Anybody taking Tocilizumab (RoActemra) anti-tnf?

Billyboy

Greetings from sunny Australia!
I've been taking Actemra for 6 weeks and have developed a more or less continuous stomach ache. Has anyone experienced this and how long does it take to subside once you stop taking it (which I have advised my specialist I want to do). I will ask her to go back to Humera which apart from some flare ups, workd pretty well.
Many thanks.

[Deleted User]

Hi Billyboy and welcome to the Arthritis Care Forum.

Available UK NHS advice is as follows: Actemra (Tocilizumab) is a biologic drug and so you should be under regular monitoring checkups by your doctor.

Abdominal pain is a common side effect and you should notify your doctor of this straight away. You may also be more susceptible to infection after taking the drug, and so look out for things such as severe cough, high fever, breathing problems and pain when you take a breath.

***

We aren't medically qualified to give direct advice here on the forums. Its pretty strong stuff you are taking. Do go and see your doctor

I hope others who have recently used this drug are available to give their personal experiences.

Best wishes
Brynmor

stickywicket

Hi Billyboy.

When do you see your rheumatologist again? I think continuous stomach ache should be checked out. Are you on any kind of stomach-protecting med such as omeprazole or lansoprazole?

If you were getting regular flares on humira it might not have been working too well for you and the consultant might want something different.

(Well done on the Ashes series. At least we got a bit of revenge in the limited overs )