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RA Complications

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cheryl47481
cheryl47481

I have tried most biologic medicines and dmards available and now have either allergic reactions or they do not work at all.The blood pressure issues have complicated matters. Anyone else having similar results?

 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie cheryl47481

    Posted

    So sorry to hear that.

    Rituximab fortunately, works for me . It is given as an infusion with piriton first to avoid an allergic reaction on skin. But is your allergic reaction more serious than that?

    i was wondering if you had been able to try either tocilizumab( actemra) or rituximab as they target a different part of the cell than the other anti tnf biologics such as enbrel, humira etc. And work for some people when the others don't.

    i guess I am saying keep on trying different things if your RA is bad. What is your rheumy suggesting? Can your high blood pressure be tackled? Different things work for different people so I do hope you find something that helps in the end

    • cheryl47481
      cheryl47481 Rowbirdie

      Posted

      Thanks for the information. I was on enbrel for  a few years and it was wonderful for me. I felt great and it kept my R.A. under control then it stopped working.For the last two years I have tried several different biologics that caused my lips and face to swell or other reactions.Remicade was the last biologic I tried but I had major blood pressure issues.Hoping to find the right combination in the near future. I appreciate learning from others.
  • tony71500
    tony71500 cheryl47481

    Posted

    I've tried MTX, Plaquinil, Sulfasalazine, Prednisone, plus a couple of others I can't remember off hand, all did nothing for the RA   The Rheumatologist wanted to start me on Leflunomide but my BP was too high so he started me on biologics.   My GP tried different combinations of BP meds for BP but none of them worked, eventually he stated my high BP was now untreatable.   Eventually I went off the Dmards as they had no affect other than itchy skin, bruising, bleeding, moon face and so on; however, my BP then plummeted and I discontinued some of the BP meds.   I then went on to Cimzia which had the same side effects as the DMARDS but had no effect on the RA.   I'm now on Actemra which has a very minor effect, but not enough to warrant the side effects - same as the other meds.   Now I'm noticing slightly sore gums and the skin cuts and breaks easily in my mouth.    The RA continues to invade and I now have problems with fingers, thumbs, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms, shoulders, neck, hips and now both feet.   Pain is 24/7 for which I take, Panadol, Ibuprofen and Tramadol.

    Urticaria, along with a few other skin complaints plus bruising and bleeding have been side effects with every medication I've had so far. 

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