Hi , I’m just going for tests for anti TNF biologics
Not sure after reading up on it wether I’m for or against it
To be honest , you read one thing that’s all for it and then others saying things against it and I’m confused in deciding what to do for the best
Anyone have any help please as I have to decide tomorrow what my descision is
Thankyou
Anti-TNF is generally highly effective and can only be recommended for RA. The main risk is the big susceptibility to infections. The rheumatologists should educate about this but avoid unpasteurised eggs or cheese, unwashed vegetables an red meat. You will be screened for TB but I you were positive, then RA is the least of your problems! I only have experience of one such product: Humira and as I've posted on here many times, it worked like a silver bullet! All swelling and pain was gone by two weeks from the first injection and even my severe anaemia had resolved by 2-3 weeks. They warned me the effects might wear off eventually but that was nine years ago and it hasn't stopped working yet, touch-wood! Initially I had methotrexate as well but stopped that after an emergency surgical operation became infected. Humira alone seems to be enough now. I am paranoid about people with coughs and colds and I go everywhere with antiseptic hand gel. Because colds and flu are usually spread by contact not by droplets in the air!
Good luck.
Only you can decide whether the severity of your RA and the misery it causes, plus the risk of future permanent damage, is enough to be prepared to take a well managed risk?
Yes, as Hawker says you will be more susceptible to infections, the other risks are not that much different from taking ordinary DMARDs so there are some possible serious things, but equally you can get serious things without taking any drugs at all.
I have just decided to try them, as I am getting some erosions that are scaring me more than the drugs do! And you can stop drugs.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Thankyou
I started on all the DMARDs and then because they were not effective to manage my disease, I moved to the Biologics. I tried Humira first and had a bad allergic reaction. Then I went to Enbrel and it put me into remission and gave me my life back. Unfortunately I developed Crohns Disease, which is another autoimmune disease in which Enbrel doesn’t treat. I was switched to Remicade infusions which treats both RA and Crohns. The Remicade is working for my Crohns for the most part, but not so good for my RA.
My medications will be reevaluated hopefully soon.
I find the biologics are needed if the regular DMARDS are not effective at managing your disease.
As mentioned above, you can always stop taking a drug if it’s not for you.
TNF biologics are the way to go so my rheumy told me. They are going to be the future standard for RA. They are a more targeted approach. You can have injections or tablets. Hope you are able to make a decision that works for you. All the best. Hessie
I'm afraid it's a quick reply. Sometimes we can spend a long time reading so much conflicting information without expert knowledge and wonder if we are really any better informed. Biologics can give you a quality of life you may not see otherwise, short reply - go for it! Been on biologics for years, I'd be in excruciating pain unable to get myself to the bathroom without it. I tend to drag my heels but looking back I hate to think where I would be both mentally and physically without it - I really don't want to imagine. Take the meds, let your medical team guide you and live your life.
I am in the 5th week now on the anti TNF biologic, Benepali. I'd say if the conventional DMARDS are not working for you then it's the way to go. For me the side effects are far less on Benepali than they have been with MTX and Sulpha. Also I am already starting to feel some improvement which is very life enhancing. My rheumatologist says the infection risk is not great if your general health is good other than the RA.
I have erosive RA, had it for 30 plus years went on Humira 9 years ago, it's a wonder drug for me. I have had more problems with Mtx since changing from Azathioprine two year ago, we are looking into stopping the mtx. Good luck. X
Go for it! I been on Chimza for 4 years! The change is great-bit funny thoughts in the beginning,having to inject yourself-after the 1st time,it really is so
Easy,hope that helps?
Thankyou you all for your replies .. it’s abgreat help 😘
The increase in risk of infection is a risk I'm willing to take for not being in a wheelchair.
I'm able to work in a physical demanding job and have zero side effects and can enjoy alcohol.
I take 50mg of Etanercept by injection once each week and 400mg of Hydroxychloroquine a day.
My bloods are tested for everything every 8 weeks and recently I had to come off Benepali for 4 weeks due to an unrelated operation and whoof my CRP shot right back up instantaneously and my knees started to wobble and the bone searing pain started again in my fingers.
I have my proof if it were ever needed that this awful disease is here to stay for ever and I am the luckiest person to have achieved drug induced remission.
So many people would love to be offered the chance to take Biologics so I would say in my 2.5 year experience that you would be crazy not to try them!
Very best regards.
Mx
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