CHANGE OF BIOLOGIC TREATMENT

[JGBH]

Hello,

I have had Rheumatoid arthritis since my late 30s (77 now). I had several biologic treatments , some of which did not really control the RA well… The best biologic was Enbrel (Etanercept) weekly injections. It gave me my life back for 14 years until I had my second knee replacement operation in 2018. I have tried 3 more since then but they have not really helped as hoped. I am actually having Tocilizumab weekly injections. My rheumatologist is now considering trying another biologic. I was sent 3 leaflets to look at and decide which might be the best for me.. So the 3 biologics are:

ADALIMUMAB, GOLIMUMAB and CERTOLIZUMAB PEGOL. These are all anti TNF drugs as was ENBREL (ETANERCEPT) which has worked well for me in the past. I am seeing the rheumatologist nurse on Tuesday morning so I would greatly appreciate any feedback from anyone who has/is on either of the 3 biologics named drugs above.

I understand we are all different and react differently to treatments but a general view/feedback might help me in making my mind up as to which I might decide to try. Of course will need to have another consultation with the rheumatologist too.

What has been/is your experience of these drugs please? What side effects did you experience if any? How soon did the treatment help in relieving the pain? Any feedback actually.

. Looking forward to hearing from as many of you as possible. Thank you.

Best wishes.

[caran]

Hi JGBH. I was on Benepali (which is also Etanercept) for 6+ years and then changed to Adalimumab last year. I was advised to inject just before bedtime because of side effects, which I did and no side effects noticed. Adalimumab didn't help my RA symptoms so I am now on Tocilizumab weekly injection. It seems to be helping. I presume it isn't helping you? Cara

[JGBH in reply to caran]

Hi Caran,

Thank you for getting in touch. What side effects from Adalimumab were to be avoided by injecting before bedtime? Was not aware of having to inject at bedtime.

How long were you on Adalimumab? Do you find Tocilizumab is better for you?

Best wishes.

J

[caran in reply to JGBH]

Hi JIt was the nurse who talked about people reporting side effects with Adalimumab and suggested doing injection before bedtime. I think that she mentioned nausea, feeling tired/weak. I was on Adalimumab for about 6 months although the decision was made after about 4 months that it wasn't working for me. I am finding Tocilizumab is helping although I still have quite a lot of pain in legs and feet. Like you I have knee replacements and both hips too! Hope you find a biologic that suits you. It's a long process! Caran

[JGBH in reply to caran]

Hi, Oh joy! I often feel sick… all these powerful drugs have side effects… The rheumatologist told me they were running out of drugs for me… so scary. Yes, I had both Knees replaced in 2017 and 18 and left hip replacement in February 2023. My right hip is rather painful as is my whole body. My left shoulder is excruciatingly painful and I can hardly use my left arm. My wrists, hands and fingers are swollen and yes… very painful. So I can hardly function… RA is a nasty disease that destroys people’s lives. Take care.

[Batty1]

The risk of reaction when taking these drugs is possible and one person’s reaction may never be your reaction…. Pick one and try it it’s the best way or research each drug and read feedbacks to get an idea of the drug…. Good site below where u can look up a lot of info and see other users reviews…. Just have to keep their reviews in perspective.

drugs.com

[JGBH in reply to Batty1]

Thank you for the link.

[medway-lady]

I changed from Etanercept to Abatercept. It didn’t work very well and caused horrid eczema and so I know to not on your list but worth bearing in mind. I know we are all different but the pain and skin issues were dreadful. It was stopped and I went back to Etanercept as I didn’t ask to stop that but another problem was proved not to be down to the Etanercept.

[JGBH]

Hi Medway-lady and thank you for making me aware of the eczema issue with Abatercept. S one of the biologic drugs made my skin very itchy… somehow the rheumatologist doesn’t seem to take this into consideration..

[Mystik]

I have had my knees and hips replaced the knees r just a god send to me even the hips more freedom n pain free please ask drs and your concerns plus your medical issues they should be able to advise you

Find a good doctor surgeon who listens and understands your condition

All the best