I was on Humira but it didn't work so Dec.23 I start Actemra infusions. I am nervous but if it works that would be wonderful. Good luck!

Just want to wish you, Stacey and free, all the best for Actemra infusions. I had no problem at all with the actual infusion, but unfortunately, due to staph infections which took months to respond to antibiotics and then having to stop in August for surgery in September, it really didn't have a chance to work properly and I have now started on Rituxin infusions every six months.
However, I spoke to several people at the hospital infusion centre who said that Actemra had given them their lives back. I so hope this will happen for both of you.

I was on Actemra - giving myself weekly injections. For the most part,I felt it did a good job. However, while I felt good, my Dr felt I still had to much inflammation (CRP was over 10). Again, I felt good on it.

Now I am on Rituxan. This is my 6th drug. This one - so far - has been the best. Hopefully, this will be the one - I am running out of options.

Angelpuss- i'm so sorry that you weren't able to see the full effect of Actemra. I hope you have better luck on Rituxin! :)

2leftfeet- I will be giving myself the weekly injections as well. I've had that same inflammation problem when I was on Enbrel the second time around. Hopefully that won't happen again. So happy Rituxin is working for you! :)

free- Good luck to you as well! I did not like Humira. It was ineffective and it always gave me bad injection site reactions. :(

I am at the same cross road now in my treatment. In the next 3 months my doctor is going to re-evaluate my meds now. I am on Orencia and I feel it has not been working at all for my severe R.A. and osteo. whats so ever. My biggest problem other then the medication is that I am unable to use NSAIDS at all since im on Coumadin with a blood disorder. I am surely open to any suggestions. Thank you all and Have A Merry Christmas. As for me, im going to try my best in keeping a smile on my face as I am so swollen right now.

I am doing the Actrmra infusions (mainly because I am tired of sticking myself with needles). I go for one infusion every 4 weeks. I think it's helping....I don't feel as bad as I did prior to beginnng the infusions (I have only had 4 so far)....but I am noticing that I seem to be super tired all the time lately. I have my next infusion on March 6th, and an appointment right after that with my rheum, so I will discuss things with her and see where we go from there....

I started Actemra injections every other week in January. This week will be my 4th injection. I don't feel that the Actemra is giving me much relief. Can anyone tell me how long it took to start working for them? My doctor wants me to have at least 6 injections before we decide what to do.

Thanks, Carole

I was on Actemra, had about 12 injections. It was helping, but not as much as my Rheum wanted. So, now I am on my 6th biologic - Rituxan. I get an infusion every 4 months. All of the biologics had helped me some, but Rituxan is the very best so far for me.