Should I take Actemra injection when have possible cold?

[Elephants2019]

I currently have sore throat and am a bit congested. Not sure if I should hold off on injection. No one to call as weekend, so asking here if anyone else has experienced this, and what their course of action was.

Thank you!

[PastelsinArt]

I'm not sure I would miss a dose for a minor ailment. Have you tested to rule out it being Covid? I was on Actemra until recently and the reasons I skipped a dose were when I had shingles and after having any vaccination. However it shouldn't be a problem if you delay this week's until you can contact your doctor for reassurance.

[Elephants2019 in reply to PastelsinArt]

Thank you for your thoughts…since I am taking weekly injections, suppose you are correct, and not end of world to miss one week. I dislike not being sure of what to do-but I suppose with this disease, there will always be questions.

[Preacherball]

Any chance the sore throat might be a GCA flare? The reason I ask is that is what has happened with me. My GCA symptoms are primarily sore throat and sinus related, inflammation in that area. From what I've read, something like 5 to 10% of GCA patients present in this way. This makes things quite confusing, as these are also symptoms of a common cold virus, as well as covid. I'm also on Actemra, which suppresses the immune system, making one more subject to colds. The last time this happened with me I tested negative for covid, so my doc had me hold off one week on my Actemra injection, in case it was viral. I then went back on 10mg of prednisone, which in a few days cleared things up, and I'm now in a slow taper, down to 8 mg. So, in my case, it was a flare. If your GCA symptoms are the more common ones, jaw pain, headache, etc., this all may be irrelevant, but just thought I'd chime in with my story.

[Elephants2019 in reply to Preacherball]

As you referenced, cold symptoms mimic so many things with GCA, Covid, medicine side effects, possible gastritis (causing sore throat) or just a simple cold. I-had read side effects from Actemra could be stuffy nose, sore throat too, so did a pcr Covid test that came back negative . We had our 2 grandsons for 5 days(school just began in states), and caught cold from them. Daughter said their symptoms are mild…so fingers crossed my cold simply runs it course. I appreciate you sharing your doctors advise, hard to know what to do. But decided to skip injection this week, as do not wish cold to turn to something worse.I have not increased prednisone yet…had not thought of that.

Many thanks for sharing information! Most appreciated

[Elephants2019]

Thank you for reply, good information!

[Grammy80]

Hi, I just saw this. I've been on Actemra since 2019, weekly, and the only time I stopped it was when I had cellulitis. At that time I stopped it for six weeks, per rheumy. I personally, have never stopped it for any of the Covid shots either. I do not seem subject to the other infections, UTIs etc., that bother some folks. I'm just very lucky I guess. Finally, it has enabled me to taper my pred to single digits. I hope this helps....I'd have been lost without this forum and still rely on it!! My best to you.💕

[Elephants2019]

😊thank you for your reply! They are all most helpful! 🤗From the responses I have received, only one person was advised by doctor to stop Actemra for one week. In going forward, I will not discontinue shot, if I come down with a cold….it is so helpful knowing other’s experiences.