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Ankylosing spondylitis - Humira

Posted , 8 users are following.

fernando03722
fernando03722

Hi, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis and Doctor advised me to take Humira which I have taken for 3 months. Then when I had my MRI the inflammation was reduced by 50%. Therefore Doctor asked me to continue this for another 6 months so it will go away.

I need to know after this if I can stop taking Humira as it is expensive for me. Please advise.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • pat38063
    pat38063 fernando03722

    Posted

    I will follow as I too have wondered if I can go off Enbrel at some time.  My rheumy says he's had patients that can go off meds and some that can't.  Of course the meds aren't curing AS, just "holding it at bay".  Eventually it rears its ugly head.

    • fernando03722
      fernando03722 pat38063

      Posted

      Thank you very much Pat..If I stop Humira can I transfer to another drug which is not expensive.
    • pat38063
      pat38063 fernando03722

      Posted

      Each of the biologics work differently, so one might work and another not...

      such a disease, heh?  If at all possible for you financially, you should stay on what is working for you.  Maybe you'll see 100% after another 6 months!

      good luck on this journey!

  • maureen61742
    maureen61742 fernando03722

    Posted

    If you look in the research section of NASS there is a research paper that showed that people who stopped biologics relapsed in I believe it was  within 14 weeks. The recommendation was that patients should continue it. After all it will only reverse the inflammation while your taking it, soon as you stop it will build up again. Many have said that it can be less effective after taking a long break from it. If you are in the uk, you don’t pay for your biologic, not even the prescription fee. I think some specialists have looked at reducing the frequency of the injections once you are well controlled. 
    • maureen61742
      maureen61742

      Posted

      Apologies just see this post was originally 4yr ago, not sure why I re wives an email alert 😏

    • fernando03722
      fernando03722 maureen61742

      Posted

      Thank you very much Maureen..If I stop Humira can I transfer to another drug which is not expensive.
  • maureen61742
    maureen61742 fernando03722

    Posted

    As a patient you are always in your right to transfer to a different drug, although all biologics are expensive, and there is no guarantee that a different one would work SI well. NSAIDs are very cheap and effective at controlling pain of many, but it does not appear to slow progression down in the same way biologics do I take it you are not in the Uk if you are paying this for yourself. Many Americans I know on forums talk about co pay, some only pay $5 per syringe. If you are from the USA there is a Facebook group for Ankylosing Spondylitis that would be betttr to guide you. It is a closed group do it does not show to friends and family, and can be a safe place to ask or vent. 
    • fernando03722
      fernando03722 maureen61742

      Posted

      Maureen, Thank you very much for sharing info. I am a Sri Lankan and it costs around GBP 1,375 when I purchase it from here. It contains 2 which is sufficient for a month. My Doctor said after taking it for another 6 months I can change to another medicine as Salfar drug was allergic to me. I am wondering if I stop the disease will again spread.
  • maureen61742
    maureen61742 fernando03722

    Posted

    It will almost certainly tear its ugly head again. How do they expect people to pay out of pocket for these. Is it worth contacting the manufacturers and see if they offer discounts as they do in America for people whose insurance won’t cover it. This is the best medicine available. Methotrexate I also takes which helps with the peripheral pains but not effective on the spine. I hope someone can offer you financial support 
  • ridney19586
    ridney19586 fernando03722

    Posted

    Have you looked into the copay assurance program? If you have basic health insurance the pharma company will pay the copay and you will pay 5. 

    My copay was 400 per month. I pay 5.

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