Actemera side effects??

[jarn]

Just a followup to one of my early posts as I find that the Actemera did promote some skin eruptions: i.e. psoriasis appeared on neck as well as some funny skin formations on my legs. (like a skin bubble) However, am off the drug now for 4wks and have found that the swelling of my arthritic fingers has gone down substantially. After starting the drug, the fingers became swollen and sore. So, am suggesting that the drug didn't agree with me perhaps? Just throwing this out there. Would appreciate your ideas. Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Like all drugs it does have side effects which may be bearable if the effect on the symptoms is beneficial. On the other hand - it is all a balance. As far as I can tell I have no unwanted effects - but it is difficult to tell really,.

[jarn in reply to PMRpro]

That's good to hear. And am sure we are all affected differently. Happy to hear that it is working for you. Continued good luck. Appreciate your response.

[winfong]

I think it works great for most folks. I, however, got a perforated colon! Had to switch to leflunomide, which seems to be working fine.

[jarn]

Appreciate your response and I agree; just that I had noticed these skin pbms. Otherwise, think it works well

[LemonZest11]

Hi jarn, no noticeable side-effects for me. Blood tests showed neutropenia, but that is under control. It has been very effective for me.

[Plains]

I have been doing infusions once a month. I have developed bumps on my upper arms and forearms. They are very itchy along with my back. They started to appear about a month ago. I have been on the Actemra since October. I am going to mention it to my doctor. It could be from the autoimmune disease, crest I have. Are yours itchy?

[jarn in reply to Plains]

Sorry for late response, but YES to itchiness. I keep discovering more itchy spots on back of neck as well as shoulders. Have odd spots other places and they just appear at first like a bubble/scab which I then pick at! But definitely itchy. It has been 6months since I stopped the drug but wondering if after effects still in the blood stream.

[Plains in reply to jarn]

thank you so much for responding! Much appreciated

[jarn]

Appreciative of the responses. My blood tests are just fine and have improved along my path. My rheumy feels that the Actemra has been a bonus and am happy that I have weaned off it, however. No, my skin irritations are not itchy, except for the psoriasis. The other skin patches are just something I noticed as I was towelling off after bath/showers. Very clear wee bits of skin that I tried to scratch off! Just thought I would share that. Good luck to all of you. It is a journey, isn't it? Chimo