anti tnf and biologics

[theyintaeno]

When I first went on anti tnf I was very frightened as I had read literature about the side effects, I made an appointment with rheumy nurse and she said that the chance of getting the serious side effects were akin to walking out of the hospital and being struck by lightning, they have to tell you about the serious side effects because some people have other illnessess which interfere with the efficacy of the treatment but believe me they will soon take you off it if it gives you any trouble. When I first started I was on Infliximab which made me feel weird during the infusion and when I got home all my nerve endings were jangling and it took 24 hours for them to settle down but over the next two infusions the effects got worse and they had to stop even though I wanted them to carry on, they said it was too dangerous to keep trying. They put me on Enbrel and heh hoh that worked a treat for 10 years I have been on a few anto-tnfs and biologics since then and they work for a time but then stop and I have to try something else. I am on steroids and abatercept at the moment waiting for it to kick in hopefully it will work. I am lucky that my friends and family all know what I am going through and support me which is a great help.

[hawker955]

Yes biologics have risks regarding increased susceptibility to infections. But don't forget that RA itself increases your risk of other disasters: heart attack/cancer/ eye problems/plus the general debility and pain, so one has to weigh up the risks. For me, controlling RA is more important because at least one can then lead a relatively normal life. Plus, as your nurse hassaid, there is always the possibility of a lightning strike anyway! Or an asteroid might be about to land? On that cheery note, good luck and live for the present.

[stbernhard]

Your Rheumy seems to have with the right attitude and so do you. Congratulations. Give all your friends and family who've helped you through the year a big hug this Christmas.

[Neonkittie17]

Hope the med starts to really kick in and work for you very soon. Good luck.