Actemra infusions vs injections

[pwalker801]

2 questions Actemra infusions vs injections

1. Was on Injections for 3 yrs taken off because of possible sarcoidosis. Now in flare & put on infusions. The fatigue after infusion was debilitating. Has this happened to anyone else?

2. Rheumatologist has me on 12mg prednisone, Actemra infusions & methotrexate. Is this normal? I would think I would either be on Actemra or methotrexate?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The clinical trials with Actemra for GCA were done with injections - I don't know why since I think both are used in RA. As a result, approval (as far as I know) was granted for injections not infusions so I suspect it then does depend on the funding approval in your healthcare system.

Some rheumies seem to use this cocktail - it is normal in RA but GCA isn't RA. I really don't know the rationale behind it in GCA. In RA it may be because MTX reduces the risk of joint damage because of how it works whereas the biologic doesn't have that effect. The fundamental difference is that Actemra is more likely to work than MTX - but you'd have to argue that with your doctor!