JAK Inhibitors

[JimTheBob]

Hello, I first posted a few years ago here about some random pain in my hands and I didn't know what it was. A lot has changed since then....

I currently take MTX, Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine. I've been on them for about 2 years now and broadly speaking my RA is under control, I feel stiff and tired but no flares. Unfortunately me feet cause me a great deal of trouble. Even a short walk will cause pain in my toes, the soles of my feet and my ankles. After a weekend with the kids I'll find myself shuffling/hobbling around the house. The only cure for my feet tend to be rest and Naproxen (NSAID).

After a recent MRI on my feet my consultant at Guy's hospital in London has recommended a JAK inhibitor (filgotonib). I think they're a new type of drug for moderate RA. Until he mentioned them I'd never heard about them. Has anyone had any experience with them?

Many Thanks!

JM.

[Hidden]

Yes they are new and very effective if you can tolerate the side effects which affect approximately one in 5 people and can be quite severe

[Hidden]

Perhaps the best way to find out about the differences is to look for the various diagrams which are available online if you search for images using the keyword biological therapy or jak inhibitor

Essentially they work further downstream on the inflammation and a design give better control of the various inflammatory actions within the body this is in contrast to other biologics which tend to target just one inflammatory pathway within the body

As with all new drugs they're expensive so if your consultant is offering it to you I would put his arm off to get it not literally of course 😁

[JimTheBob in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thanks so much for your reply! That’s reassuring to hear and hopefully the side effects won’t be too bad.

[Yansouneh in reply to JimTheBob]

Hello. I am about to start Filgotonib and I wondered if you could share how you got on. Have you started the drug yet?

[JimTheBob]

Hello, I’ve been on it for 3 weeks. No particular side effects to note and I would say that I do feel better overall. I think I began to feel better quite quickly actually.

Since starting I have had 2 bad colds accompanied by a cough each time. I couldn’t say if that’s a result of the filgotinib or not.

Good luck!