Anti-TNF plus 2 DMARDs??

All going well, I'll be starting cimzia in the next few weeks - funding has been applied for etc. I assumed I'd be taken off one or both my DMARDs but apparently, I will be remaining on leflunomide and MTX for my first 3 months on cimzia. Is this normal? I'm worried about being on these heavy duty medications!

[Dogrose]

I think they like you to be on at least one DMARD as it helps reduce the risk of developing an allergy to the anti-TNF. I have to take MTX with my Infliximab. xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Fruitycake,

When you are about to start on Cimzia you will have a nurse who will discuss all of the pros and cons pertaining to your particular drug regime.....I know that if the DMARDS are used in conjunction with anti-TNF the efficacy is improved......so it may well be that you remain on one or both. The only folks that can answer that are your rheum.team.

I do to take DMARDS with my anti TNF because I simply cannot tolerate them......however I was worried the other way, as I had read that I should be taking one along side.

So my advice, do not worry about it, and when you get your dates through to start, bearing in mind it might take a little while, then ask the question or phone your rheum.nurse today...she will clarify

Please stay in touch and let us know how you get on.....so many good things happening to those of us who start on Anti-TNF

Katie x

[tash in reply to Hidden]

I have been accepted to start taking Anti-TNF too,i also take MTX and Sulfasalazine andam worried about taking too many drugs.I have all relevant bloods taken and a chest xray.I will have an appointment soon to go through everything with my rheum team.

I really am unsure as of what to do ?????

[Hidden in reply to tash]

Hi Tash, write down all your questions and concerns before you go....then ask your team

Taking Anti-TNF for me was the best thing that could ever have happened and I am certain if you ask anyone who is having success with it the answer would be a resounding yes! DMARDS failed to help me in any way...I had no choice if I was going to stop this disease . My daughter is also on anti-TNF and she agrees totally..so far it is worth the side effects if any are experienced...I certainly have not and cannot express ow much better I feel now and am only two months into this treatment regime

Gs to you Tash

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh my gosh, meant hugs! Not Gs...blooming IPad!

[samjam]

I am on a tripple therapy Cimzia, Methotrexate and Sulfalsalzine and feel Cimzia has made a real difference to my treatment. I was advised that Cimzia works well with Methotrexate.

[Tillytop]

I know what you mean about worrying about taking too many meds!

But as some of the others have said, it is not unusual to be taking other DMARDs alongside the biologics and it is usual to take methotrexate alongside. The consultant told me that the reason for this is to help prevent you developing antibodies to the biologic drugs which can make them less effective over time, or cause you to become allergic to them. Unfortunately I can't take methotrexate and am now on my third biologic drug because I became allergic to the first two and had to stop. The rheumatologist has said that, if I had been able to take even as low a mtx dose as 7.5 mg weekly, that might have been enough to prevent the allergic reactions occurring. And, though I don't know for sure, I wonder if the same thing is true of the Leflunomide. If you are concerned, maybe you could ask the consultant if you could take just a low dose of mtx alongside the Cimzia, rather than the usual dose. I really hope the Cimzia works as well for you as the other biologics have worked for me.

Tillyx

[earthwitch]

if the anti-tnf really works for you, you might find that you don't need both the DMARDs anyway - thats another thing you could ask your rheumatologist about. Its possible they are leaving you on them to make sure you are covered while the anti-tnf kicks in.