Tocilizumab and weight gain

[peejay74]

Anyone noticed weight gain on this drug?

[Hidden]

I was reading an interesting article on weight gain and anti TNFs. I'm not sure if toc is an anti TNF but I'll see if I can find it again.

[davannh]

Yes yes yes! It is the only negative. I have been on Tocilizumab for over five years, (just changed to weekly injections) I have put on over two stone. I eat very little.

[creakybones in reply to davannh]

Yes it does put weight on as did most of biologics do the same thing. I have had tkr two months ago and had to come off tocilizumab for 4 weeks before the op and to wait until knee healed. I have lost over two stones. I looked really pregnant whilst taking tocilizumab and its not pleasant. Creakybonesx

[Littlefruitbat]

Me too! I've been on it for two years and put on two stone. Cholesterol is creeping up too. Trying to get it down by changing my diet as I don't really want to take statins.

[Lynnels]

Been on monthly IV Toc for a year and can't seem to lose any weight despite eating very little healthily. However I have also been on Prednisolone for 3 years, only managing to get off it 5 weeks ago (not that successfully as deteriorated) so had always blamed the weight gain (almost 4 stone) on that as steroids are known for it. Also now have a problem with my cholesterol which I'm gutted about as I eat hardly any fat at all. Can't even change my spread to a cholesterol lowering one as I don't eat spread/butter etc!!! All very frustrating. Bad enough coping with the RA stuff without the added 'extras'

[beeckey]

Yes i have put on weight on this too.Ihad been the same weight for years.The nurse at my appointment commented that my weight had been the same for years except when i was on sulpha when i lost nearly 2 st but went back to normal when taken off itbut now gained not sure how much to depressed to weigh myself.

[alibromo]

Hi Peejay. I was trying to think the other day when i first started to gain weight & in the back of my mind i did think its was when i started tocs. Ive been on it about 3 and a half years. I dont eat unhealthy but because of pain here there and everywhere i dont do exercise. Alison xx

[Rachelina16]

Yes, 2 stone within 12 months of starting IV now on subcutaneous injections and desperately trying to lose weight three years on

[dwsurquhart]

Hi Rachelina16,

I have only had my 3rd infusion the other day. Started beginning of December 2016. I have gained 1.5 stone or around 20 pounds. I go to the gym daily and do lots of cardio and cannot get the weight to come down. Quite frustrating when dealing with very painful joints to have the weigjt piling on.

Anyone have any sughestions to drop some weight while on tocilizumab?

I eat very little little and quite healthy, and have also been feeling heavy in the chest since having the IV infusion.

[Anisimova1999 in reply to dwsurquhart]

I have been on Actemra for two months now and have gained 2-3 pounds inspite of daily workouts for 30-40 minutes and eating healthy, an itchy pink round spot This is frustrating. If somebody has similar problems please share the solutions

[Matt30074755 in reply to Anisimova1999]

Did you find a solution?!

[ChristKing]

I was on it for over a year- maybe closer to two and gained 70lbd! I feel terrible at this weight and it feels like different type of gain than other drugs like prednisone. This gain is very stubborn and not coming off. Any ideas?

[Matt30074755 in reply to ChristKing]

Did you find a solution?