I am going to see my Rheumatogist. I am diagnosed RA 18 years ago. I am on MTX and Hydro chloroquine was introduced about 5 years ago.But it was withdrawn for unknown reason just before Covid. Nothing was reviewed as planned. I havr distorted right toes due to RA and they were inflamed. I had an ultrasound aided steroid injection which is helping temporarily. But my left toes are angry and inflamed. I am seeing my Rheumy on the 30th May. I do not about the side effects of Biological drugs. I heard they ahhave to be injected. I am not sure about their side efforts too.
Don't know what further drugs have minimum side effects.
Will be happy with your suggestions.
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Sarmita50
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Of course we all respond differently to different drugs. I've been on Cimzia for almost 6 years and it's worked very well for me. Yes, it's injected, but I don't find that a problem.I was nervous at first , but once I'd done it a couple of times it became like second nature to me.
If your rheumy decides that you would benefit from being on a biologic, they will explain it all to you, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about any concerns you have. And you would have regular blood tests to monitor how you are responding to the drug.
Injecting is very easy. I have no side effects from adalimumab but the methotrexate makes me feel mildly hung over. If I had to choose I would stop the methotrexate before the adalimumab.
There are many Biologic drugs …..they can be taken orally, by injection or by infusion…..they suit some people but not others.If your present DMards are not sufficiently controlling your RA , & your rheumatologist suggests you try a Biologic drug, it is well worth considering.
But they are not automatically better than what you are presently taking.
Have a word with your rheumy nurse- she will explain better than I do.
Thank you for your advice.Now I have some background knowledge about these drugs.It is good to know biologic meds can be taken orally. I will be more informed when I see my Rheumy. At the moment I am on 15mg of MTX .They stopped Hydroxychloroquine just before Covid as I was in remission since then I had flare ups and steroid injection. My case was not reviewed for 2 and a half years.Many thanks.
Most JAK Inhibitors are in tablet form... I had baricitinib added to my MTX in January which is helping settle thing back down and no real side effects..... a bit headachy but drinking more water helps with that.
The NRAS website has good reliable information about all the medication used for Rheumatoid Disease. Well worth looking at before you have your next appointment so that you are prepared with the questions you need to ask before starting. nras.org.uk/information-sup...
Many thanks old timer 2. Ever so grateful for all of your help.
I used to be a Sulphalazine for years until I got more issues with inflammation. I then got put on Methotrexate, mainly because here in Belgium you need to try at least 2 'regular' meds before you can start on Biologicals, in order to get them paid back. Each IV (I get IV's) costs about 900 euro, so you can understand I can't really afford that on my own. Anyhow, the Methotrexate did not help either, so I was started on Tocilizumab (but have to keep taking the Methotrexate). I did not feel up to injecting myself, so I chose the 4-weekly IV option in the hospital. I now get 4-weekly IV's of Tocilizumab (since a bit more than 2 years) and take 6 pills of Methotrexate every week. No inflammations or pain. I do feel rather tired, but that might have another reason all together. Anyhow, I am happy on my Biological and hope it will help me for a long time to come still.
Both the biologic and Methotrexate that I take are click pens so it is not like injecting which I had to do many years ago. I feel very lucky as Biologic works for me and I have been in remission for more than 6 years. only flare was when I caught Covid but only lasted a couple of days and no further joint damage for years.
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Scared to take a biologic
To biological or not to biologic
MTX
MTX
