Changing treatment

[trish1957]

Hi all

I have been taking 20mg of mtx and hydroxy since being diagnosed in February this year.

On my visit to hospital on Monday I was told this treatment isnt working for me and I am being changed to biologics. I would appreciate any info on this. Thanks.

[Scottishlad]

Best starting point is to go the NRAS website.

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

This page is Cimzia the treatment I am on but there are links to the other treatments on the left of this page. If you know what you are being offered let us know and you will get more specific comments.

[harryhunt]

Happened to me on 25mg MTX and HCQ. Now on TOCILIZUMAB (RoACTEMRA) and in complete remission. No Disease activity, inflammation, pain or swelling. Monthly infusion but there will be a sub cut injection coming. At moment I'm taking it as part of a trial to show effects of tapering MTX dose to zero. This new biologic works without MTX but they still need more clinical evidence. It's very exciting and as yet no side effects. After trial will still get Toc on NHS as MTX not working as well. You may well qualify for the trial which is recruiting nationally and ongoing

[Hidden in reply to harryhunt]

I believe this drug has already been approved and added to the Scottish formulae and I do know my hospital already have it on their list. What trials are still being done? Are you part of a trial?

poppy

[harryhunt in reply to Hidden]

Yes it's a national trial.I believe it's still recruiting. There are three of us at RD&E. Participants are split into 2 groups at 24 weeks and one group has MTX dose tapered.. All expenses are paid by Roche . When the trial is over after 64 weeks the NHS then carry on providing Toc if it is successful where MTX/HCQ alone failed.

I hope I can ditch MTX whatever the trial result

[Kittykatxxxxx]

Not had them but just wanna say best of luck x

[RafiMan]

I had 2 working but ... as they new we still dont know side efects

[Tillytop]

I'm not sure which biologic drug you will be offered (there are a good few around now). But just wanted to say that I have been on biologics for about 10 years and they have been an absolute miracle for me. I had RA for about

8 years before the biologics became available and had had pretty much every med going. But the biologics have completely changed my life and during the time I have taken them I have had 5 or 6 years of complete remission. I really hope they work as well for you.

Tillyx

[trish1957]

Thanks for all your replies and advice.