New Biologic

[Iluvgardening]

Has anyone tried Xeljanz (tofacitinib)? I went to see my rheumatologist on Tuesday and she wants me to give it a try. I have Psoriatic arthritis and other conditions. I was on Orencia infusions and it was helping some,but not long term. I changed insurance and it is not affordable for me now. My rheumatologist is giving me samples that she receives at no cost to me,until I can change insurance in the open enrollment period. She is a awesome rheumy. I am just not sure if I want to try another biologic, I have been on so many and they have helped some for an example on Orencia I could close my hands,of course it would wear off before the next infusion. There are so many side effects and the relief is so short term. I have asthma and mild Bronchiectasis. I have been dealing with alot of lung issues,so I am a little cautious of trying a new biologic. Just wondering if anyone has tried it and if so ,what were your thoughts and did you have any long lasting side effects? Thank you for any imput.

[nomoreheels]

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is one of a new group of meds called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, an oral med & as such continual treatment, as opposed to infusions which last x number of weeks & may wear off leading up to your next infusion. It could be you'll respond differently not being a biologic? It seems to be being prescribed more often now here in the UK & seems well tolerated from what I’ve read.

If you type in either the brand name or generic & under Filter results select NRAS you'll find previous posts. These may help too nras.org.uk/jak-inhibitors-... versusarthritis.org/about-a...

[Iluvgardening in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you so much for the information, I will check out the sites😊

[wishbone]

Hi, I'm taking the JAK Inhibitor Baricitinib. I too have a lung condition and am concerned how it could react. I've been taking it for 18 months and so far so good. My only real issue to date has been a prolonged sinus infection a few months back, which has cleared for the most part but the sniffles remain. I'm taking the lower dose of 2mg instead of 4 which seems to be prescribed more often. A big plus with these JAK Inhibitors is that they leave the body within a few days if you need to stop them due to an infection. My respiratory consultant could offer no guarantees that the drug would not affect my lungs...I live in hope!.............................................

[Iluvgardening in reply to wishbone]

Thank you for the reply, its always a little scary trying a new med. I too will be hopeful. Thanks for the info about the meds leaving the body quickly that is always a concern when an infection occurs. Hoping you continue to improve.😊

[wishbone in reply to Iluvgardening]

Thanks, and good luck with it.

[Sanbanan]

Hi there.

I have been on Tofacitinib for over 6 months now also for Psoriatic arthritis and this has been a godsend for me.

I previously failed on so many other biologics that this has been the first to work really well for me.

I had a knee replacement nearly 3 weeks ago and had to come off it for surgery and I certainly noticed increased pain & stiffness when I wasn't taking it.

I make a point of taking it with food and drink plenty water and have had no side effects.

Hope it works for you.

Best wishes x

[Iluvgardening in reply to Sanbanan]

Awesome, thanks for the reply. I am researching and Praying to decide if I want to give it a try. I also had two knee replacements this past year, 6 months apart. Be sure and do your exercises it makes a world of difference! My knees are feeling good now. My hip is giving me lots of trouble though. I am hoping not to replace it! I don't like surgeries! But I am thankful for the knee pain relief😊Thanks again for the info.

[Sanbanan in reply to Iluvgardening]

No problem.

This is my 2nd knee replacement, the last one being 3 years ago and it's been a great success so definitely doing all the exercises again 😁

I'm enjoying the enforced nap during the day which I could get too used to 🤣

Best wishes.

[HanaleiBa]

Run do not walk!!! Seriously, this is the drug everyone in the US is going into - slight exaggeration but not by much. My mom is on it. Many consider it a miracle with symptoms and it’s easy. The NHS has refused me so far - too expensive. If you can get on it, don’t hesitate.

[Hidden]

After seven years of severe RA my friend just started Xeljanz and she feels better than she has for 7 years. She said it has changed her life, now she can function.

[lolamylo]

Saw my Rheumy nurse and this drug was mentioned-I have both Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Disease and nothing has worked since diagnosed over 8 years ago! Waiting to hear if it will be funded. Have been on many biologics etc wth no success so far. I am prepared to try anything within reason. Need to get back to a normal life with no brain fog, severe fatigue and constant pain and discomfort, I know a lot to ask!! Good luck with this xx

[jacbub103]

I have been on this for 18 months after trying all the usual ones , it’s given me my life back and so easy to take , one pill twice a day , makes travel so easy as well x

[Yogi-bear123]

Been a great drug for me having failed or bad side effects from biologics. Not 100% but def has been a godsend. I know that I’m lucky to be on it. Only side affect is sometimes a sore throat at night but that’s about it! Easy to stop to... got norovirus over Xmas and stopped for 3 days no problems... good luck ,hope it works for u.🤞

[TxKelly]

I'm on Xeljanz - 2nd week. The most noticeable thing for me is actually having a clear mind and energy. I tried the other drug in the same class - Rinvoq and had immediate lung/sinus issues. Quit that after a month.

I think I need 2 a day. 1 doesn't seem to ease all my pain (asking too much?). The Rinvoq worked 100% for pain relief - but I couldn't seem to ever get enough air.