Hello all I am wondering what are the most common side effects people experience from taking biologic drugs or in fact general RA drugs. I am on Tocilizumab. I have been experiencing the following symptoms for the last few months and I am trying to work out (if possible) what may be causing them. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have been taking my present medication for approx 1yr. I am 54 yrs female. The drug controls the RA well. I presume they could be caused by RA itself, menopause, drug side effects, I have read about Sjorens, even irritable bowel. Also symptoms could come from a mixture of things 🤔
😊
SORRY ABOUT THE BIG GAP! PRESSED THE WRONG BUTTON!!
😂😯😊
🙄
😀
😀
😎
I am not asking for medical advice as such, I know we are not supposed to do that, but just an idea of what others experience.
I experience the following symptoms, which can vary as to how bad they are. I have a few days when they are worse and then better days or even a week or so when much improved.
Symptoms
Dry, gritty eyes, with varying blurred vision.
Thirst, dry mouth and lack of saliva.
General feeling of digestive upset. Metallic taste in mouth, acid indigestion some nausea
Sudden feeling of heat in my body.
On waking in the morning the above symptoms can be worse with a feeling of full head almost like a hangover, groggy, hard to concentrate, slight headache, very thirsty and fatigue
Some days bad fatigue, others much less some days none.
So any thoughts welcome. Best wishes to you all
Written by
Mouseling
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
In fact there are no “most common” side-effects from biologic drugs or RA drugs. Everybody experiences different effects from every drug we take.
Maybe nausea could be described as a common side effect ..... But on the whole it is best to approach your drugs with the idea they will help you not keep wondering what side-effects you are going to get from them.
If you are constantly experiencing all the symptoms you list ....you really should make an appointment to see your rheumatology nurse and talk things through. All or none of them could be drug side effects...or they could be symptoms that need addressing.
I think many of the symptoms in your list could be attributed to the RA and some of the other delightful (not!) ailments that come with it, like Sjogren's syndrome.
But I agree with Aged Crone that it's a good idea to contact your patient advice line/rheumy nurse to discuss these symptoms.
I have tried the biosimilars Benepali (Etanercept) and Truxima (Rituximab) as I had bad reactions to all the usual (cheap!) DMARDS; the former didn't work sufficiently for me but Truxima appears to be working well. I've not had any significant side effects from either.
Contrary to some... I believe it to be advisable to be aware of all potential side effects of any drug you are offered. The leaflets and guidelines are printed and supplied with all meds for a very good reason.
I would suggest that your symptoms are very like the Sjogrens, symptoms. Indeed, I along with RA, have Sjogrens (for about 7 years now). Sjogrens on its own can be very difficult to cope with and adds to the fatigue we suffer with RA. It can make me feel very unwell, it definitely affects my stomach causing symptoms that are much like IBS. It's very difficult to distinguish what is causing which problem we are experiencing, which is why I like to be fully informed of all symptoms and side effects of everything I have and I take.
Your RA specialists do not live with you 24/7. We sometimes forget to mention some of the things that are a problem when we see them, its almost impossible for them to have a complete picture. We need to be aware, we need to be pro-active.
I agree Brushwork - do you think sometimes people can focus too much on side effects though? This in turn can prohibit you from wanting to take your meds. I was like this, it was comments from HelixHelix that made me think differently about taking meds. More focus on how these drugs do help as all meds/drugs have some form of side effects was my thinking. The damage RA was doing also was a big player for me. Take care, Hessie 😌
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
New here. I am waiting on a referral to a rheumatologist. My gp diagnosed me based on a blood test that shows a positive rh factor.
Side Effects: Moving to Biologics 
biologics side effects 
Methotrexate, side effects & work
Medication side effects or infection?
