Tocilizumab

[Inanotherlife]

Can anyone using this remember how long before they felt any improvement, assuming it worked? Thank you

I did my first injection on Wednesday after 3 weeks off Baracitinib and was hoping that because things were so bad, I’d notice a slight lift.

I know they say usually a couple of weeks and possibly months for full effect but I usually get a little improvement in a day or so…

[ProudNannaof10]

About seven weeks for me and it's gradual but mine worked hope this helps.

[Brushwork]

I started to feel much better quite quickly. However, I’d taken a steroid intramuscular jab just before. Certainly, noticeable changes within weeks.

[Mojoint in reply to Brushwork]

Hi for me the initial impact was very subtle and it took about 12 weeks before I felt any substantial difference which at the time felt quite frustrating. Once it did kick in it was wonderful and has been life changing. The experience is different for us all but I would say don’t get discouraged that you haven’t felt instant benefits. Here’s hoping things improve for you in the near future.

[aliplayspiano]

It took a good 6 to 8 weeks before I started to see positive effects and by about three months I was much improved. I’ve been on it for nearly 6 years now and it still works well. When I started it I’d been on no medication for about three months and was in a pretty bad way. I was quite discouraged that it didn’t seem to be working but just kept telling myself to give it time and eventually I got there!

[allanah]

Took 12 weeks but I went onto infusions which worked immediately and gave me my life back the past 6 years .with no side effects!. Good luck

[Lolabridge]

I noticed an improvement after about 4 weeks of starting Tocilizumab (but I wasn’t on methotrexate or any other non-biologic DMARDS helping to mask my RA symptoms).

It took about 12 weeks to become fully effective and now it’s working well for me. So much so that I’m managing to reduce my Prednisolone dose very slowly and have got down to only 1mg daily. Hope to get off that altogether eventually 🤞🏻

So hang on in there! Hope you soon notice a significant improvement.

[Inanotherlife]

Thanks so much for your experiences, I appreciate it.

I was disappointed there isn’t any change at the moment and more so I think because the last two treatments didn’t work so was feeling disheartened and worried but I honestly feel lifted and hopeful by your replies. I’d just love some respite from the pain and fatigue for a while so fingers crossed.