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 am on Xeljanz, but I am still getting flares in my hands and feet and elbows. I've had to do PT to get the elbows back to straight, but as soon as I do, I get a flare and the elbows go back to bent inwards.
My doc says to wait till 3 to 6 months in, which is when Xeljanz reaches its peak. It's been a long wait, so far. And my liver enzymes are rising, although my cholesterol is fine. Actemra made my cholesterol go sky high, although it never did before or since. So watch out for that! I hope your doc will test you monthly for that.
And I hope this works for you!