Tocilizumab injection vs infusion

[PM193]

Hi all hope you’re all ok.

I was on tocilizumab infusions until last month but was switched to injections because of COVID. Have any of you found the injections don’t work as well as infusions? I’ve found I am getting flare ups now and I’ve done the injection for two weeks but the infusions I didn’t have a flare up at all.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks

P

[allanah]

Yes me ! and also my nurse told me other patients noticed it too. So I went back on the infusions and feeling better for them.

[Ozzy]

I changed to injections over two years ago and found that They are better than the infusion for me. No highs and lows and no headaches. I am in clinical remission with this drug

[PM193]

Thanks guys, I guess everyone is different. I have asked to go back on the infusions now as I’ve had to take my steroids back up because of this flare up 😭. Take care, P

[weymouth321]

Due to Rituximab infusion being ineffective ( given last November 19 ) am due to see Rheumy consultant 29 th June to discuss Tocilizumab infusion - have you any side effects like weight gain ?

[beeckey]

Yes me i was on infusions for years and on injections for a while but i noticed that the latter was not as good and the last few months they have now stopped working.I am in agony cant lift my arms sat up in my chair the last 2 nights as it is painful to lie on them.

[weymouth321 in reply to beeckey]

Hi Beeckey ,

Have you gained weight on Tocilizumab?

[beeckey in reply to weymouth321]

Yes but not any other side effects but it has stopped working for me completely feeling very unwell at the moment and cant get anything done because of bloody virus

[weymouth321 in reply to beeckey]

Hi Beeckey ,

So sorry Tocilizumab has stopped working for you - how long have you been taking it ?

[beeckey in reply to weymouth321]

7years