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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 5/14/2020 8:16 AM (GMT 0)
I have been taking Actemra injections for 4 weeks. Have had an itchy rash on my back for several weeks and the past several days an itching red belly button. Last few days itching in my vagina and this morning have a cold sore. Since Doctors aren't seeing patients in person I have had video appts with both my rheumy and the NP at my Primary's office. Rheumy keeps saying to stay on the actemra. NP first was going to prescribe a cortisone/antibiotic cream for the rash but then called back and said she "thinks" it might be shingles so added another prescription for some pills. The rash is not painful just very itchy my gut says it's not shingles. To me it sounds like I have some sort of infection going on and worry that it's the Actemra causing it. Today will reach out to the dermatologist. I do not want to take the Actemra tomorrow. Anyone else have reactions to Actemra with any of these symptoms?
Posted 6/5/2020 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hello! I hope you are doing better now. I have been taking Actemra for two years now and in the beginning it can cause a few infections and leave you feeling sick, but in two or three months you should start feeling better. I had a respiratory infection right after starting Actemra, but now my arthritis is a lot better and the secundary effects are worth it. However, everyone is different and even after a while you don't feel well with the treatment you should change it, but first give your body a chance to get used to it.
Posted 6/5/2020 8:00 AM (GMT 0)
I went to see a dermatologist because whatever is going on with my belly button is gross and painful. the cream for the eczema on my back helped but the belly button is red, itchy and oozing. He did a biopsy of it and also of a patch from my foot - he thinks the foot is psoriasis. Can't get into see my rheumy till July 14th. Also my arthritis is no better, if anything it is worse since starting the Actemra. I am due for my injection today but think I will skip in and hope biopsy results are back before next week. I have had RA for over 20 years and the only thing that ever really helped a lot was Humira. Since then have tried several others always with either some kind of reaction or they just didn't work. Feeling depressed.
Posted 7/20/2020 8:26 AM (GMT 0)
Good God, I'm sorry, but nobody is going to talk to me on video and prescribe me anything because they "think" it "might" be something. I'm not a guienypig, and I know a few things about prescribed medication.

1) Your DOCTOR has determined that the benefits of the treatment outweighs any possible risks of that treatment

Now, how on earth can that be measured if you haven't seen the doctor nor been properly tested for Shingles? If you haven't already taken the medication, id say don't. Bottom line is this, you are your own best advocate, so be that.

2) There's no way that anyone can make a proper diagnosis of Shingles without testings. At the very least, get tests done before taking medication for a condition that you may not even have.

For me, I have enough going on to be subjected to treatments for something that I may not have. Hell itself would be better than Paradise before that happens.

Take good care of yourself
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