Actemra User Reviews & Ratings

• kel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 28, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2008. I was put on methotrexate almost immediately. My first stab at a TNF inhibitor went well for about a year. Then, there were a couple of tries with different meds (including the dreaded prednisone for flares). My PA thought that we could 'do better'... so, I researched and she researched... together, we came up with Actemra. The stiffness in the morning is GONE! I haven't flared in over a year! I'm SO lucky to have found Actemra. The only thing that kind of bugs me is that the week before my next infusion is due, I get a little stiff and more tired than usual."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have received 3 months of IV infusion of Actemra because my doctor promised me this would be the 'ONE' after trying so many. I have needed prednisone every day going on 10 months! Doses as high as 20mg for months! Now I have the dreaded side effects from all that prednisone in my body! What's next? Why bother putting all this poisonous biologicals in my body if none of them work? I've tried some that work on TNF cells and Actemra that works on IL-6 cells. Even tried one that works on JAK cells. I have an appointment for my 4th month Actemra infusion this Wednesday. I will be letting the doctor know this will be the last one if nothing still does not change! No RA drug is helping relieve this every single day nightmare flare! The only thing that does work is the prednisone! But I cannot be on that forever either. What do I do?"

• Joy...
• May 30, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Previous experience with other medicines that were ineffective were Enbrel and Humira. I was on methotrexate for 5 years but was taken off as it caused an enlarged liver. I've been on tocilizumab now for 7 months. It's fantastic! No stiffness and no flares! Took about 8 weeks to kick in fully. I've suffered a few side effects including sores on my hands and feet, bleeding gums, and upper respiratory tract infection. Side effects are subsiding now though and seem insignificant due to how good my rheumatoid arthritis has been since on tocilizumab. I feel fantastic!"

• Tmc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "It put me in the hospital for 9 days, 2 weeks after taking the infusion. My lower right leg swelled, and I started having blisters pop up all over, like softball-sized! They finally figured it out, it was a chemical eruption from the Actemra infusion! I could have lost my leg! Worst experience ever! 2 weeks, and I'm still bedridden, cannot walk on it, and blisters are still forming. This medication is nothing to mess around with! Wish I could post a picture with this message!"

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 26, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had tried Orencia, which worked for three months and then quit. Next, I was on Rituximab, but after a year and a half, my rheumatologist and I decided to switch, as it was not helping enough. My rheumatologist suggested Actemra and life has come back to me! I have only been on it a year and a half, but during this time, I have felt so much better. My C-reactive protein went from 38 to 1 and my SED rate has gone from 18 to 0.1. Interestingly, the IL-6 protein was my culprit and Actemra targets that protein. With today's Vectra-DA blood test, studies are finding which biologic medications can work the best for you. Rheumatologists are also finding the sooner they turn down your symptoms, the easier it is to control inflammation caused by autoimmune disease."

• Col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 25, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I previously gave this drug a 10, but after the 11th month, I had a heart attack and a week after that two stomach perforations causing me to vomit blood. Although Actemra helped my RA, my doctor immediately discontinued the drug after the heart attack. After the upper GI bleed, my doctor permanently discontinued Actemra due to the serious nature of the side effects. I think the drug needs more study and trials to determine if it is safe. I would not take it again."

• Suz...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 6, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA over 15 years ago. At my worst, I sat on the couch with my pain pills in one hand and the TV remote in the other. I was unable to stand or walk without assistance. I was approved as a patient for the clinical trials for Actemra, and for me, this was a life-changer, a total reversal of what my life had become. I finished raising my two sons, work full-time, and even earned my degree in the last ten years since taking Actemra. While I still have some flares at times, my overall life has improved 100%. My SED rate dropped from 130's to under 5, the only thing I still struggle with is the insomnia and fatigue. I have been truly lucky as I have not experienced any side effects in the 10 years I have been on Actemra."

• won...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have very active rheumatoid arthritis. I started Actemra in May 2010. It took 8 or 9 months for it to start working. In March 2014, I had a low white blood count called neutropenia. I stopped Actemra for 3 months, and now I'm on a half dose. I tried many other meds over the years, but nothing worked like Actemra for me. I hope I can keep taking it. Only time will tell. There are many side effects to look out for. I am a 55-year-old female on Medicare."

