First biologic injection.

[mccaffs2014]

I've just had my first injection of Imraldi ( adalimumab). The injection pen was very easy to use and not sore at all. I'm going to forget all about it now and just wait and see what happens. Here's hoping it works😁

[Purpleamber]

Hi mccaffs2014 fingers crossed! !

I don't want to remind you of the injection, let alone the whole process - but could you please advise how long it took to actually start the biologic treatment? My RA team believes I should switch to biologic since for last year and a half nothing has been working for me more than 4 months. I know they did some extensive blood tests to see if I'm eligible at all and mentioned if we do go forward that it would take up to 12 weeks.. What was your experience?

Thanks in advance!

[mccaffs2014 in reply to Purpleamber]

I was eligible for biologics two years ago but only decided in February to go ahead. Twelve weeks is about right as I delayed mine until after a planned holiday. Once your rheumatologist applies for them, it does not take long for approval and then after a discussion with with the specialist nurse you do your first injection after she has demonstrated how to use the injection pen. My rheumatologist took into consideration my wish to wait until I was ready but made sure I had regular check ups. Good luck if you decide to start.

[Purpleamber in reply to mccaffs2014]

Thank you, it's good to know they might be flexible as that. Hope all goes well!

[Hopefulfuture]

I've just had my fifth Imraldi injection and feel that it is starting to work. It's my first biologic still early days but I'm hoping it goes well. Good luck I hope it works for you.

[mccaffs2014 in reply to Hopefulfuture]

Thank you.

[Barb66 in reply to Hopefulfuture]

Hi I’ve just had my 2nd injection and it seems to have heightened my pain? I wondered how you were doing now on imraldi?

[VeronicaF in reply to Barb66]

Hi Barb66, I wasn't on that one but was on another, the first injection heightened my pain and had more pain in other areas I hadn't had it before, it wore off as the week went, oh and my gums bleed a lot,but I was reluctant to have it again, told the RA team they told not to have it again.

but the drug company rang me weeks later and told me that can happen on the first couple of weeks, you can get worse before getting or feeling better.

I am now off my injection and have been for a month or two

but thought what happened to me might help you? have a word with the RA team too for advice but hope this helps you to know it can be a normal reaction?

[Hopefulfuture in reply to Barb66]

Unfortunately Imraldi has not worked for me in fact I feel worse. More pain and the fatigue is cruel. I had hospital check up last Tuesday and I am going to be changed to etanercept not sure which one specifically. My prednisone was increased but I completely crashed on Friday and have just had to completely rest since then. I was so hoping that the Imraldi would work it hasn't for me but hopefully it will for you. I gave it the full three months next time I won't wait so long if it's not working! All the best.

[RA57]

Glad it went well I have mine today a Health Care Nurse is going to inject and show me how. I must say I am very nervous but also excited at the prospect of it working 👍 can I ask did you take your injection out of the fridge a few hours before you injected?

[RoaringatRA in reply to RA57]

Hi I take my injection out 30 mins before hand

[mccaffs2014 in reply to RA57]

I did the first or yesterday, at the local hospital ,supervised by the rheumatologist nurse. It was very easy and painless. I am nearly afraid to say this but I have less swelling in my hands and feet. Couldn't possibly be the first injection?

P.S. the nurse had it at room temperature before giving it to me. Good luck!

[RA57]

Thank you 😊

[Barb66]

Hi Mccaffs how are you doing on imraldi? I’ve now had 3 injections and my pain seems to have intensified! It starts 24hrs after the injection and gets better towards the end of the two weeks. I’m optimistically hoping that any reaction to the drug is a good sign that it is doing something!

[mccaffs2014 in reply to Barb66]

Hi barb66

I only had two injections when the rheumatologist nurse rang and told me not to take any more medication until I had bloods done again as something showed up in kidney and liver readings. After another blood test I was told that I could restart the treatment. I collected my prescription from the hospital pharmacy with the intention of starting the next day. Would you believe it, I woke the next day with a throat infection and severe toothache. After a course of antibiotics and three teeth removed I have I been told that I can start again any time. I am going away for a few days on the 23 Aug so I'm waiting until I I get back. The effect of the Imraldi seemed to last for weeks but I can feel the ra coming back now with a vengeance. I hope that you get good results from it.

[Barb66]

Oh dear it is a bit of a balancing act isn’t it! I’m sorry you’ve suffered with the teeth extractions. That sounds awful! So you did get some benefit then after the first couple of injections?

[mccaffs2014 in reply to Barb66]

Yes, great benefit. I felt like a new woman and it lasted for a few weeks even though I had no Salazopyrin or naproxen.

[Barb66 in reply to mccaffs2014]

Wow that’s very encouraging - so very little pain or fatigue? And how soon after you injected the imraldi?

[mccaffs2014 in reply to Barb66]

The next day. I couldn't believe it. I nearly cried when I was told to stop it. I'm hoping that I have the same result when is restart it.

[mccaffs2014 in reply to mccaffs2014]

I should have said also that my feet, knees,fingers, and wrists shrunk really quickly and I was running about like a two-year old. On the third day i was dancing at a wedding wearing low heels😁

[Campaigner]

Hi there,. I have had two injection of Imraldi and feeling even worse fatigue and generally not well. From reading the above posts it seems it may be common to get worse before getting better. All seems scary at the moment.

I shall leave it a few days before reporting this to nurse for advice.

Thank goodness for this site, bless you all.

Pauline

[mccaffs2014 in reply to Campaigner]

Unfortunately I have not been able to restart Imraldi because of infection following dental treatment. I have now had three antibiotics for gum infections and I am having another tooth removed tomorrow because of damage caused by infection. I am hoping that it heals quickly and that I can restart Imraldi. As soon as I do i will let you know how I get on as it will be like starting all over again. I hope that you feel better soon.