Side Effects: Moving to Biologics : Hello! I’ve had my... - NRAS

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Side Effects: Moving to Biologics

hope-always316 profile image
16 Replies

Hello!

I’ve had my first vaccine and about to start biologics - Adalimumab (on top of 20mg Methotrexate).

Should I expect side effects? The internet is a bit oblique about it.

MTX washes me out and of course the general fatigue but has anyone added in a biologic or biosimilar and had any added side effects?

Thx

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hope-always316
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16 Replies
allanah profile image
allanah

Biologics really really helped me , go for it if offered. I got TCZ ( ro acterma) and its life changing. You'll be monitored closely so fantastic news x with biologics you just have to be a little more careful around infections and cheeses etc like your pregnant but your bloods are checked regularly. And at the moment we are all being good anyway!! Good luck 😍

Potatos profile image
Potatos

I have had no side effects from adalimumab and it transformed my life. Hope things go as well for you. I started the adalimumab with 20mg of Methotrexate but have been able to reduce it now to 10mg, that has helped with reducing the side effects from the methotrexate. They didn't advise going any lower as they think it stops you building up a resistance to the adalimumab.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

I had a runny nose to start with (allergic rhinitis) but that went away and since then nothing - apart from pain free joints that function 😀

I take MTX too, and like others am now slowly reducing. Am down to 12.5mg and hope soon to get to 10mg.

I am careful about hygiene, particularly food. So don’t eat food off an open buffet, or stuff that I’m now sure about the production quality. But apart from that I eat what I like.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply to helixhelix

Me too with food and buffets x

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to allanah

I wouldn’t go near an open buffet even before RA/biologics. No raw milk cheeses etc and I don’t like pates (sorry I haven’t got an acute accent for pate!) or anything with raw egg. I cook meat really well too. Someone once smothered a salad with Caesar dressing for me 🤨 I never asked for any dressing so told the waiter to take it away due to allergy. You’ll be fine eating that he said! 😳 Didn’t bother to try explain more. My French friend sent me ten cheeses by a very expensive next day courier from Paris a couple of years ago and they looked lovely and was kind of her but I could only eat three of thecharder ones as the others weren’t suitable. My hubby ate most of the ones I couldn’t , except one which was so pongy we had to dispose of it! A 😝😁x

Esmereld profile image
Esmereld

Hi. I get no side effects from Benapali. If it’s your first injection type of meds, I found injecting into my thigh very painful. The nurse trained me to inject into my thigh. Tummy painless.

Katie-Mag profile image
Katie-Mag

Hello, I’ve recently started with adalimubab in addition to 15mg sub cut meths. No side effects and it’s really helping my joints. Hoping to be able to reduce the methotrexate soon! Hope it works for you too.

Ros23 profile image
Ros23

Hi Hope I’m also on Adalimumab but only 12 mg weekly of MTX. No side affects, all good 😋

chunkypie profile image
chunkypie

Was on Methotrexate and did suffer from Brain Fog and it didnt really work for me. So i was put onto Adalimumab. I've had no side affects with it and has pro reduced my psoriatic arthritis by about 90% :)

swoodge profile image
swoodge

hi I'm on Mtx and biologics also and have had my vaccine with no ill effect at all. The biologics are a lifeline for me. I also find injection in my leg very painful but doing it in my tummy makes me feel very weird so I can't do that! Just have to woman up and do it doesn't last more than 10 secs then all done! Worth it for the results it gives. Leave it out the fridge for half hour before does help

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

You should never automatically expect side effects.It really is beneficial when starting any new drug to be optimistic....the mind can play funny tricks.......if you expect side effects it is quite likely you will get them!

You may read here that a,b,c had side effects from the combination you mention.,,,,,but they may have a completely different condition from you.

I think going on a Biologic drug was just about the best move I could have made..... I have been well settled for 5 years now.....Do try to make up your mind that will be your experience too.

hope-always316 profile image
hope-always316 in reply to AgedCrone

I appreciate this. I do believe attitude helps. My dilemma is whether to start biologics now, or wait for this current systemic steroid to wear off. That might sound counter but the doc said (3 months ago when I turned up at hospital in a flare) the steroid would tide me over and she’s right. I just don’t want to start the biologic until I need it - but also know it takes a few weeks sometimes to kick in... choices choices...

I am expecting good things but at the moment I’m flare free due to the steroid..

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to hope-always316

In today’s climate if your Rheumatologist is happy for you to start on the Biologic..I’d grab it while you can...in some areas the rules change overnight......you don’t want to miss your chance.

Wobbies profile image
Wobbies

No side effects from biologic for me other than change of taste, but small price to pay for pain relief.

Bagels profile image
Bagels

I started Adalimumab 8 weeks ago, I had a few dizzy spells & headaches for 3 weeks. No joint pain and all side effects have settled down now as my body adjusted to the new drug

CagneysMum profile image
CagneysMum

I’ve been on this same combination for 6 months now but I take hydroxychloroquine as well. MTX always makes me feel sicky on the days I inject but I’ve not had any problems with amgevita .... and the benefits have been huge for me 👍

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