• Unh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2021

For Giant Cell Arteritis "If you enjoy being tired all the time, this is for you. If you find yourself confused basically all the time, you might be taking Actemra. I hope it is working because it is ruining my life one injection at a time."

• Bob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 13, 2022

For Giant Cell Arteritis "I’ve been on the Actemra for eight months now. It very effectively lowers my CRP and ESR. I stopped using Actemra for 30 days due to a different medical problem. Blood tests showed my inflammation markers rose dramatically when I was off of Actemra. As soon as I started this medication again, my inflammation markers dropped significantly. I plan to stay on this medication for as long as necessary. I want to protect the remaining vision I have in my eye and will not let GCA take that away from me. The only side effect that I have noticed for the medication is a reduced level of platelets in my blood tests. The level is low but not dangerously so."

• PSF...
• January 28, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is the 3rd treatment for RA I have tried. The 1st was Remicade, which helped considerably, but I had an allergic reaction, so I couldn't use it anymore. The 2nd was Orencia, which didn't have any impact. The Actemra is working, but I'm experiencing all sorts of side effects like an increase in cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as blisters and boils all over my body. Kind of scary as it's only been 2 treatments."

• Jul...
• March 13, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Actemra eases my RA symptoms for approximately 2.5 weeks from a 9 to a 6 on a scale of 10 for pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The week prior to an infusion, it creeps back in more and more, day by day, and takes a few days to get it back to a 6 after the infusion. I use Celebrex and Advil to deal with it, but my rheumatologist has recently started me back on methotrexate with the Actemra infusions. I have taken almost every drug for this disease over a 26-year period. None of them have put me in remission, and the disease has progressed despite taking them all compliantly."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have had RA for nine years that was managed well with Plaquenil for eight, and it stopped working. I tried Enbrel with Methotrexate and Prednisone for nine months. The Vectra-DA test showed high RA disease activity, with Interleukin 6 protein as the main culprit. I discontinued Enbrel and began Actemra self-injections. Two days after the sixth dose, I woke up nearly pain-free. It has continued to improve over the last several weeks, as well as reduced stiffness and fatigue. The only side effect has been an occasional mild headache. For me, the Vectra test and Actemra have been game changers in the management and treatment of my disease. I could not be more pleased."

• Sal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 29, 2021

For Giant Cell Arteritis "Went blind in one eye 3 years ago and have been on prednisone since. Every time my doctor tried to lower it, I had relapses. It was time to try and get off it. We turned to Actemra with a specialist. I have been on it for 8 months. Went off it 3 weeks ago with my regular doctor’s permission. Worse drug I have ever been on. The blood work always showed at dangerous levels (liver panel, blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol, etc.), never had these problems just being on prednisone alone. It got so bad that I slept all day, had deep depression and no motivation, and continuous UTIs. It will take about 4 months for it to get out of my system. I am still on prednisone. I can live with that, but never, never Actemra again."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started Roactemra (tocilizumab brand in the UK) 4 months ago for RA, previously been on Humira and Enbrel, which did not work enough. I also tried methotrexate but can't seem to tolerate it, so then I got Roactemra. Started to work after the 3rd injection and has been working very well to control my RA. However, I now experience a feeling of not getting enough air, get very fatigued and feel weak, also some dizziness and headaches approx 2-3 days after injection. So IDK if I can keep on taking this drug. I'm not even sure if it is Roactemra causing this, but I might have to go off medication to find out, since I can't really function in my daily life - meaning I have no stiffness or joint pain, but can't breathe properly, so I can't enjoy it."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Do not take this drug! Six months after taking it, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. No warning then that it would do that, now the FDA studies show it does. How did they not know this? I’ve had gene tests, genetically, I’m not predisposed to it. I’ve been going through chemo now for six months. Even my gyn oncologist believes it was the Actemra that caused this. Please, if you have gotten sick from this drug, report it so we can form a class-action lawsuit against the maker. We need to push back against these drug companies. Eighteen percent of women over sixty are getting ovarian cancer from this drug (taken from the FDA's own research). I was fifty-one and am now planning my own funeral so my family doesn’t have to."

