Tocilizumab , injections or infusions?

[LesBev]

Happy Wednesday fellow RA warriors. I am self injecting but the results are not fantastic after 6months. No side effects and I am feeling a bit better but my hands and feet are really swollen and painful by evening. Does anyone know if infusions are more effective for a Sero negative RA sufferer? Thanks all, X

[allanah]

I might not sure the delivery would make much difference , but I'll find out at the end if f the month as I start tcz by infusionnon 31 st!

I chose infusions as I already have four insulin injections a day and didn't fancy adding even more injections!

Good luck , maybe when Rheumy does your bloods he will see your esr blood inflammation has decreased during the treatment. Also it takes a few months to get into your system so how long have you been on it xx

[LesBev in reply to allanah]

Thanks allanah and good look on the 31st. Ive been on injections 6 months,no side effects which is itself a great thing! I just need it to work better!

[allanah in reply to LesBev]

My doc won't swap until I'm on a drug 9 months x

[LesBev in reply to allanah]

Ah, I guess that might be an issue. Thanks.

[Ozzy]

I started on infusions and now on injections, the only difference it made is that my white cell count is more stable on the injections. My crp and esr are both low so no swelling at all. I still have joint pain but that is due to damage caused before the ra was under control.

[LesBev in reply to Ozzy]

Thanks Ozzy, are you Sero negative?

[Ozzy in reply to LesBev]

Yes

[kalel]

Have you spoken to your rheumy about things? I don't have any experience with these infusions I am afraid but I do have experience with meds not working for me and in the end I decided to go and get myself some alternative therapy and doing things like exercise regularly etc.

I am not saying you should go down the holistic route like I did but for me I did not want to go from medication to medication and wait for something to work for me. I will say that trying to make sure your joints are as strong as they can be is one of the best ways to stop your joints getting damaged etc. All the best with everything.

[LesBev in reply to kalel]

Thank you, I do try and keep up with the foot exercises and get to the gym to cycle slowly as often as I can. Take care and thanks again.