Methotrexate vs. biologics

[1962jk]

Can anyone share their experiences in switching from methotrexate to biologics? I've been on methotrexate and just don't feel like myself, though it does see to be helping the RA. I'm concerned that the side effects may be worse on a biologic.

[carol555]

Hi, have had the same thing and I am now on a clinical trial biologic (oral) and can say it is very good. I still need a "top up" with another drug which I seem to be having problems with but you may only need the biologic. I cannot seem to take anti inflammatories which is a problem.

Hope it goes well for you and I would definitely try it.

Good luck,

Carol xx

[Matilda7]

I haven't switched but have continued with MTX whilst starting Biologics. I am having nasty injection site reactions and am not yet sure if it's going to be worth continuing with Biologics. Have done 6 injections so far and will have to see whether the reactions continue to get worse each time or start to abate.

[cathy21]

Hi there, i was on methtrexate for6 years of my RA along with many other modifying drugs, I was grateful at the time, but in-between I still had to be topped up with steroid injections. Inventualy methotrexate had adverse effects internally had to stop immediately.

I am now on my 3rd biological drug of which I have infusion dripsevery 4 weeks. I haven't looked back, there are several biologicals types but some don't suit all, the first two did nothing for me but the one I'm on now is very good and does give me relief. I am currently on toculzumab my 24th infusion. So yes they do help. Xx

[farm123]

Personally for me the biologics have far few side effects than DMARD's and for many years I was only on biologics alone without a DMARD as I could not tolerate them although recently have returned to hydroxychloroquine which I had for 2 years at the very start 28+ years ago. Some are self inject (at home) and others infusions when you have to attend the hospital. As with DMARDs they do not always suit or work for everybody and it is still a case of finding the one for you. Farm

[cathie]

Biologics do help, it may take a bit of trial and error to find one that works but it's really worth trying

[Shy535]

Hi, I haven't switched completely but I am on a biologic, actemra, along with methotrexate and a couple of other drugs. It's a monthly infusion at the hospital, but I recently had a bad reaction--felt like I was slipping away--during my last infusion so I'm waiting to talk to my doctor about other options. Before that experience it seemed to be helping. It has been a rough go these last couple of months but I see my rheumatologist at the end of the month. Hope you can find the right drug or combo for you.

[Karen77]

I thought when it was obvious that the MTX wasn't helping me that I would get to ditch it for the biologic (Humira) but it didn't work that way. Studies have apparently shown that biologics can be more beneficial when combined with a DMARD. I tried to wean myself down on the MTX, and got all the way down to 5 mg/week when (in my opinion) a number of factors and the low-dose MTX combined to create a flare. I'm now taking 17.5 mg MTX plus Humira.

All to say, you might not get a choice of ditching one for the other.

[hawker955]

Nothing but good news from me. Methotrexate/sulphasalazine/ were not really taking swelling down or stopping discomfort, even after 6 months of treatment. I was loading myself up with Naproxen and Paracetamol until the silver bullet arrived and I switched to Humira to a 90% improvement in 2 weeks. As you can guess I am a big fan of my Humira and hope I never need to change medication. I still take Paracetamol and some Naproxen but it is the Biological that really is important. A bit safer than methotrexate as well I believe.