Bronchiectasis and biologics

[Shonkie]

I am new here. I have both RA and Ankylosing Spondilitis with bronchiectasis and am being considered for Biologic treatment. Has anyone else with the same issues experienced this as it seems to have some risks. I have been increasingly disabled in the last two years and have almost every RA effect possible. Bakers cyst, nodules, polyneuropathy, Reynauds, a very swollen and painful knee and wrist and lots of exhaustion. Bloody annoying! I am only able to use sulphasalazine and Prednisolone . My inflammatory rate is between 57 and recently 27 so a big flare. Have some worries about Biologics with the lung problems. Can anyone comment?

[rounder]

It's frustrating to know you need something more effective but other conditions stand in the way, sorry you're in this position. Like you I have RA and wide spread osteo arthritis, I also have asthma and bronchiectasis. Two years ago my consultant agreed to prescribe abatacept, a biologic suitable for some people with lung issues I was told. It has really changed my journey with RA, whilst I still have occasional flares it's much more settled now, and for a while was in remission.

I recall there were quite precise qualifying conditions that had to be met, and lots of blood tests and lung xray. The recommendation from the rheumy had then to be approved by a particular group of medics who evaluated every patient and the pros and cons. I then had to wait a few weeks to clear previous meds from my body before beginning abatacept. The drug is described as a T cell inhibitor.

Hope you get some positive help soon, things have been so much more complicated this last year.

[Sheila_G in reply to rounder]

I have bronchiectasis as well as other problems plus RA and over the years have had many different procedures but I only take mxt now and I am in remission. I hope you find what is right for you and quickly.

[Shonkie in reply to Sheila_G]

Thank you for your help, unfortunately i am not able to take mxt but am hopeful the Biologics will improve things remission would be good!

[Shonkie in reply to rounder]

Just another question, have you been on any meds specifically for your lungs with the Biologic treatment? My Chest person is talking about using a nebuliser with antibiotics, not sure what i think about that.

[rounder in reply to Shonkie]

My respiratory consultant prescribed daily antibiotics as a prophylactic treatment together with a drug to loosen the chest secretions. I already have preventer and relieved inhalers for my asthma. In addition I saw a chest physio who taught me some techniques to clear my chest. I just figure they wouldn't prescribe unless they think it's necessary.

[davannh]

Hi I am 68 and have had Bronchiectasis since I was 18 months old. Rheumatoid Arthritis joined in when I was 30. Over the years I have been prescribed most RA treatments including Gold injections in the eighties. In 2009 my CRP was in the hundreds. When Biologics came along I tried a few including Rituximab. Eventually Tocilizumab was prescribed in 2010, firstly as a monthly infusion and the last 5 (?) years as a weekly injection. It has certainly changed the progression of the disease. I had to stop for one year because of Kidney Cancer and the difference in day to day living was very noticeable. My knees swelled up again and degenerated even further and I became even less mobile. I was re-prescribed it in April this year and can really notice the difference. My lungs cause me problems still but with reduced inflammation Tocilizumab can only be a force for the good.I wish you luck with your deliberations.

[medway-lady]

I have Cylindrical Brochectasis (I was born with it)and never heard this and been taking AZA since 2018 and Benapali was added in 2019. No problems. Before that I was on LEF for many years again no problems at all. I also have other Immune conditions as well, so it may be worth a go.

[Helen-NRAS Moderator]

Good morning. If you would like support, information or just someone to talk to, our NRAS helpline is open every weekday from 9.30am to 4.30pm nras.org.uk/helpline/ 0800 298 7650. Or have a look at our website nras.org.uk. Kind regards.

[Angels54]

Hi I started on Abatacept biological Whig was working ok , however since having Covid jab I felt my body rejected my jab , I also have a lung problem but biological was ok 👍