• Vel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started taking Actemra 5 months ago for RA after trying 4 other biologics. The Actemra had helped dramatically with lowering my CRP levels (which have been incredibly high for over 2 years), however, I now have intense stiffness and joint pain, which never seems to dissipate. The pain in my feet has increased to a point where I can hardly walk. Additionally, I've developed iron, vitamin, inflammation, aplastic, and hemolytic anemia. I have decided to stop this drug and switch back to one of my previous biologics, which didn't help with the inflammation, but at least my pain wasn't so extreme, and I wasn't dealing with the anemia."

• Loo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I did one Actemra injection. After injection, I could not walk straight and was so tired. Thought it was a side effect. Woke up with a swollen face and eyes! Wheezing in my chest. Called my doctor, he said prednisone and Benadryl. It’s been 4 days, and I am still so tired and nauseous."

• Sno...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have had RA for over 30 yrs. It was one of the most efficient ones I have taken, although I developed septic shock within the last 4 months from a local wound, and the medication had reduced my immune system to the point of this terrifying experience."

• Chr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This medication has given me my life back. I had gone through 7 medications, 4 biologics, in 3 years and was starting to doubt I would ever feel somewhat normal again after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. My flares are infrequent, my symptoms are so much milder, and I have energy to resume regular activities and physical activity. I've experienced no side effects. I inject at home once a week and it's super easy. This drug only treats RA, which may be what I needed. I highly recommend for those frustrated in identifying drug to manage their RA."

• DHS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Worst biologic experience yet! This is a weekly injection, and I had severe nausea on this. My rheumatologist thinks it was more of an interaction with this and my methotrexate (although MTX has caused me no issues in the nearly 3 years I’ve been doing those injections). This was like horrible morning sickness all day, every day—I lost 6 lbs the first week I was on Actemra due to nausea. Week 3, I woke up the day I was to do injection #3 (which I do at bedtime), and my face was puffy, my legs were COMPLETELY swollen to the point where it was difficult to bend without discomfort at hip and knees, and my belly was swollen almost to the point of rigidity. My doctor wanted to see me rather than send me to the ER, and it turns out this is a rare side effect. Stopping immediately, and had to go on diuretics to help reduce swelling. The risk of stomach and bowel rupture was a concern since I’ve already had sepsis after an undetected appendix rupture several years ago."

• Dwe...
• March 3, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took the first dose of Actemra and felt a little dizzy, but that did not last long. My stiffness was reduced, and for the first time in two years, I felt like myself again. The only problem is that my lip was slightly swollen, but it went away in about two days. The medicine lasts for about 4-5 days, then I started having severe pain in my joints, especially my elbows and shoulders. I had to take pain medication, which did not help much. Overall, I love this medication, and I can't wait for my weekly injection."

• tre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 16, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA in 1987 after giving birth. Since then, I have tried almost every drug available, and my RA continues to ravage my joints. Actemra is working pretty well, but I have had to go off of it for a time because my white blood count dropped too low. I've been back on it for almost a year, I had to reduce my methotrexate in order to keep the WBC up and take 3 mg of folic acid daily and 1 mg of prednisone with frequent use of meloxicam. I am on Medicare. I cannot get assistance for the drug that worked well, Simponi. J&J did not offer assistance, and I could not afford the high copay. The best thing about Actemra is the compassionate patient assistance team. They are always caring and helpful when I call them."

• Boa...
• October 13, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Actemra for almost 2 years. Before taking it, my blood levels were all over the place and I was physically drained. Since then, receiving infusions every 5 weeks, and have had good results and blood work is MUCH improved! I have been lucky to NOT experience the side effects I've read about. I have also heard from my doctor that 30% of patients can develop a resistance to the drug. I am doing well, but my doctor would like me to do better. Might try switching me off in time. Initially, I tried prednisone and Embrel with no results. We shall see."

• JFS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had some positive experience from receiving Actemra. However, about 1 year ago, I suddenly developed pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure, suddenly developed severe dyspnea, chest pain, chest and throat pressure, unable to lay flat, or symptoms worsened. I was referred to a cardiologist who performed blood work. The BNP result being 982, a chemical stress test, a right-sided heart catheterization that showed high pressure in the right side of the heart. I was referred to a doctor who specializes in pulmonary hypertension. After about 6 months, he ordered repeat testing, where we discovered the pulmonary hypertension had subsided. Normal heart pressures and BNP decreased to approximately 200. No other RA meds taken since."