug exception as you are experiencing unacceptable side effects. May take a month but I would not delay. Good luck.