User Reviews for Actemra intravenous

I have had RA for 13 years, been on all the other drugs. Being an RN am very cautious about new meds, but have had cancer 4 times as well so, 2 and a half years ago went on Actemra (along with MTX and Leflunomide...no NSAIDS as I required 4 units of blood from a clotting disorder related to them after using for all those years!)...this drug is a miracle. I have had no side effects and my Rheumatologist prescribes it to me every 21 days so I don't have that week of hell the 7 days before my next infusion. THIS drug saved my life!Read More Read Less

I was introduced to Actemra by my Rheumatologist who put me in a 5-year study. Now, 2 years after my participation in the study came to an end, I get monthly infusions at my rheumatologist's office. This drug has been amazing for me -- I rarely need even Tylenol for pain. The last week prior to my next infusion I get a little stiff and sore, but nothing unmanageble. I had large nodules on both elbows -- which totally disappared after 7 or 8 infusions!

I have had seven treatments so far. It has worked very well. No side effects.

I've had infusions for RA for years when my doctor suggested Actemra. It's the only time I've felt a drug for RA while it was going into my body. Right before finishing, I got a bad headache. I had severe headaches daily for the next month. Towards the end of the month, I was watching a movie when my blood pressure went through the roof and one arm started flailing uncontrollably. I went to the ER until my BP went down and my arm settled-a visit that cost me $2,500 out of pocket. I've had uncontrollable shaking in that same arm and my R foot three times since then, the most recent being last week. I wouldn't take the drug again if I was paid to do it!Read More Read Less

I have been on actemra for 4 months now with what seems like litle benefit but last week before my treatment I am in terrible pain and lots of swelling in my arms and hands. So it may be doing something but not enough. Ive been on remicade, orencia and humira and with and without MTX which provided either little relief or develoed severe allergic reactions.

I have been on this for only 3 months so im waiting for results.

I have just had my 25th infusion and am delighted with the results, because I have my life back! I do notice that the week before the infusion is due I am very well aware that the effectiveness has worn off. I have had a reduced dosage the last two infusions due to a slightly raised liver function test. I am hopeful of having a full dosage again next time.

My 4.5 year old daughter has been receiving Actemra infusions since February 15, 2012. She has needed a very large dose (30 mg/kg) to bring her systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis under control and thus far, while the Actemra is helping her systemic symptoms, her joints remain very affected by arthritis. She has had injections of cortisone into her joints twice in an attempt to help. The only thing that truly helps her arthritis is high-dose prednisolone, which is not something we can safely keep her on. Her rheumatologist told me this past Wednesday (Aug 22, 2012) that there are some people who get relief of systemic symptoms but no real relief of arthritis while on Actemra. Unfortunately, my daughter falls into that category. Her doctor & I will be discussing long-term treatment options next week. I don't know if she will continue with Actemra or not. Her arthritis is extremely debilitating ~ she does not use her hands at all, cannot walk and experiences pain every day. Actemra has helped make it possible to get her off of prednisolone without having a major flare-up, but it is not actually helping with her arthritis (just the systemic symptoms).Read More Read Less

I am 37 years old i have been on this medication for a year now its working for me I was scared at first i had GI problems the first 3 infusions but that has went away if I miss one infusion I feel all the pain worse than prior to using this med so if your on tis medication dont stop you will have terrible pain and stiffness and at that i was only a week late getting my infusion due to high blood pressure I also take 5mg of prednisone daily with this infusion my bones feel great and im back at work part time te only problem i have with this is spikeing blood pressure but i now take norvasc 5mg daily for that and my blood pressure is back to normal i get alot of heart burn but i take tums for that dont give up on this medication it really does help it has helped me and ive had RA since I was 16 years old The Gi pain does go away Read More Read Less

Been taking about one year, have no side effects other than if I get a cold it seems to take longer to rid, I believe it has helped quite a bit with mobility and swelling of joints. It does not seem to help me have any pain relief so I still take morphine for pain. I have found it works better with prednisone however other patients say it does relieve pain for them. It is a pain to have to go every month and get the injection but have tried all the other injectibles and this seems to work better so will continue until something better comes along. For those of you who have said no insurance, contact the maker they have a program to furnish free in most cases. I was getting it free until I got on medicare. Now it is 4800.00 a month, no wonder the government is broke. :)Read More Read Less

My disease (GCA) and the prednisone it is treated with are slowly eating away at me. I've been on 100-45 mgs. pred for 20 months while using methotrexate and Enbrel in an effort to use less pred. In the last 7 months I have relapsed every time I have tried to taper. GCA will kill me quick and prednisone will kill me slow. Already got diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, ect. from it. Actemra has to work!

so far it has worked for the pain. time will tell

I have only had 1 infusion 2 weeks ago. I had quite a bit of GI problems for the first couple days. I also had a severe headache that lasted about 4 days. I need feed back/replies on emotional outburst. I have cried more than not since my infusion and need to know if anyone else has expeirenced this or if it is caused from something else.

I have been takeing it about 4 monyhs ,now i have no insurencss ,what can i do .

i have had trouble with upset stomach and feeling sick most of time.

Nine year old daughter no symptoms. Some loss of appetite. Love thus drug. Anxious for it to be in injection format. Next year!

First drug to work for me and have been on it for a year now. But, the side effects are mounting and I feel as though I may have to stop it. Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low blood count, low potassium, and my skin is so thin that it just peels off. Breaks my heart because RA is better.

I have severe RA and was diagnosed over 8 years ago. Tried everything from prednisone to plaque nil to methotrexate. Participated in a clinical trial for this drug and by the end of year one I literally forgot I had RA. All morning stiffness disappeared, and on occasion minor aches appeared in my hands and a shoulder now and then. This drug Was amazing. I was extended on the drug and did a lasting 5 year study. Never had one side effect. All organs are fine. But sadly now, my trial ended in June 2011 and slowly I have started feeling pain again...I have no insurance so I'm not sure what to do now. Read More Read Less