Biologics

[Tillie20]

Hi Just thought I would let everyone know I am starting my new medication today I am a bit nervous waiting for the nurse to arrive to show me how to use the pen hoping it will be easy as I use a pen for my mtx, hope this works for me with out a lot of side effects and listening to other people no more pain !! I will let you know how it goes X

[Moomin8]

Hi, you'll be ok. It might take a little getting used to, but all new things do. I use a pen for both mtx and Cimzia. I tend to alternate - left to right- in the top of my legs for mtx and alternate the same in my tummy. I keep a little notebook to remember 🙂

[Tillie20 in reply to Moomin8]

Hi just had it was not to bad I am on hyrimoz pen not really any different to using mtx pen only have to wait for a second click thanks for the reply let's hope I don't have any side effects x

[Deniseelk]

Which Biologic will you start? I am on Benepali ( have been for 22 months). I have some tips that helped me and am happy to share if you need after having your appointment with your nurse. In any event I have not had any side effects since being on it. I stopped Methotrexate as I couldn’t tolerate the side effects and it wasn’t holding my RA anyway. I am in a much, much better position now and can generally carry on life ( new me though) similar to before.

[Tillie20 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi thanks for the the reply I am in hyrimoz pen it was not to bad just like using the MTX pen only you have to wait for 2 clicks I should not read things on the internet X

[patricia_210 in reply to Deniseelk]

I too am on Benepali but find it a painful injection.Do you find it painful?

Iv had a eye infection last week so couldn’t take it and I am in a lot of pain now .

Do you take it every week

[Deniseelk in reply to patricia_210]

I take it weekly. I leave it out of the fridge a couple of hours before to take the chill off ( I am told it takes some of the sting out). I shower ( rather than use the sterile wipe as was told it can irritate the skin) then let my veins cool down a little. I then just inject without hesitation as I feel the longer I stew over it I would tense up more. Yes, it does sting but I grit my teeth and thank god it’s only weekly and that the NHS are funding the Benepali. I decide to inject in my thigh.... stomach makes me feel a bit squeamish at the thought ( but haven’t tried it). I have never missed a week. I have definitely improved since on it. How long have you been on it?

[Tillie20 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi thanks for the reply I have only had the one I or far but I inject mtx every week so glad you feel better with it lets hope it works for me x

[Tillie20 in reply to patricia_210]

Hi I am in hyrimoz I have only had 1 injection I have not had any pain (so far) and I inject (by pen) every 2 weeks but I inject mtx every week sometime that can be sore x

[Pulfs]

I'm sure you'll be fine as you already inject with methotrexate. Good luck xx

[Scottishlad]

One thing to remember is that biologics are normally stored in the fridge. It helps a lot to allow the injection to come to room temperature before use. I take my Cimzia out the fridge at least 30 minutes before I inject.

[Tillie20]

Thank you for the reply x