Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
A week ago today I had my monthly infusion of Orencia. During the treatment I started feeling strange and at about the half way point called the nurse over and told her I was feeling dizzy, disorientated, and basically out of sorts. They did BP and called my Dr. by this time the bag had nearly ran so we finished it. I was still feeling out of it. They kept me an additional 30 minutes for observation then escorted me to the Rheumy's office. He was upset, couldn't figure out what could have caused it, nothing was different this time than any other time. I should tell you that I was on Remicaid for 6 years and had an allergic reaction and was moved to Orencia which I have been on for about 2 years. Now the verdict is I will start Actemra as soon as the insurance gives their blessing. Any one out there on Actemra? If so is it working? I never felt like the Orencia was doing the job, way to much pain in the feet and ankles to be considered the answer, at least by me anyway, and I think I'm the one that counts. I'm hoping beyond hope, that this will work. I've read all the side effects and they are basically the same as all this biologic crap. Wish you all the best and hope you are feeling better than me. CB
I have been on Actemra for almost 6 months now and it has been the best drug I've been on since Enbrel (which stopped working for me, sadly). I take the sub-q injections, 162mg, once a week. I was told it would work quickly but it did take about 3-4 months to really notice a difference. I have not had any flare ups in months and the only noticeable swelling/stiffness I have is in my fingers and wrists in the morning but it goes away within an hour. I do also get headaches pretty frequently, not sure if that is from the Actemra or not, though. Overall, it's been great! I hope it works as well for you! Good Luck!! :)
As for the post about the two drugs I would have liked to have seen a little more response but I have never had much luck on this site with answers, which is why I departed the last time. Hope every one is having as good a day as possible, RA is a beast. Best wishes, CB
It has taken a few tries to get the right drug, and this one is working the best of the bunch. I know there can be some serious side effects, but I would like to have a good quality of life, which this seems to be giving me.
Actemra was the worst biologic I have been on. It made me sick to my stomach, knocked me out for 14 hours a day, and didn't stop the flares.
I was very disappointed that it did not work, as it is supposed to be good for severe RA.
I hope it works better for you than it did for me.
Not certain where the next step is leading to as I am like 2leftfeet, I have been on almost all the meds mentioned and they all have eventually stopped working. Still trying to find that right combo. Good luck with Acterma.
So comforting to have a flash from the past during onset days.
I did not progress to the big gun biologic s so I can't answer suggestions to your question. Just wanted to say hello and wish you all my best.
My wife saw my Rheumy later that day, he said her hip is bursitis an injected it in two places after manipulating and pushing on her bottom to find the tender spots. She is feeling better, thank God, I had visions of a hip replacement. CB
Hope Actemra works well for you. First time I had ESR and CPR readings in the normal range was when I was on Actemra infusions. However, had to stop it when I had lung surgery and then wasn't allowed back on it.