Which biological this time?

[Alderess]

Today I was offered the choice of Rituximab infusions or Tocilizumab injections to replace the Cimzia that has stopped being effective after 6 years.

Has anyone been on either of these drugs and if so how were they for you? I am leaning towards injections as I wouldn't have to take the Methotrexate anymore. Thank you. Susan

[IainM]

Hi I was offered the same after Cimzia never worked, I can't take mtx so opted for tocilizumab injections, which I was on for 15 weeks, I have now been on the infusions for nearly 12 and it works great, it works on a different protein to the tnf, I have had no issues with it other than a rash after my infusion which they treat with fexofenidine antihistamine which sorts it out

[Alderess in reply to IainM]

Thank you, Iain. That's helpful to know. I hope it keeps working for you. Why did you change to the infusion? Susan

[IainM in reply to Alderess]

I changed to the infusion because I was getting injection site reaction, which was a pain, I was also sick of injecting to be honest, I now go once every 4 weeks and feel like I have a bit of my life back, instead of administering drugs to myself every week,...small change that has had a big change in my life

[Hidden]

Sounds like you have made your mind up if you don't want to take mtx. Go for it x

[Alderess in reply to Hidden]

I think you're right! I've been on MTX for 14 years, starting with injections then on to tablets. My hair falls out on the current dose, 20mg, and the liver result just finished me off. I just hope the Tocilizumab works...thanks for the reply. Susan

[Hidden in reply to Alderess]

You are very welcome Susan, I'm rooting for you!

[Sally1965]

Hi - I have just started tocilizumab after 8 or 9 rounds of rituximab which sadly doesn't work for me now. I went straight to the injections and they seem to be helping but I am having some blips with my LFTs. I have remained on my MTX injections all the way through as if you can tolerate it it is better to keep on both. 2 jabs a week, but personally I'd rathe have the flexibility to do it when I want at home than go up & down 30 mile round trip to hospital plus all the hassle associated with it - have got 4 days a year of my life back!

[Alderess in reply to Sally1965]

Thank you, Sally. I am trying to keep working as long as possible and I already reduced my hours because of RA. I really can't take time off for infusions, my headteacher is not at all understanding about this condition, so hopefully the injections will work for long enough so I can retire!