1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Placebo effect or biological working?

Posted , 6 users are following.

ama38049
ama38049

Hi,

I wonder how long did it take for biologicals to work for you? And how did you know that it's not working anymore? On Humira, it took 6 hours since the first shot for me to feel the difference. On Enbrel, it took about a week or a little longer.

On the other hand, on Humira, the good influence has partially stopped after 2-3 months. After 8 months all good influence has gone.

With Enbrel, I just had the 4-th shot and suddenly as tired as after the first injection... After the 3-rd injection I was able to go to gym. Every day, for short sessions. (frist time in a year!). Now, there is some pain in all joints again... Elbows and fingers are bad (I did not apply any pressure on these during workouts). Trying to figure out what's going on and when/if Enbrel is going to stop working :-(

Thanks...

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • frances85589
    frances85589 ama38049

    Posted

    I have been put on Enbrel,Humira +Rituximab. None have worked for me.think on first two if no different in 12 wks had to discontinue. One of them I was still just having pain in hands n nurse said it wasn't working enough.wish had been kept on longer to try.Rituximab was just 2 infusions but no change.Then I started having spasms n memory n balance issues.All biologics was stopped
  • optimistic100
    optimistic100 ama38049

    Posted

    My only chemo has been Methotrexate. It took 5 months to make significant improvement with my pain. I was so frustrated with the unbearable weariness that I stopped taking it. I was clear headed and pain free for three weeks. I had myself beleiving that I could be in remission. Then...... boom...... the sharp pain returned. Now I am working on increasing Meth again. I notice some wierd pins and needles in my left leg and a slight tremble in my hands. Good grief. I thought nothing could get worse. I am sorry I cannot shed light on your situation.
    • frances85589
      frances85589 optimistic100

      Posted

      Have tried methotrexate. Was good even thou side effects.was OK til consultant put me on highest dose then it began effecting liver.think they go all blazes at you with drugs etc then your waiting months for appointment even thou you've several auto immune diseases. So many people like it makes you wonder why
  • Light
    Light ama38049

    Posted

    I've been on Actemra and Rituximab. I had weird skin side effects for a couple of weeks with Actemra, so did not continue even though its actual effects were good and lasted six months.

    Rituximab was even better.... no side effects, the effects on my joints took about four weeks to kick in and both times lasted 8 months or so.

  • Guest
    Guest ama38049

    Posted

    I am on humira and it is not doing any good. Like you all the sudden the pain came back and the doctor can't believe it. He keeps sitting up appts first time a month, now it is 6 wks to go back. he thinks it will take effect. Maybe it will
  • EmFox
    EmFox ama38049

    Posted

    Fourteen months now on Enbrel.

    It was only two weeks before I noticed improvement. I also questioned the placebo factor but am assuming the effects are from the drug and not persuasion. I had to go off for a couple weeks without noticing a return of symptoms.

    There's a lot of power in placebos. Odd but true.

    Good luck

    em

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.