Is there a logical way to choose appropriate Biologics in RA?

[Maverick2]

I'm gonna try biologics therapy for my RA. There are several Biologics in the market which makes me totally confused. My consultant says it is a trial and error. is there a logical way to begin with a particular one? What is the risk of infection? I have a childhood hepatitis C infection and tuberculin reaction of 8 mm. care to chime in with your opinion and experience?

[Hessie5]

Hi Maverick2 - I would recommend you are guided by your consultant on this. They have all your information, keep your blood markers results etc to help analyse what they feel may work for you.

It is hit and miss for some, I am on my seventh bio. However, most people seem to have better luck than me, so your first could be the one hopefully.

I ensure I eat well and take good quality supplements as well make other good life choices to help my immune system as much as I can.

Wishing you well with it. Hessie 😌

[helixhelix]

I have had a host of illnesses, including TB and have been on biologics for a year now without any problem whatsoever.

Are you generally in poor health and get everything going, and do you work somewhere with perhaps a higher risk - poultry factory, refugee camp? If not then chances are that you will be the same as me and have no problems. I’m sensible and wash my hands a fair bit, and don’t hug and kiss children with chicken pox.. But apart from that take no special precautions at all.

I chose Enbrel as it has the shortest half life, so would be out of my body the quickest if I did get an infection. And it can stay out of the fridge for 4 weeks, not 2, so most convenient for long holidays.

[AgedCrone]

If I were you I’d ask your rheumatology nurse to explain the choices you are being given. The choice could make a big difference .

I wonder why your rheumatologist doesn’t suggest what he thinks would be best for you?

My rheumatologist gave me the choice of two ......taking into account my previous & present condition....& explained why.

I would not expect to just choose myself.

[Maverick2 in reply to AgedCrone]

Really, I'm not going to choose the biologics. I just want to know where I am heading. I just don't want to blindly follow. especially as the comorbid COPD and treatments side effect taking a toll on my body

[AgedCrone in reply to Maverick2]

What I meant was your rheumy nurse will explain .....particularly as you have other health conditions ....why Biologic A would be suitable for you, but B would not.

When the time comes your Rhematologist may offer you the choice of suitable Biologics which have different treatment options, pills, injections, infusions. He/she has all your clinical records & you will be offered the most suitable option for you.

I chose 6 monthly infusions as they suit my lifestyle best, but obviously everybody has different criteria.......anyone who is needle phobic is not likely to choose injection or infusion.

Hope you get settled on something that helps you soon.

[oldtimer]

Have a look on the treatments pages of the NRAS site. Make a list with the for and against in two columns. Then choose for yourself which would be best to start with.

Currently there is no way of identifying exactly which part of your immune system is affected by your individual type of Rheumatoid Disease. Methotrexate seems to work against all parts of the immune system, other drugs are more selective. Until there are ways of identify which part of your immune system is overactive, it has to be trial and error. But it's coming...just not in time for us right now.

[Hidden]

I didn't know we had a choice. I thought the rheumy made that decision. E.G. my rheumy told me I can't have anti TNF treatment as I've had cancer. But as that was 5 years ago, that might have changed now.

[KittyJ]

I was t given a choice. The rheumy told me which one she thought would be best for me to try. We can’t know which one will work for us so I’d wait and see what they are suggesting you try and go from there. They know your history and will know which are the ones for you. Good luck 😊

[Popinjay]

I have tried a few biological it I trial and error but worth trying I seem to get a few symptom free months the the disease morphs and stops working or the side effects are too overwhelming

Give them a go and good luck

[kikolee]

Have been on rutuxin for 3years,so far it has worked great! Had to have blood work and checked for TB first. What a difference..have had no flares for 3 years..But if course Dr. Knows what they want to st a st with..it is very expensive..thank you insurance and medicare. Good luck and hang in.