What are DMARDS and biologics

[PepperGhost]

I was diagnosed two years ago with RA, pulmonary hypertension and a couple other heart/lung issues. My GP prescribed Celebrex to try to help the inflammation until we got the PH under control but it just doesn’t do anything. I’m on something called Letairis for the PH. What are the differences between DMARDS and biologics (or are there any)? Also, I’m on Medicare and a supplement, so what about costs? Sorry for all the questions, but every joint hurts nowadays and I need some relief. I guess I just want to know; is there hope?

[Hidden]

Hi PepperGhost and welcome. Sorry to hear about your health issues. DMARDS are disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs - typically these are Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, Methotrexate and Leflunomide. Biologics are also DMARDS but they work in a different way, and are generally very expensive.

As to costs, where are you from? I see Medicare, it could be Australia (where I’m from) or US/Canada. Obviously location effects price, so to speak.

If you go to nras.org.uk/publications you’ll find a whole stack of booklets tackling different aspects of RA - these are downloadable, or you can read them online. Yes, they are UK based, but RA doesn’t change with geographical location and generally, neither does the treatment method.

I hope this helps to get you off to a start and yes, there is hope. This is a wonderful, educated and supportive community, so don’t be a stranger 🤣 cheers Deb

[helixhelix]

Hello and welcome...sorry you've had to join us.

YaniBaci has given you a good link to NRAS, and here's their page of the different drugs

nras.org.uk/ra-medication

I don't know much about medicare, as european health services operate differently. However generally DMARDs are cheap and biologics are hugely expensive. But cheap doesn't mean bad quality - I was on DMARDs for 8 years and in remission for most of that. Some of them cost little more than tylenol....

Hope your PH gets under control soon so you can start treatment for the RA.