Actemra and URI Management

[THClover]

Just administered my second Actermra injection after transitioning from infusions. Manufacturer reports incidence is >5% chance of developing a URI. I had a mild sore throat for one day after first poke. Now after second developed sore throat and nasal congestion for 4 days. No signs of serious infection. Looking for input from those of you taking Actemra. Are you temporarily stopping your medication with minor URI symptoms? Thanks in advance.

[RunnerJoe]

I've been taking weekly Actemra injections for almost 6 months. I had a cold for a couple of weeks, but no problems otherwise. I didn't stop taking the Actemra or adjust the prednisone dose while I had the cold.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You mean upper respiratory tract symptoms? Cough, sore throat?

I've been on Actemra for nearly 3 years, originally weekly and now bi-weekly injections. I have a slight sore throat and a bit of a tickly cough because of phlegm stuck at the top of my throat. It is listed as a side effect of Actemra and it has never made me stop the injections - I'd probably never have them if I did! I never gets any worse. And I wouldn't say it was a cold either.

Other than that I haven't had any signs of any other infections - I have always had UTIs and did stop the Actemra when I had one a couple of years ago but haven't needed to since - they just say wait until the symptoms have subsided and in 2 weeks they always have.