Comparing Actemra vs Prednisone

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 metotextrate but can't seem to tolerate it, so then I got roactemra. Started to work after 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 headache 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 it 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 cant enjoy it.

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. March 2014, I had a low white blood count, called Neutropenia. Stopped Actemra for 3 months, now I'm on a 1/2 a dose. Tried many other meds over the years, but nothing worked like Actemra for me. I hope I can keep taking it. Time will tell. So many side effects to look out for. 55 year old female on Medicare.

For Inflammatory Conditions: My mother has been on prednisone for almost four years for polumyalgia/rheumatica. We found out recently that the reason she was in such horrible back pain and could hardly walk was the extended use of prednisone. The MRI showed she had actual cracks in her spine. We are still in shock. This cannot be reversed. Even though people feel fine and really on top of the world the end result is devastating. So now we are dealing with even more pain not even associated with Polymyalgia. She will never recover from this. Everyone is different, but please look at the cons of the medicine before taking. Beware!

For Inflammatory Conditions: I took prednisone 20mg for 3 years for Autoimmune Hepatitis and it definitely helped bring down my AST/ALT. I even saw regression of cirrhosis (by fibroscan). Side effects included increased appetite, weight gain (20lb max), moon face, hair started growing curly instead of straight, more severe infections (especially GI), and trouble regulating emotions. I didn't complain though, as I knew it was keeping me alive!