Can adding a biologic to MTX and hydroxy help with ac... - NRAS
Can adding a biologic to MTX and hydroxy help with aches and pains? Would that be too much of a cocktail? Please tell me your experience.
Hello - the addition of a biologic can work wonders. NICE suggests that MTX is used in conjunction with a biologic for the best results. It may be that the Hydroxy will be dropped once the biologic kicks in. As with the other DMARDs you may have to try one or two biologics to get the right one for you. The results can be brilliant. Personally, I am just on the biologic as MTX + biologic meant too many infections as a consequence of a dip in immunity levels. This may not be your experience as the combination works well for many. (I tried Humira first which which did nothing but Enbrel has been working really well for some time now). You will probably get lots of replies from those on biologics singing their praises as they can work so very well. Best wishes. Jude
I have enbrel and mtx both by injection.they work well for me. Iwas doing ok on mtx injections but my consultant thought it could be better.i came off mtx until I was bad enough to meet NICE criteria. After being on Enbrel for a while I was doing ok but I then added Mtx as well ad have been in remission of more than 2 years. I am reducing the amount of Mtx to see how much I can manage with as my white cells can get very low sometimes. It was 20mg , now to 17.5mg and may go lower. I also am on frolic acid which I am sure stops the nausea and an anti-inflammatory. I tried hydroxy early on but had bad blood results and was taken off it very quickly. I am very lucky my consult has found a good combination that works for me most of the time and keeps the RA at a manageable level.. The way my consultant worked was to Just have the biological, then add the mtx and increase the amount until he was happy I was stable. He then reduced the steroids until I was off them and now is reducing the Mtx. All done slowly. I hope you have such good results.
I was on MTX and Sulphasalazine. Then I qualified for a biologic and the difference that made was amazing! It enabled me to get my life back!!! I inject MTX and CIMZIA and the problems and side effects are of little consequence considering the benefits. I hope you will have a similar or even better experience. Good luck.
Agree I'm also on MTX and Cimzia and it's literally changed my life too it's amazing ...long may it continue for all of us 
Claire
Hello
This seems to be a common practice, you will have to watch for contraindications
Good Luck
BOB
