Side effects of an IL-6 inhibitor can occur at any point, from the day it’s taken to a week or two later. After an injection, you might see some skin redness or feel pain around the area where the needle was inserted. If you have an infusion, you could experience skin flushing, nausea, or a headache, says Terracina.
Weeks 2 to 4
By this time, you may experience some RA symptom relief, such as less pain and swelling in your joints or less stiffness in the morning. If not, don’t be discouraged. It can take several months for an IL-6 inhibitor to kick in.
Weeks 4 to 8
At some point during this period, your doctor will order blood tests to check your white blood cell count, liver enzyme function, and cholesterol levels. If your white blood cell count is too low or your liver function test or cholesterol levels are too high, you may need to stop taking the medication, says Terracina.
Weeks 1 to 2
Weeks 12 to 16
You should feel better by now in a number of ways. Research has found that besides reducing inflammation and relieving joint pain, IL-6 inhibitors can help ease stiffness and counter fatigue caused by RA.