Has anyone experienced interrupting Actemra for a general anaesthetic?

[Frenchduck]

I take my Actemra injection every 3 weeks now and it's due tomorrow. I heard today that I have an appointment for a routine, 3-yearly, colonoscopy in 13 days time and I will see the anaesthetist on Monday. In France colonoscopies are always done with GA and usually it's a 10-15 minute procedure and you wake up as soon as it is finished.

I would like to know if anyone has altered their pattern of injections due to a GA as it is something I want to raise on Monday. I am worried if there is a risk of a flare due to this procedure and if it's better to be in the middle of the injection cycle or should I be asking for the date of the colonoscopy to be changed?

Any advice, experience or words of reassurance would be greatly appreciated. I am well into my 3rd year with GCA and finished pred 19 months ago and so far, luckily I haven't had any flares.

[scottygirl73]

Hi in uk this procedure is done either with slight sedation or no sedation.I had this done about 4 years ago,as far as i am aware if you get Actemra by infusion and are getting a operation you stop it 4 weeks before but if you inject Actemra stop it 2 weeks before operation.I am uncertain if this would apply to the procedure you are going to have.I would speak to the Dr and get advice re this from them.Good luck.xx

[Frenchduck in reply to scottygirl73]

Thank you for your response. I'll ask on Monday.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I can't see why you would unless they expect to have to take biopsies or remove polyps which MIGHT increase a risk of infection. But the team in the endoscopy suite are the ones to ask in the first place.

[Frenchduck in reply to PMRpro]

The last time they removed a polyp. I will definitely consult before I sign anything. Thank you for replying.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Frenchduck]

I would phone them. When my husband was having them I went in and asked about something we weren't sure of.

[rustirose]

1st - congratulations on successfully using Actemra for several years without a flare! I'm using it too, and so far so good.

I honestly don't know if you need to stop it, or postpone it for your colonoscopy - I think that's something to ask your rheumatologist (or whoever prescribed it.) I will be following in your footsteps soon (with a colonoscopy), and am interested in what you learn. Best of luck with your GCA and your upcoming procedure. Would you pls. let us know what you opted to do, and how it worked out for you?

Sorry I couldn't be of more help!

[Frenchduck in reply to rustirose]

Thank you and yes I will let you know. It's the anaesthetist on Monday and the colonoscopy on the 20th.

[mngirl]

I did not have to stop actemra for my colonoscopy. I did for my knee replacement two weeks before and two weeks after. I was on 5mg.

[Frenchduck in reply to mngirl]

Thank you so much.

[Carver63]

Hi During my Actemra medication and downsizing of Pred.. i underwent dental surgery twice for implants. the effect on the body did cause a TA flare the first time and i was very sensitive to antibiotic issued. the second surgery went much better and the right antibiotic worked fine. I would recommend you consult the doctor as they can prescribe the proper type for these anti inflammatory products. FYI i was taking weekly injections.

[Frenchduck in reply to Carver63]

Thank you for your reply, that's helpful. I have another appointment today so I will mention it then.