No Actemra

[Spanky2019]

Just went to order monthly supply of tocilizumab/Actemra. For the first time ever I was told to call back next week to see if they have any. She said there is a shortage. Anyone else have this happen? I'm in midwest USA.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are short term supply issues because they can't keep up with demand due to it being used for Covid patients. It's been discussed on the forum in recent weeks and in the UK I think they are delivering a month's worth rather than the usual larger amount. I assume it will depend where you are in the US.

[Spanky2019 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you Pmrpro. I've always received 1 month supply cold packaged. I'm sorry I didn't see that discussed already. Hope you're having a good day.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Spanky2019]

Hey, no - not your fault! Miss a few days on the forum and there are probably 60 or 70 posts gone by!

[misha453]

I’m in Connecticut and my actemra is scheduled to arrive on 14 September. Right now My order says “processing” but I won’t know if it’s coming for sure until Monday as it ships overnight.

[baxternoni]

I am in the Houston area and saw my rheumatologist this week and he said there is a shortage of Actemra because they are using it with the COVID patients.

[MsDirecto]

I am in San Diego area. I usually get monthly infusions of Actemra in rheumy's office. Two weeks ago I found out, like many here in the USA, that they can't get the infusion materials because of demands for covid patients. I am waiting to get my first home injection syringe. I'll keep it cold and take to the doctor's office for instructions on self-injection. ?Question for you who are injecting at home: tummy or thigh?

🐬

[SheffieldJane in reply to MsDirecto]

I always inject in alternate thighs, avoiding freckles and moles and avoiding the same spot if possible. I allow the injection to reach room temperature ( about 40 minutes) it doesn’t sting so much. The legs are just a personal preference. I put a plaster on straight away.

[scottygirl73 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I have 3 injections left,got letter about shortage said i would receive call about it still waiting.I am in Scotland.x

[SheffieldJane in reply to scottygirl73]

I haven’t heard from my supplier. Because of a couple of infections and antibiotics, I have a few doses in hand.

[scottygirl73 in reply to SheffieldJane]

One of my injections would not deploy needle,first time ever since i started it.Xx

[SheffieldJane in reply to scottygirl73]

I got one wrong and it squirted all over my bedroom. The delivery people just replaced it free of charge whew!

[Spanky2019 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes, I have a couple also. It'll be interesting if supply demand can't meet needs. What a changing world we live in. Can't predict anything. Have a great day.

[Spanky2019 in reply to MsDirecto]

I prefer tummy. Tried it in thigh and it was painful. Very simple procedure. It'll be interesting to see how we do if we're inable to get supplies. Best wishes!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Spanky2019]

The nurse who trained me divided my front upper leg into quadrants and advised injecting them in turn, if that makes sense, so it’s front upper alternate legs, each week.

[Suzita76 in reply to MsDirecto]

I’ve been self injecting in the tummy for 2 years, with absolutely no problems ( alternating sides each time, and allowing it to reach room temperature- about 30 minutes). Unfortunately, I’m about to run out of injections. (I’m in the UK). Roche wrote to me to say they were having production problems, and my home delivery service texted me 5 weeks ago to say they’d be delivering a month’s supply each time instead of 2 months, to try to make sure everyone got what they needed, but I’ve heard nothing since.

I went to 2-weekly ( instead of weekly) injections to try to eek out my supply, with seemingly no ill effects., but I haven’t had a delivery since the end of June. Hey ho, we must count our blessings- we don’t live in Afghanistan!

[Spanky2019 in reply to Suzita76]

Yes, We are fortunate in so many ways!

[jarn in reply to MsDirecto]

Tummy injection is easiest; tried leg but happier with tummy, if you make a bit of a roll & inject.

[Spanky2019 in reply to jarn]

Yep, I agree. My tummy roll accommodates the injection very roll. For once a little extra fat works for me

[baxternoni in reply to MsDirecto]

Tummy

[baxternoni]

If Actemra is unable, my rheumatologist will put me on Kevzara which is very similar to Actemra. My neuro-ophthalmologist is in agreement.

[Spanky2019 in reply to baxternoni]

Thank you for that info. I see my neuro-ophthalmologist Monday. Not sure my rheumatologist knows yet that I haven't gotten latest Actemra delivery. Have a great day.

[misha453]

My Actemra injections arrived today in Connecticut right on schedule. I receive a 3 month supply at a time (6 injections) since I take it every two weeks. Hopefully, any supply issues in other locations are being resolved.

[Spanky2019]

Genentech contacting my dr to get written rx for prefilled syringe. Nurse said shortage is not the medication but injector pens. Who knows anything for sure these days. But they are very nice and helpful there.