Biologics

[Jukie21]

I have been hearing lots of people have been moved from methotrexate to biologics & new diagnosed people are put on biologics as first choice meds... I’m not sure what these drugs are .. could anyone help with this subject?

[KittyJ]

NRAS have some good publications you can download covering various topics. Here is the one on meds. I hope it is helpful

nras.org.uk/data/files/Publ...

[Hidden]

A lot of countries use Biologics straight away they believe in aggressive treatment. In this country it’s a bit harder you have to fail on 2 dmards before applying for funding to start Biologics. So it takes a long time.You normally have to take methotrexate as well.

[helixhelix]

They are a different type of drug that is manufactured from live cells, so it needs to be kept cool and injected. that’s one reason why they are so expensive. (Other drugs are made from a bunch of chemicals in a vat).

When I was first diagnosed and on conventional DMARDs I had biologic envy, as they sounded fantastic and I was sure they would be so much better. Once I read more I realised that although they often have fewer immediate side effects, but some quite serious risks. And there’s no guarantee they would work for you any more than any other drug. So just go with the flow of what your rheumy suggests, and decide when offered something.