Biologics

[Campaigner]

I am going to put on biologics (hopefully).

I would appreciate any experiences anyone has please??

[Campaigner]

Hopeful of positive experiences.

[Hidden]

What biologic are you going to be put on Campaigner ?

[Campaigner in reply to Hidden]

I have not been told yet.

[Mmrr]

I'm on week 6 of benepali. I think I am seeing subtle positive changes. I had a great week last week, but feel I have dropped back a little this week, but that's not unusual I think.

3 people have commented over the past week that I look much better.

The injections have been easy and painless and so far healthcare at home who deliver them to me have been very good. No issues at all.

[ArtistBlythe]

What were you on prior to this, Campaigner? How long have you been taking prescription medications? (I'm just starting my RA journey and trying understand what lies ahead).

I hope you continue to see positive results! Painless injections are a plus.

[Campaigner]

I have been on Prednisolone and receiving 3 infusions in one week as my inflamation levels are very high (awful exhaustion is my main problem).

Methotrexate raised from 12.5 up to 20 mgs.

Recently had a flare so Consultant decided current drugs not working.

By the way, diagnosed with acute RA.

Thank you so much for your time.

[Lotus17racer]

Benepali has been good to me and my (ankle) swelling reduced considerably and the pain also. Sometimes a bit painful to inject but a definite improvement. Good luck to you and try to remain positive.

[Campaigner in reply to Lotus17racer]

Thank you so much.

[cathie]

I’ve been on them since 2001. It may take a while to find the one that works best but after that you get a high standard of care and monitoring. And relief from many of your symptoms. Hope they work for you.

[Campaigner in reply to cathie]

Wonderful support and encouragement.

[Juliachoo]

I will be following you with interest as a covering consultant has advised I need biologics.. my consultant has kept saying I have fibromyalgia & don’t need them but swollen knees, feet & hands are not fibro.. will be interesting to see what he says at my appointment early May xx

[Campaigner in reply to Juliachoo]

I shall keep writing of my progress. Great the way we can support each other.

[Sassifrass]

I was on embrel for well over six years and it worked really well for me. Almost normal. After this time, the effect was not so good so changed to 9 monthly infusions of Rituximab. Again this was really effective against my long-standing (38 years) RA. , but I did suffer a number of chest infections. However, I personally did not like the fact that once in your body, the drug does not leave the system for so long. Consequently I have recently changed to weekly injections of tocilizumab where I feel more in control of my body. Am on my 9th week, and it has taken a long time to work and the RA has been quite bad. I think I am starting to feel a little better now so I would say don’t give up or get too despondent if you don’t feel the effects straight away. Good luck.

[Campaigner in reply to Sassifrass]

Thank you do much.

[Pulfs]

I started on embrel which work well for a while then 6yrs was transferred to retuximab 6 monthly infusions which have been very successful with little or none side effects. RA under control with this and methotrexate. Hope all goes well for you xx

[Campaigner in reply to Pulfs]

Brilliant!

[14penny]

Hi I have been on Biologics and I felt they were great for keeping disease under control but it comes with a price I was forever getting every bug under the sun losing my voice etc so my rheumy said to come off it which I did and I think if it wasn't for being open to infection I would love to go back on it. But you have to try it as it may work wonders for you, Good Luck x

[Campaigner in reply to 14penny]

Thank you, encouragement most appreciated.

[SmithsOriginal]

Following this as well , currently on 20mg mtx x1 injection per week, plaquenil x2 per day , + folate.

It's not working so going over to enbrel biologics in September, so curious as well

[GranAmie]

After bad experiences with Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine to a lesser extent I am about to receive my 2nd annual infusion of Truximab = bio similar of RTX [Rituximab] and it has done wonders. However, what you are offered will depend on your consultant, which may also depend on where you are. In N Ireland I have been fortunate with my treatment at age 76. Best wishes to you

[BB2408]

Previously had positive effects from cimzia

Sadly stopped working 7-8 years later

Now being swopped to kevzara (a v new biologic) ...

[GranAmie]

how are you now Campaigner; have you been started on a biologic yet? wishing you relief xx

[Campaigner]

Thank you GranAmie for asking.

I have an appointment on Monday with specialist nurse, so.will have more information after then. I shall post an update. Xx