Tocilizumab

[Crystal197]

I have just had my first tocilizumab pen injection. How long did it take to work. I’m in a lot of pain as Enbral stopped working after the switch they introduced. I have been off any sort of treatment since Aug and as result the inflammation has spread to my feet and knees. Thank you

[rab1874]

Hi Crystal mine started working after a month but everyone’s different, this is my 3rd biological drug so here’s hoping. hope this the magic one for you xxx

[Crystal197 in reply to rab1874]

Thank you, I hope so too. Enbral was amazing until they did the switch.

[Silverpixie]

I started tocilizumab in August 2016 and had a steroid injection at the same time as I was bad. By the end of October I needed another steroid injection and thought "oh no another biologic that promises and doesn't deliver" but then Christmas came and I felt really well and I haven't looked back. The last 3 years have been amazing. I have a few issues with low white blood cell but I am still on tocilizumab. Once it started to work I saw improvements slowly for 8 months until I feel 95% my old self. Hope it works for you.

[Crystal197 in reply to Silverpixie]

Thank you Silverpixe. I’m really bad at the moment. I was not sure if they can give you a steroid injection . I had one in September but like you I need another one. I will be talking to my nurse today. Im so glad this is working for you.

[Silverpixie in reply to Crystal197]

Sorry to hear you're struggling. Tocilizumab was my 5th biologic so if this is only your second one there may be one that works for you if this one doesn't

[Crystal197 in reply to Silverpixie]

Yes it is my 2nd one. However only started 7th Nov 2019. So I do need to try with this first. As I’m really bad and until this starts working I need a steroid injection. Fingers crossed.

[Metal-legs]

Hi Crystal

I've been on tocilizumab injection for over four years, it's been fantastic. I had over 26 swollen joints when I first started, 4-6 weeks later all of the inflammation had gone. This drug won't give you an accurate CRP reading, my CRP has always been 1 even with bad flares, but you will know when it's working, hopefully your feet and knees will improve very soon. Best of luck, I really hope it helps you x

[Crystal197]

Thank you Metal-Legs. That’s positive to hear. I’m hoping that’s the case for me too.