Abatacept

[EmLem89]

Hi all, I have been struggling with my joints for years now. Nothing has worked I’ve tried every drug there is. Rituximab was my miracle drug, worked for 4 years! I was completely symptom free, it was amazing! Now I’m back to how I was before, in pain a lot

My consultant wants to try me on Abatacept injections, has anyone had any success or experience with this?

Apparently I’m ‘running out of options’ and if this doesn’t work there’s one more thing to try then it’s the end of the road. Then we are on to just pain management. I am struggling with this a bit, I feel anxious about my future

[Yogi-bear123]

Remember there are new drugs coming out all the time. I’ve heard that Abatacept is a very good drug. I’ve had to go through3 biologics ( plus all the dmards)to get to a drug that a) works and b) I don’t get horrible side effects from. Its been 3 years for me to get to this point and hopefully it carries on helping! Know how u feel... hang in there!

[Rians-nan]

Abatacept was the 4th biologic I was tried with and the first one that has worked long term. Been on it for 5 years now, RA inflammation pretty much under control for most of this time. I still struggle massively with fatigue however.

[Fra22-57 in reply to Rians-nan]

Same here with fatigue.I have fibromyalgia do you.Makes me ache alot and I thought Abatacept had stopped working

[Rians-nan in reply to Fra22-57]

I don't have fibro, but I do have chronic pain from osteoporosis and a compression fracture in my spine. Pain is very wearing and I try to a few exercises, but just get so tired so quickly.

[Biofreak]

I have been on Abatacept for 12 weeks now and so far so good. This is my 4th biologic. Much better than I was. Only side affect so far is occasional headache Have a review soon so bloods may reflect the improvement. In my view we have to push through the fears when it comes to medication and hope for the best. Good luck.

[Fra22-57]

Bad they would give up on you.

This Abatacept is my 4th biologic.It is only one that has worked for me. Pen injection I do in legs once a week.It is an immune suppressant so need to be careful regards infection.I have shingles ar moment so have to omit for few weeks.Do hope it works for you.Ritiximab didn't even start on me.I started in August

[Dogwhisperer]

Hi EmLem89, I also had great results years ago with enberel and was taken off in error long story but by the time I fought to get it back I’d been on other drugs and had developed lupus antibodies so could never go back on enbrel or in fact any of that group.

I did try Abatacept but unfortunately for me it caused me to develop gingival plasma cell disorder (periodic attacks of reddening if the gums ). We went through everything that is been on and this drug was the only change I’d had.

I have hear very good things about it for others though and like me, you’ll probably try them all in turn until hopefully something works. Basically, I’d still say give it a try, we all respond so differently to these drugs. Good luck