Amgevita

[Asheen]

I was diagnosed 18 months ago with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I am on 400 Hydroxychloroquine (daily) & 25 methotrexate injection (weekly)

Due to my DAS score I have now been asked if I wish to go on Amgevita.

Anyone like to add comments to help me decide? 😊

[helixhelix]

Amgevita is a biologic drug more known in the UK as adalimumbab, a biosimilar to Humira.

After 8+ years on traditional DMARDs, I moved on to a biologic at the end of last year. All I can say is that I wish I’d done it sooner! Nothing but positives to tell you. Sure there are different risks to manage, but I’ve found that a biologic drug is much more effective for me. It’s a choice to make, and not necessarily that easy which is why I delayed for around a year. But my priority was to live as normally as possible now, and accept and increased level of risk. And I’m very happy with my choice.

[Asheen in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you so much for your information & positivity. I must confess this 18 months has been difficult at times (as for all RA suffers) as I was a very positive,hands on, happy go lucky & young at heart person. Being half that person would give me a tremendous boost. 😊

[helixhelix in reply to Asheen]

Well I describe myself as 95% normal now.....

[Hodc in reply to helixhelix]

What were the difference risks you found? Im about to be put on amgevita, but i already suffer from regular chest infections, and uti's. So wonder if it's more of the same? Thanks

[HappykindaGal]

I started biologics last November after 2 years of quite honestly, misery. Best thing I ever did. Can be prone to infections. I did have a cold in March that hung around for a while, but it went of it’s own accord without any further intervention. Try it at least. Can always stop.

[Asheen in reply to HappykindaGal]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

Yes I have decided I really have nothing to loose & like you pointed out I can always ‘stop’ if it does work out for me!! 😊

[HappykindaGal in reply to Asheen]

When you're feeling as you probably are now, anything is worth a try. And hopefully, it will work and you'll be feeling so much more like yourself again soon

[charisma]

Hi Asheen

I identify very much with the desire to be even 50% of what was normal! I have never got closer than 10% in the last four years, almost, since RA began.

My next step might well be a biologic and I have been in dread of that.

But Helixhelix’s comments are very encouraging.

I hope you find it suits you too.

[Asheen in reply to charisma]

Thank you... well I have to admit after talking to Arthritis research uk, who gave me HealthUnlocked details they were brilliant, answered lots of questions & sending me relevant booklets, nothing was too much trouble & time wasn’t an issue either.

[trevo]

Hi Asheen, I've been living with this RA diagnosis for about 10 years. In the beginning this was treated with Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine (plus folic acid) I was offered biologics (Humira) and put off taking them for a couple of years (mainly through wimping out on the self injections). However, after speaking to a diabetic pharmacist who injected himself 10 X daily, I took the plunge and have so far never looked back. I've been taking Humira for about 3 years or so, and I have stopped the Hydroxychloroquine and halved the weekly Methotrexate dose. I just had my first Amgevita injection today. I hope it works out for you too.

[Asheen in reply to trevo]

Hi Trevo. Thank you for replying.

I was told that Humira is no longer available because of the cost. Amgevita is the next equivalent being cheaper because they didn’t do the actual research etc like the company that produced Humira.

I really hope Amgevita works because since being diagnosed my quality of life is less than half. 🙁

All the best Trevo. 😊