Cimzia help?

[bambam69]

Should I go for it??

In 2011 I was told I had Lupus, then in 2015 I was told no I actually had RA, then in 2016, I was told by a 3rd Rheumy that I had PMR. I have now been with the same doctor for 2+ yrs. He has never really given me a def diagnosis. He started with Prednisone with Plaquenil. I stayed on this for about a year and a half. My pain got worse so he added Leflunomide with pred and plaq. I got even worse and lost almost all of my hair. I went back today and I think I scared him when I walking pale, barely walking w/o help and almost no hair. He finally started to look back at my chart and blood work and told me he was now sure I have RA. I am swollen and in pain (even my fingers hurt). So he told me to stop the Leflunomide immediately. Now after he gets clearance from my insurance company he wants to start me on Cimzia. I have no idea what to expect. Anyone had experience with this medication?

[oldtimer]

Cimzia (certolizumab) is used a lot. Have a look at the treatments pages on the NRAS website for information.

And if you put the names into the search box you will find previous posts from people about it.

[stbernhard]

CIMZIA is the drug for me! It enabled me to get back control of my life and over RD. Never had any side effects. Go for it. I hope it'll work as well for you as it does for me.

[stbernhard]

Bambam69, I got carried away a bit because Cimzia worked so well for me. What I wrote is not medical advice, just some optimism. You should listen to your medical team, not to me.

[Scottishlad]

Cimzia has worked well for me. However we are all different.

[bambam69]

Thank you, I have taken so many medications over the years with bad results. I am afraid to even try another one. I'm actually just sick of medicine and anxiety.

[Calph]

Hi so sorry you are in so much pain. I was diagnosed with RA in 2015 and started on methotrexate, hydroxychorloquine and folic acid. Worked until 2016 and the Cimzia was added and has really helped me. Not on the hydroxchorloquine now but still on methotrexate as was told they work well together. it has certainly made a difference for me.

Good luck it is worth trying it.

[sjhewitt42]

Hi, I had a great 5 year stint on Cimzia and was able to lead a relatively ‘normal’ lifestyle. It was the best drug I have had to date but unfortunately I got lots of infections and had to stop. I would go for it as it could be the ‘one’ for you. Sarah xx