Which drug next: Not on any rheumatoid medicine. Tried... - NRAS

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Which drug next

28maggie11 profile image
15 Replies

Not on any rheumatoid medicine. Tried one dose of Humira in December. Ten days later came out in a severe rash and red skin especially under arms an down arms

Not been on anything since so feeling sore. Just got appointment 2nd May. Was on Benepali did not work enough. So worried! Cannot take methotrexate

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28maggie11 profile image
28maggie11
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15 Replies

Have you tried Enbrel? Please ask your doctor to try you on Enbrel. It works for most people. Don’t despair there are always new things to try. You must be positive. I know that is hard at the moment but they WILL find something to help you.

farm123 profile image
farm123

Firstly I think Benepali is the biosimilar for Enbrel.

There are other drugs you can take without having to have MTX at the same time. Most hospital policies do seem to like to offer biologics with MTX but it is possible to have some of them without. I have had several without as my body will not tolerate MTX. Have a look at the NRAS website at the drug section. I think the rheumy team possibly have to do a bit more paperwork to justify using the drug without MTX but if you have evidence it does not suit you it should not be an issue.

28maggie11 profile image
28maggie11 in reply tofarm123

Thanks for reply. I asked about embrel and was told it was too similar to Benepali. The appointment I have is not until May and not even with my own consultant. Fingers crossed

Condessa2001 profile image
Condessa2001

I was on Humira several years ago. I developed psoriasis whilst taking it and then had several really bad reactions that led to me being admitted to hospital. I switched to Enbrel which was great until my health authority decided to cut costs and switch all of their Enbrel patents over to Benepali as it’s cheaper. It is no where near as effective for me as Enbrel and I feel like I’m heading back to square 1.

28maggie11 profile image
28maggie11 in reply toCondessa2001

Probably same GP was quite stumped thought it was dermatitis

oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

have a look on the NRAS website at the treatments section. It will give you a better idea what is available and what questions you might want to ask when you are next seen. It's always difficult, if they suggest something and you don't anything about it, to start to ask questions about whether it is suitable for you personally.

Loura profile image
Loura

I feel for you. I know it's a nightmare. I've been prescribed and taken many drugs for RA. But to no avail. Had RA 45 years now. So had my fair share of treatments. As they threw everything at me it's made my system very sensitive so react badly to many of the meds. It's difficult as I've several other autoimmune diseases that have to be kept under control as well. Currently on no meds for RA as the team of consultants can't seem to agree on what to treat me on. I've had a depo to keep me going but it's practically worn off and feel like crap now. Like yourself I'm trying to keep an open mind. But it's all postcode lottery now as to what treatment they'll allow you to have die to cost. Largely unfair, but trying to be positive. Hope you find the right meds. Keep us posted. HAPPY Easter!! 🐣

EdieB profile image
EdieB

I have had a skin rash for a couple of years now prior to being diagnosed with RA. They were calling it “skin writing” and gave me hydrocozine. I take it mainly when I start to feel the like a thousand spiders are crawling under my skin. Now that I’m on methotrexate, I find the rash or spider feeling much more often and need to take my “itch pill” almost everyday. I need to tell the Dr when I go for my first blood tests after starting MTX.

Preacherman profile image
Preacherman

Just courious, did the Rheumatologist agree the rash was from the Humira?? Probably was, but once in a while our suspicions can be incorrect.

Blessings

28maggie11 profile image
28maggie11 in reply toPreacherman

GP said it was a reaction skin was scarlet and chest area covered in pustules

Tgdn profile image
Tgdn

Hi same thing happened to me.one dose of humira for ancolysing sponilitis,during the same day started to have much worse pain and pins and needles .stoped treatment,after 3 weeks,got terrible rash psoriasis on soles,palms,scalp,ears,elbows and around pardon my expression (g.....l area).,had steroid creams and stuff for 10 weeks,stoped everything and after few months skin got better.,now after two years skin much better only minor rash on soles .,long storyso sorry about this) short,all this time have been taking naproxen(omaprezole before hand) and supplements for rheumatic pain.?and exercise every day.,touch wood better.,still have good and very bad days,but worse when it’s cold and wet weather.,sorry for very long reply,felt that need to explain a bit more.,don’t hesitate to contact me if more info neded.,wish you all the best

28maggie11 profile image
28maggie11 in reply toTgdn

Thank you iris good to know you are not the only one. Good luck

Tgdn profile image
Tgdn in reply to28maggie11

Good luck to you too

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie

feel 4u xox but hang in there hon. MTX did 4my lungs but am better now. Sulfa did 4my cockeyed optimism so nxt appt they'll discuss Ritux... best of luck 2u xx

ruth_p profile image
ruth_p

They might try you on Tocilizumab. I started with Enbrel as my first biologic, after 2 1/2 years it stopped working, I was moved onto Humira. When that stopped working too after 4 1/2 years I was moved onto Tocilizumab. I’ve been on it nearly 3 years and it’s worked the best out of the three of them. Enbrel and Humira are both anti-tnf but toc targets the IL6 protein.

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