Tocilizumab and Tiredness: What Users Say

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

Tocilizumab 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."

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

Tocilizumab 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."

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

Tocilizumab 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2025

For Giant Cell Arteritis "1st episode of GCA was at 70 years old. 1st had polymyalgia rheumatica. No one would diagnose me, changed docs and was finally sent to a rheumatologist. I'm strange because I don't have high levels of ESR or CRP. 1st episode was managed with 60 mg of prednisone, tapering after about 7 months. 2nd episode about 4 years later, same treatment. 3rd episode last March, so now on tocilizumab - about 5 months. So far no severe side effects other than overly tired occasionally for no apparent reason - other than I'm 82!"