side effects of actemra

[phopmann]

I need to find out if others who have taken Actemra to reduce Prednisone dosage have had any side effects from this drug? I have read of some pretty significant side effects and am trying to determine is pros and cons of this drug.

thanks,

Pam

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi phopmann.

Here's a link to information about Actemra (Tocilizumab), to get you started:

arthritisresearchuk.org/~/m...

You don't say what your condition is but I'm assuming it's something autoimmune in nature. This forum deals with Pernicious Anaemia (a different type of autoimmune disease, treated with vitamin B12 injections rather than immunosuppressants (though some also develop other autoimmune conditions too, so end up on immunosuppressants as well - me, for one 😉).

You'll get a better response from actual users if you find a HU community that better matches whatever co diction’s you have (I.e. lots of knowledgable folk in Lupus UK - but there are other condition specific communities too (i.e. RA etc.).

You could also search the drug via Google (or Google Scholar, for research papers).

Good luck, hope you find some answers.

👍

[phopmann in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks, Foggyme,

I actually have giant cell arteritis, not PA, but my intent was just to ascertain what types of side effects people have who take Actemra, regardless of their medical diagnosis. Is that not possible?

thanks,

Pam

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to phopmann]

Hi phopmann. You'll be unlikely to find any in this forum who take Actemra unless you hit lucky.

Try asking your question in the forum for Polymyalgia Rheumatica:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk

Or lupus UK: healthunlocked.com/lupusuk

Or Arthritis Action: healthunlocked.com/arthriti...

Or any forum that deals with systemic autoimmune conditions (look in the Hub section for the browse communities tab - if you search HU communities, there will be other forums where you could ask).

You'll get a better response from communities where members are more likely to be taking Actemra 😉.

Good luck 👍