Changing to another Biologic

[MJSlide1958]

Hi All, Does anyone know when changing to another weekly Biologic injection, would one need to stop the current biologic and wait for a week or two to start a new Biologic? Eg: Enbrel has stopped working after over 8 years, had to add Methotrexate to try and kick start it, but not great results, therefore wanting to ask Rheumy to change to another eg: Humira weekly injection, whilst still staying on MTX. Is the transition easy enough? Grateful for anyone who has experienced doing this transition with any other biologics?

Thanks very much x

[Jillyanne]

Hi, yes when Enbrel stopped working on me, I had to wait till it was out of my system before I started on a new bio drug

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Jillyanne]

Thanks Jillyanne. How many weeks did you go without a biologic before you changed to the new biologic?

[Jillyanne in reply to MJSlide1958]

It was probably about 6 weeks 😟😟

[Knit12]

I am on my 5th biologic after being on sulphasalazine for over 20 years stopped working. It was different each time, sometimes I would stop taking it and have to wait for delivery of new drugs sometimes 3 or 4 weeks and get by with oral steroids and pain killers. Humira did nothing for me I’m afraid, but hopefully will be better for you. The latest one I started I had to carry on injections and then start new one 8 days after previous medication. Your biologics nurse will advise you

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Knit12]

Thank you, hope you are getting on well now.

[Joes_Nanny]

Yes I had the same with Enbrel stopping working after a few years. At the time my Consultant wanted me to have infusions as then they didn’t like transferring you to another biologic. I persuaded the Specialist Nurse that I would prefer another biologic and mentioned Humira as I had researched it. I have been on it a few years now with no problems (🤞🏻) it has controlled my RA very well.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Joes_Nanny]

Thanks Joes_Nanny, so reassuring to know.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Joes_Nanny]

Thanks, how many weeks did you stay without a Enbrel before changing to Humira?

[Joes_Nanny in reply to MJSlide1958]

I’m sorry I can’t remember that now but I know I didn’t suffer with my RA whilst waiting.

[Fra22-57]

I am on my 4th biological.I always had to wait 8 weeks til out of my system.was given steroid injection in between.good luck

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Fra22-57]

Thanks, I'm wondering whether the fact that on 15mg Methotrexate tablets weekly might cover that period with a biologic??

[Yoga4me]

Hello, Happy Holidays, I’m sorry you have so much going on. I’ve been on Humira for 1 1/2 years. It’s been great for me! I do an injection 1x every other week. I didn’t even know it could be taken weekly. Humira has worked very well. I haven’t had any side effects from Humira. This was my first biologic. All the other non- biologic meds I had side effects including losing my taste which has never come back. I love that Humira has worked for me. Wondering how long I can be in it? Concerned with the possible side effects of Humira/biologics but grateful to still be walking. It’s hard. I always advise walking & yoga. Helps with the pain & keeps me moving. All the best to you!

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Yoga4me]

Thank you so much, really good reassuring reply. Thanks to all of you, brilliant! x

[Neonkittie17]

I waited just three weeks from Enbrel to Humira, as my nurse knows how fast I go downhill without any RA meds.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Neonkittie17]

That is good. Is Humira working well for you?