I am getting to the end of the list of drugs I can try and Actemra is next. Please let me know how you are doing on it. I will be praying today for you. Will you also 'friend ' me so I can keep up with how you are doing? Thank you so much and godspeed.

I was on the Actemra as a research before ir was approved by the FDA. It has been doing pretty well. I get it once a month. I think it has helped a lot. I have been on almost everything. The only side effect I get is extreme fatigue for a day or so after the TX and my skin is extremely sensitive. Good luck and keep in touch. I am an RN and have had RA since 1989. (over 20 years, time flies when your having fun.)

I have been in a study and on Actemra for almost 5 years. I have to say I truly like this drug. Prior to going on Actemra I was in a pretty bad way. I had lost my insurance and ended up in a pretty severe flare. I generally needed help just to stand up.
I was lucky enough to get into the study and I can say I did notice a difference early on in treatment. I do not notice any adverse issues with getting the treatments, and usually go directly to work and often work a 8 hour shift afterwards.
While my results have been very good with this drug, you really need to communicate with your doctor and decide what is best for you.

Like snooksmama I have almost hit the end of the line with drug options. All that remains untried is rituxan and actemera. My rhuemy is hesitant about both. That makes me especially nervous. So far the Orencia is helping enough to get through the days, but I am interested to know how you react to the actemera. My biggest concern with that drug is the potential side effect of elevating chlorestral levels significantly. I already have hi cholestral so am reticent about actemera for that reason alone. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Yea I feel like I've practically tried everything I'm getting so frustrated and even wondering since nothings working if I even have RA. I'm on orencia now with no effect and Actemra is my next option. I am not a religious person but still I pray for all of us to find some relief.

My RD asked me if I'd like to be in a non-placebo study with the stuff. I was seriously considering it till I spoke with someone who was doing trials before it came out in the States, and they told me about their horrible reaction to it. While theirs is rare, and the very few who have died from it (15 as of last March), my doc says it really shows promise. I'll be wathcing this thread, I really want to learn more.

The TB is my fear, I have had that once not a picnic.