Any RA sufferers who have just gone on biosimilars?

[Juliachoo]

Hi, just testing the water, which one did you choose & why? I have been offered Humira similar imraldi (every two weeks) & Embrel similar ( weekly). Also pen or syringe? Thanks in advance & hoping to go on them in about 4 weeks Pending TB tests.

[Mmrr]

I was not given a choice, just given benepali. Unfortunately it is not working for me, but many people find it excellent.

[Kerensa21]

nras.org.uk/publications/me...

I’m on enbrel biosimilar; been good so far with few side effects, but we’re all different. I wasn’t given choice. Can rheumatology advise you on choice? Above booklet good too. Good luck x

[Juliachoo in reply to Kerensa21]

Thank you, have read through the booklet, pleased your biosimilar is working well for you xx

[juneann]

Few years on RItuximab until I switched to the Biosimilar Truxima, no real improvement so moved back to RTX. Been advised since of a biologic tablet now available to save on 6 hourly infusions.

[Juliachoo in reply to juneann]

Yes I read that in an NRAS booklet on here, tablets would be a great idea! X

[Scootergirl1]

My son was switched from Enbrel to Benapali but it did not work for him. Eventually got back on Enbrel. Hope whatever you choose works well for you.

[Lolabridge]

After usual DMARDS which made me ill I was put on Benepali Epipens but didn’t work for me. Now started on Truxima infusions and hoping it will start to work soon.

[rawillbebeaten]

HI Julia, I was on Enbrel for 14 years but it stopped being effective and caused kidnet=y function issues (quickly back to normal). After a few options failed I was swapped to Rituximab, which helped but not enough. I then requested to be given another Anti TNF (As Enbrel is) I started Humira in July '18 and it has been great, I feel almost back to where I was. I was given no choice but to swap to Imraldi and 3 months in it hasn't changed anything. I was aprehensive and read some negative things on here. I think "The Great Imraldi" like a Magic Act when I inject and kept positive about it

Enbrel was like a miracle for me - My symptoms in 2001/2002 were very severe - I could hardly move and only slept for an hour or so at a time, due to pain and stiffness, for a year. Very depilitating - then Enbrel saved me! I would take Enbrel again if offered it

I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the very best

Michele x

[Juliachoo in reply to rawillbebeaten]

Thank you Michelle, reading your post does make me lean more towards Imraldi as I have had a few kidney issues in the past. Do you use pen or syringe? Xx

[rawillbebeaten in reply to Juliachoo]

I use a Syringe, it makes me feel that I am in control of the drug going in. I didn't have a choice before, but stuck with the injection anyway. Best of luck

- if Imraldi (Anti TNF) doesn't work, there are other types of drug that work in different ways - (Found this out on here)

B cells - Rituximab

IL-6

T cells

IL-1

JAK Inhibitors

If one type doesn't work another may - it's trial and error, and you have to push your Rhumatology team for options

Michele xx

[Pulfs]

I started having rretuximab infusions 7yrs ago and 2yrs ago switched to the biosimily, worked well till this last session in May ,still waiting for it to kick in,feeling very tired but no pain. X

[Paisley58]

Wasn't given a choice, was on Enbrel for a number of years. I found it great. The only problem I ever had with it was whenever I caught a cold it would take an age to go but beyond that it was brilliant. I only stopped taking it because it stopped working for me which is quite normal apparently.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[GranAmie]

getting a repeat infusion of truxima tomorrow and hoping it will work well again; first series worked for nearly 12 months. Quite happy to sit back n relax for a day as it's a lovely hospital in a park and great staff; can't imagine taking tabs or injections again. Best of luck

[Campaigner]

I have been offered Imraldi and should be starting in a few weeks waiting for test results, delivery and training.y

Ii hope this works for me and for all of us.. My main problem is extreme exhaustion which has made me practically housebound and feeling really low.

It will be great to compare experiences with you. Feeling very sorry for myself at the moment which is unusual. As I usually manage to keep my glass half full

[Juliachoo in reply to Campaigner]

Shall be comparing how it works for you with interest! I’m looking at 4 weeks as we are moving & Darby risk them until after the move! Please follow me & I will follow you too xx