Has anyone dealt with orencia and palpitations, some shortness of breath and or sinus infections? I've been on Orencia for 2 years and arava too. After every infusion, I seen to get a sinus infection and the last 3 months I have had palpitations. (echo was fine). I have been extra tired also.
What do you think?
Thanks
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eduk8
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Cant say anything with regard orencia but have been getting palpitations on and off since I had my first daughter (she's 36 now!). Docs haven't found any probs when I've had ECG's. (I think I have got them when I've been extra stressed)
I've just finished my 2nd lot of rituximab infusions (Tuesday) and have been awake half the night coughing and blowing my nose. I've also suffer from sinus infections on and off for years but was ok before the rituximab fix. Wonder if it's something to do with the weather ? (I've been on Arava for years).
I have 'palpitations', actually an extrasystole, which worries me from time to time. At present I have the distinction of having to wait six months for an NHS cardiology appointment to check it. I saw a cardiologist about 10 years ago privately and he told me what it was and that it was not something to worry about. At the time nobody was able to pick it up on an ECG. Recently the extrasystole became more frequent (they feel like missed heartbeats) and I had another ECG with the GP. He confirmed extrasystole and booked the NHS appointment. Since then the frequency of 'missed heartbeats' seems to have diminished. I have been taking various DMARDs over the last ten years or so - hydroxychloroquine, sulphasalazine, methotrexate, leflunomide, and now etanercept with MTX. I can't say that any one of them has actually caused this condition which is due to a fault in the electrical conduction mechanism of the heart. Possibly one or the other - maybe mtx or the enbrel may increase the occurrence of the heart problem, but there doesn't seem to be any firm evidence of this. I don't have any personal experience with Orencia or Rituximab.
I have tried so many RA drugs, a lot of them with the Arava. For years the Arava didn't bother me but it has caused me more problems then it's worth the last year. I have had heart palpitations, severe at times along with an allergic reaction which caused me to be on high doses of prednisone & oxygen. I believe Arava was the culprit! I told my Dr no more... I also have had my thyroid removed, and it could be your thyroid.. Worth the blood test. Good luck!
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