Baricitinib a fail, going to try Rinvoq

[ElizabethW]

I had a telephone appointment with my rheumatoligist, and he is going to switch me to Rinvoq. I had high hopes for baricitinib, but after almost 4 months, my bloodwork still shows a lot of inflammation (ESR 120, CRP 16), and although I had some slight and very gradual improvement in pain and stiffness, I seem to be backsliding a bit. I have a lot of pain in my shoulders that makes it very difficult to do anything. Other joints seem to randomly flare up and then improve. My energy is still poor.

I am very discouraged. The rheumy told me that I am tough, but I don't feel tough. I sometimes I feel very weak and fragile. I cry.

I asked if I can expect a better response with Rinvoq, it being another JAK inhibitor, and he said they all react a bit different.

Anyone out there have any experiences to share with this new med.

I am in Canada

[skinnycappuccino]

Hello ElizabethW, I am so sorry to read that baricitinib hasn't worked for you. It is upsetting when that happens, there's just so much hope with every new medication that it turns out to be "the one". I had a good cry myself when I realised Kevzara is very probably not working for me.

I'm glad your rheumy is switching you to another med but unfortunately I have no experience with Rinvoq. But my rheumy also said that it's possible that patients respond differently to different meds even if they are in the same "catergory".

I wish you all the best and much success with your new med ❤️

Christine xx

[ElizabethW in reply to skinnycappuccino]

Thank you.

[helenlw7]

I too am waiting to go on RINVOQ but have had issues with my liver tests. I’ve read one or too reports from different people about how it was a miracle drug for them, but we’re all different.

[SmithM52 in reply to helenlw7]

Hi I had similar problems with baricitinib … but after 6 months changed to Rinvoq.So far it’s all been very positive…very few initial side effects, mild nausea & headaches but they only lasted for a very short time.

After 7 weeks I definitely felt an improvement in pain levels & mobility. I also felt a bit less fatigued. Unfortunately I had a couple of UTI s which meant I had to stop taking my daily tablets until they cleared up with antibiotics.

My pain levels & stiffness definitely got worse while I stopped the rinvoq. I have now started taking it again & even in the 2 weeks I have been back on it I can already feel an improvement. So I am very hopeful that after 25 years & numerous medications that this just might be the one for me! I believe it works even better if taken with methotrexate but as I can’t tolerate methotrexate I am taking it on its own. Hope this helps.

[ElizabethW in reply to SmithM52]

Thank you for your input. I am glad to hear that you are having good results with rinvoq after failing baricitinib. I too am a long-timer with RA (40 years). I had success with MTX for years but then i started having problems with it, so i had to discontinue. I have tried 3 meds in the past year that did not work out. My hopes are pinned on rinvoq now. I just have to wait to have it approved for funding.

I hope you have success with rinvoq for a long time.