What biologic drug to choose?
Posted , 8 users are following.
I have sero negative arthritis and have had it for years. I have done the methotrexate for 2 years and it worked well for my arthritis but was making me sick at least 2 days of every week. Since then I am taking Sulfasalazine and Leflunomide every day. It has been working up to about a month ago, now my Dr wants me to try biologics and has sent me home with a bunch of brochures on them. I am having a hard time trying to figure out which of the side effects are the least of these drugs. Looking for any advice.
Thanks
0 likes, 12 replies
shabina09215 patti69942
Posted
Excellent post. Exactly the questions and issues I will need to explore and consider re biologics.
diane77471 patti69942
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Hi Patti, I'm on methatrexate and humira injections and doing so much better. Been on the humira almost 2 mo. Good luck.
Gloria814 patti69942
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Humira seems to be a popular choice and quite effective for those who tolerate it. I think it has been around the longest but I could be wrong on that. And I think it can be trial and error unfortunately to see which is effective and tolerated. Good luck to you. The biologics can bring great relief for many
vanessa74034 patti69942
Posted
Hi Patti, I have had RA for 11 years. Originally put on methotrexate tabs which worked for a few years but the nausea was getting worse so was transferred to methotrexate injections which I hated doing. After about 9 months I developed a weird reaction so was put back on tab form. Than about 4-5 years ago methotrexate wasn't effective and I was in an awful state, had to keep badgering for an appointment with specialist as I was in between appointments. When she saw me she was shocked at how bad I was. Anyway she gave steroid injection to tied me over, drained my knees and suggested I go on a trial she was conducting for toximilimab as this would be quicker for me to access. I can honestly say that within a week of being on the trial I felt a huge difference. The trial was to see if the toximilimab would work on its own or better with other drugs. We weren't told what we were on after 6 months, it could have been full dose methotrexate,1/2 dose methotrexate or placebo. My consultant didn't even know. When the new dose started I started failing again so we think I may have been on the placebo. When trial ended I continued every 4 weeks with toximilimab infusion and my normal methotrexate and have been fab until 2 months ago. Problems with my liver results so taken off methotrexate, only on the bio now and it has no effect on me at all. Seeing doctor tomorrow as having bloods done every week or 2 and liver function is up and down like a yoyo.
patti69942 vanessa74034
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martin31040 patti69942
Posted
patti69942 martin31040
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Thanks, I don't think Benepali was in the list the Dr gave me but will certainly ask about it.
martin31040 patti69942
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Hi, Benepali is a bio-similar, the drug is a version of Etanercept, it is a slightly cheaper version, is Etanercept on your list?, I inject the Benepali once a week, it's a prefilled syringe.
patti69942 martin31040
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brian_qpr patti69942
Posted
Did the drugs you are on stop being effective ?
patti69942 brian_qpr
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cindy52759 patti69942
Posted
I'm on Remacade and have had no side effects. Good Luck!