What is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful ...
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Starting on Actemra/Tocilizumab
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Just been reading alot of the posts re Actemra on the discussions site (from smark who was on drug trial in US and info posted by smooksmama) and other info about this new Roche drug.
My Rheumy has suggested that I start on Actemra (which I believe is approved in Europe) and is approved here in Australia (but not available thru government subsidy) & I can access it here thru special program. I have tried many drugs but seem reliant on Prednisone and have not had results from other biologics & dmards as hoped. I'm curious to know what you think about this new drug. I'm excited that I may be able to start on it but thinking thru the issues of being on a new drug.... I know it hasn't got approval by the FDA in the US and read about some problems with 'morbidity' in Japan. I've had RA for about a year & initially upon dx blood tests showed RF 1800+, CRP 57 and ESR 110. Dx was seropositive anti-CCP negative RA. I am not medically trained but I guess this means my RA is pretty bad and I try to muddle along and understand it more especially thru the helpful comments posted on DS. I would appreciate any suggestions or comments that you may have about Actemra. Thanks... Posted on 11/05/09, 04:11 am |
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I think it's great that you're able to start using Actemra so soon after your dx. That's unusual in the US, but being failed by drugs does shoot you up the list.
I'm excited about the prospects for Actemra. The reports from Japan were statitically no different than from trial or from other drugs. None of these drugs is perfect, and there wil always be a risk. This is the first drug (I believe) that's targeting IL-6, so it's a different mechanism rgan the rest of the pack. US approval has been delayed more for technical reasons, rather than efficacy. I'd be jumping at the chance, if it were offered me, and I'm very interested to hear others' experiences. That may be my next drug, given failures with other drugs. Good luck, and please keep us posted. doug 
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Anna:
I'm excited for you too. I agree with Doug's post - from what I've checked out, no real statistical difference on side effects. Good luck and please let us know how it works for you! Lynne
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Good luck with it and I hope it brings you much relief and puts you into remission for a very long time! Keep us posted.
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I have been in the research grouphere in the U.S, for 4 months and it seems it is working. This is the first month i have been ableto cut down my pred in 2 years. I am finally down to 10 mgs per day amactually feeling pretty well. We shall see, but so far so good. Hopefully the fda will approve it soon. DEB
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Thanks for your replies & comments about Actemra which I will be starting soon. I'll certainly keep you posted and hope that your med's are working well for you too.
Anna
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