Side effects of biologics

[piel99]

Re biologic I have been taking biologic s on and off for 4 years but I have never felt as ill as I do now I can hardly function I feel as though I have flu all my joints are sore this is happening every couple of weeks spoken to my nurse she said stop trying to get into see dr is impossible im at my wits end please any suggestions

[AgedCrone]

Will your rheumie nurse not give you any advice? Really emphasise how bad you are feeling. It is unreasonable, for her to withhold any helpful pointers.

You have every right to see your rheumatologist if you are suffering, but if as she says an appointment is not possible maybe your GP could help. Are you taking any other medication ?

He may have some idea if it is the Biologic that is making you feel so poorly, or it may be something else.

I do hope you can get settled on a drug that suits you very soon.

[hawker955]

Hello there,

I would think that the most likely cause is surely some sort of infection. That is, of course, the single big threat to people on biologicals so get yourself checked out. It may be a blood test would confirm tis or not, as the case may be. Good luck.

[Simba1992]

What biologics are you on?

[sjhewitt42]

Hi just wondered which biologic as I’ve just stopped Tocilzumab for same reasons xx

[Hessie5 in reply to sjhewitt42]

Hi - would you be kind enough to share your experience with your biologic? How long were you taken it for? Why did the stop it? Thanks, Hessie

[Matt06 in reply to sjhewitt42]

I have just started Tocilizumab 8 weeks ago. Am taking it on it’s own as the methotrexate was making me feel ill. Not sure what the Dr will say when I go back in January but have learnt over the years to listen to your body as I suffered for nearly a year with Leflunomide.

[Hessie5]

Hi - i have had two biologics and like you feel the same. The day I took my biologic, tofacitinib, I awoke unable to move my fingers, the pain. The Rheumy assistant said coincidence. She insisted I double up the medication and my blood inflammation markers are now even higher ! My joints are so tender it’s unreal, I was unable to walk this week as the pain. In all honesty the inflammation is just running rampant. I spoke to my Rheumy today and plan on seeing him this Wednesday to review next steps. I sincerely hope you are able to sort your meds and get some redress swiftly. All the best. Hessie

[sjhewitt42 in reply to Hessie5]

Hi Hessie, I have been on other biologics and never experienced this. I’ve now been off work for 7 weeks. I had my first Toci infusion and next day felt as though I had been hit really hard around the head! My neck and shoulders have been so bad I cannot turn my head left or right and I hurt all over. I’m taking Zomorph and oral morph for the pain and it’s the worst flare ever in 18 years! My last one was 4 weeks ago and I’m just starting to feel a little brighter although pain is still there. I’m hoping to be started on Baricitinib this week. Hope that helps and you’re ok. Sarah xxx

[Hessie5 in reply to sjhewitt42]

I am sensing biologics seem to make some of us worse before better. I have been taking Anadin Joint and pain relief just to help get me to work. Glad you are feeling better and I hope the Baricitinjb works well for you. Wishing you the very best. Hugs, Hessie

[sjhewitt42 in reply to Hessie5]

Thanks Hessie, it’s weird as I had 5 lovely years with Cimzia then became allergic to it! Hope you get sorted on Wednesday.. let me know how you get on. Sarah xx