Is anyone taking actemera? I took rituxan every 6 mnths for 3 years and it started to wear off faster each time, I have since started actemra (6/4/10) this 1st infusion went well but I have been suffering the symptoms of a cold ever since with a headache that won't stop my joints feel the same and to add to it all I had a rash on the front & back of my torso. Does it cause you any side effects how long before the RA calms down?
6/18/10 2:27am
Yep, talk to your doc. Unfortunately the med was an infusion and you can't stop the med like you could a pill or injection. Give you doc a call to find out if there is something he can give to counteract the medication. If nothing else find out if it is okay to take something like benadryl with actemera.
The achy cold symptoms I would not be so worried about but the rash is rather concerning. Give your doc a call to let him know before your appt and tell him all your side effects whatever minut you might think they are. That way he has a heads up and can give you some remedies to ease you mind and body.
Good luck
6/17/10 10:43pm
Um, I'd tell the dr. right away...because the headache and cold/or maybe sore throat are evidently normal side effects...but the rash is considered a "serious/severe" one -and it's advised you call your dr. right away when you see it. Hope that helps.
Actemra
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Actemra:
Dizziness; headache; sore throat.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Actemra:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); blood in the stools; chest pain; fainting; muscle weakness; numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet; persistent pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain; shortness of breath; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; persistent cough; flu-like symptoms; warm, red, or painful skin; increased or painful urination); unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual skin growth or other skin changes; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds.
Read more: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/actemra-side-effects.html#ixzz0rAVuCtat
10/ 7/10 11:36pm
I am going on my 4th infusion. I have had cold symptoms for two months. I thought it was allergies so I ignored but nothing was helping. Then I have a dull headache. I am tired but the pain is less. Last week I had sores on the inside of my mouth. They seem to have healed now. I am almost off of Prednisone.
5/ 2/11 1:27pm
My father was taking the Actmera infusions and developed some of the same symptoms but they would not go away. Finally, got him to a doctor who ran some test and discovered that he now has cancer/.......READ the side effects- CANCER is one of them. I would get to another doctor immediately who could run some blood work and other necessary test. Do not mean to scare you but with any illness time is of the essence.
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By Aretha— Last Modified: 05/02/11, First Published: 06/17/10
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i am about to have my first infusion next monday. i am kinda nervous. i mean is it all that btter than enbrel?