Actemra and positive covid

[Petcut]

Has anyone tested positive for COVID whilst on Actemra inj.? If so is it o.k to carry on with inj. or should you stop until all clear.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I suspect you should stop them until you are clear - but that is something the rheumy or rheumy helpline should be able to tell you. When is the next jab due?

Did you not get a fact sheet about stopping it for illness? The trouble is, it is impossible to find that sort of info otherwise because TCZ is used for severe Covid in hospital.

[Petcut in reply to PMRpro]

Hi next inj.due on Monday and I will be ringing the help line then,but just wondered if anyone on here had had any experience,

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Petcut]

There aren't that many on tocilizumab - it is only a small subset of the GCA patients - so the chances are not great that even if there are, they will see the question.

[SheffieldJane]

I would expect to be told to stop. Actemra really suppresses your immunity to everything.

[Petcut in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks x

[DeepThought2]

In the FDA information on Actemra (accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf... it is written: „If a serious infection develops, interrupt ACTEMRA until the infection is controlled“. I think, you need advice from a doctor how to proceed.

[Petcut in reply to DeepThought2]

Thanks,I will be contacting the help line on Monday .

[Sharitone in reply to Petcut]

And on my TCZ/ RoActemra PIL it says: (Point 2) Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using RoActemra..... if you have any kind of infection, short- or long-term, or if you often get infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel unwell. RoActemra can reduce your body's ability to respond to infections and may make an existing infection worse or increase the chance of getting a new infection.If you have tested positive , I hope you are having a mild version 🙂

[Petcut in reply to Sharitone]

Thanks,on day 9 of COVID and feeling livelier now, will be discussing the way forward with the reumy nurse on Monday

[Horsewhisper]

Hi Petcut, I got Covid in October last year, sought the advice from Rheumatology and the nurse advised me to stop using it until I was symptom free and feeling better. I only missed one week. Hope you are feeling ok.

[Petcut in reply to Horsewhisper]

Thanks for that info, I will be ringing on Monday