New Medication

[Olmettig]

Hi Everyone,

Need some advice, I was on Humira for over 6 months and although I started to feel better, I was having a problem with red bumps that became sores and than took a long time to heal. My doctor this past week has decided to have me stop Humira and wants me to take Xeljanz XR.

Is anyone taking Xeljanz?? I am a little concerned because I have IBS and I read that one of the side effects are bowel problems. I appreciate your advise.

Thank you!!

G

[oldtimer]

There are now lots of posts on the new JAK inhibitors, tofacitinib (trade name Xeljanz) and baricitinib (trade name Olumiant). If you put these names into the search box you can find the previous posts. And there is information on the NRAS site too: nras.org.uk/jak-inhibitors-...

I think that most people would say "Go for it!"

[Olmettig]

Thank you! I appreciate your help!

[IslandLife53]

Hi G! I took Humira for a year with little to no relief/results. I had many severe flares also, which required prednisone. My rheumatologist changed me to Cimzia; which is negligible also in providing relief. However, it may be slowing down progression of the RA and PsA; flares are reduced. I, also, have stomach/digestive issues. They have been going on for about 3 years. Rx meds did very little for so I invested in some probiotics. They provide good relief. I also had unexplained weight loss. A CT scan showed that my pancreas is atrophying (slowly dying). Get this!! This is due to auto-immune syndrome that exists with arthritis PLUS the use of prednisone! I was tested for diabetes several times, including the A1C test; I had varied test results so we did the fasting blood glucose test- I am in the prediabetic stage! Not Type 1/2; but brought on by auto-immune disorder! I’m learning to change my food choices.

Sorry, back to your concern with your skin; I am pretty sure tha information enclosure with Humira states to report that to your doctor or phone Humira. They have pharmacists to assist. I had very bad headaches initially with Humira. Everything, every function in our bodies are so very connected and can be impacted on by RA. Be vigilant of any changes, no matter how insignificant they may seem. It’s all a part of the whole over lying issues of auto immune. You, take care!

[Olmettig in reply to IslandLife53]

Thank you so much for sharing. I took the Humira for 6 months and I would talk with the Humira Nurse that would call every two weeks to see how I was reacting to the med. I told her about anything that was new, like skin changes, bowel changes and increased hand pain. My stiffness in the morning was still there, but after a few hours I would feel ok. There was not significant changes since I started Humira.! My doctor was concerned that I was not healing and than I also would bruise easily.. So we thought I should change medications to see if I could put this RA in somewhat of a remission. I do take probiotics and I have changed my diet around, eating much healthier and trying to stay away from sugar.

As you know having your immune system so suppressed is always fair game for new things to add to the RA.

I can’t use Steroids as I am allergic, but I feel bad that you are having other problems because of it.

All we can do is keep experimenting with these new medications until one helps. I am going to read about the new medication your taking, it might be an option?

I hope you start feeling better, take care and thank you for replying!

G