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Rash with Actemra injections?
Hi, I was diagnosed with PMR in Sept 2024, and wasn't able to taper off prednisone even with methotrexate. I started Actemra weekly injections Jan 2026. They have been going fine, but I developed a red bumpy rash around the injection site last week. It doesn't hurt or itch. I did my injection this morning and am waiting to see if it happens again. The rash area is no longer bumpy but it's still quite red. Has anybody else experienced this?
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I also get a rash at injection site. Red and itchy it isn’t uncommon per the actemra literature. My pcp said it was ok to use a mild cortisone cream which helps. I alternate sites but still happens although not til after being on it for several months.
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1 ReactionI do an Actemra infusion every month. I'm pre-medicated with 25 mg of benedryl and 650 mg of Tylenol before every infusion. I have never had any adverse reactions to my Actemra infusions. I was on Actemra injections before I switched to a monthly infusion and never had a rash. I have no known allergies to any medications.
The only thing Actemra does to me is prevent flares of PMR and several other autoimmune disorders that I have. I have been off Prednisone for 5 years. All my autoimmune disorders stay in remission as long as I do a monthly Actemra infusion.
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2 Reactions@sticksandbugs I am on Tyenne, the bio-similar drug to Actemra. My 4th weekly injection caused a raised red area to develop at the injection site. I sent pics to my Rheumy's office. The NP suggested I ice the area for 10 mins pre and 10 mins post injection. It seems to be working well for me. You could ask your doctor about this approach as another option.
@jabrown0407 Thank you, I’ll try that. I’m actually also on Tyenne, I just said Actemra because it’s more commonly used 🙂 The injection site this week was actually worse. So annoying. How are you doing on the Tyenne? It seems to be helping me
@dadcue that’s really great to hear that you’re off prednisone. That is my goal too.
After increasingly worsening injection site reactions despite taking blexten (antihistamine prescribed by my rheum), my most recent injection left me with severe arm cellulitis, and I have been instructed to permanently stop the injections and I have been taking antibiotics. Very disheartened as I think the tocilizumab was helping to reduce steroids.
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1 Reaction@sticksandbugs Did your doctor think you would have the same reaction to an infusion? Also, you could look into Rinvoq, which is a pill.
Thank you, she didn’t mention the infusion but wants to start me on Rinvoq. I told her I wanted to read about it first. I’ll ask about the infusion!
@sticksandbugs In ans on how am I doing. I'm into my seventh week of injections. Yes, Tyenne is gaining control of my PMR type pain. I haven't started tapering Prednisone yet. I see my Rheumy the end of the month and I expect her to start the taper then. I am having a few new pains that are revealing themselves as the Tyenne gains control over the IL-6 related pain.