Your fav biologic and why

[MrsOuchie]

I had a reaction to sulfasalazine after increasing my dose. Full body rash, high liver enzymes. I will be moving onto biologics, but idk which one is easiest on the liver. It will be my first time with them. Want to know your favorite one so far and why.

[Deeb1764]

I went thro MTX Lefluomide sulfasazine Benepali in my first 2years as Inreacted badly to all of them. So I was then put on baritcitnib and no adverse reactions and it keeps my blood work good and easy as in pill form.

So for Me this is the one at the moment but we all react so differently 😘

[Dave74]

Been on firstly enbrel, and then changed to boi similar benepali, which is the same basically for 11 years now! Never had a high liver in my bloodi! 😊

[Runrig01]

everyone reacts differently to meds, so it’s impossible to gauge how your liver will tolerate certain meds. Also unless you have other issues like IBD, psoriasis or uveitis then most Trusts have a strict protocol on which ones to try first. Generally that will be an anti tnf biosimilar. I’ve been on Benepali the biosimilar for Enbrel for 6yr , and coped fine. I also still take MTX for peripheral symptoms and to reduce the likelihood of developing antibodies against the biologic. Your specialist will have a wealth of knowledge as to which is best suited to you.

[MadBunny]

I cant really add much more than Maureengibson has said, except to say my rheumatologist decided which one I started on , which is Cimzia. I have been on it for 8 years, it has worked well for me, and have never had liver problems so far. Wishing you all the best,and fingers x they find one which works for you 🤗

[Artroc56]

It's kind of an unanswerable question as I believe most people (including me) have only ever used one biological. Also everyone reacts differently. I don't mean to be negative - just trying to be realistic. Whichever you choose good luck

[Mmrr]

As others have said , everyone is different.For me the JAK inhibitors have worked best, they come in tablet form and are not biologics, rather they advanced therapies. Many very new to the market, but quickly gaining a good reputation.

I've had much fewer side effects with them as opposed to the biologics (which you inject) and they are so easy to take, one or two tablets a day depending on your dosage and which of the JAK inhibitors you are given. I've just added them into my morning routine of other meds, and easy if you are away overnight/going on holiday, as you do not need to worry about keeping them at cool temperatures as you do with the biologics.

Baricitinib, Toficinitib, Upacinitib and Filgotinib are some of the names of the JAKs.

Good luck which ever med you are recommended.

[Thebill21]

Hi Sorry to hear you've had a reaction to increasing your Sulfasazine. I've been on Sulfasazine for a very long time & have l have not had a reaction. Everyone is different. It's worked for me. For almost 2 years I've been on biologics & inject myself once a week. The biologics I take is Benepali & it's worked wonders. I'll be reducing the Sulfasazine this year so eventually, I'll just be taking benepali. You asked about which is kindest to the liver I think it'll be a good idea to speak with either your Rheumatologist or Rheumatology Nurse. I would hate to suggest something & it caused you problems. I hope you get some answers. Good luck. Take care 😊

[Indersisive71]

Last year I was on hydroxychloroquene twice a day but it would take me three hours to get me going. So they started me on sulfasalazine I am on 2 twice a day plus 1 hydroxychloroquene, and I have been a lot better I can get about more .Still have some pian but more manageable.

[helixhelix]

it is a very variable disease, and people react very differently to the drugs. Unless there is a specific contra-indication you will be started on a biosimilar of an anti-tnf - like Benepali - as there is a recommended protocol. With luck it will suit you and everything well be wonderful.

I’m on my third now, and numbes 2 and 3 haven’t been as effective as my original Enbrel/Benepali.

[Zephre]

Hi I'm still on sulphasalazine as it took me a while but it's ok also on Embrel inj once a week and I've been ok with it too as I've been on them a few years now ,but what works for one doesn't always agree with others ,good luck with whatever you choosex

[AgedCrone]

It’s not a question of a “favourite”…..your rheumatologist will probably give you a choice of the drugs he recommends for you…..you may get  some information leaflets & you can talk it over with your rheumy nurse how each Biologic would work for you.It’s not an exact science….what   suits one person very well, can be hell for someone else…so listen to the advice you rheumy team give….but they are not always right either!You really do have to try a drug to know if it is for you.

[Coriander18]

Having 'failed' on the four main chemical DMARDs I was lucky to be sponsored by the makers of Cimzia, a biologic that changed my life over 10 years ago. Cimzia is actually Certolizamab Pegol, the Pegol meaning I don't need a chemical DMARD alongside (it also doesn't cross the placenta barrier... not that I wanted more kids at my age).

I've had no side effects with it (except being on it meant when I got Covid I was entitled to an antibody drip on the NHS which meant I wasn't too ill with Covid)

One problem was I continued on my 5 mg steroid tablet which with hindsight should have been stopped, but I still don't have much trouble with rheumatoid pain/flares... it's just complications from the steroids I now suffer now I'm off completely.

I was initially given leaflets for two biologics and luckily Cimzia was chosen for me.... so it's my favourite because it's given me 10 lovely years when mostly I can forget rheumatoid arthritis.

Hope you too get the right one first time... mine was lifechanging.

[Pastels]

Hi,

Good luck with your search!

I take the Jak inhibitor Filgotinib and I have no side effects at all one 200mg tablet in the morning.

It has controlled my RA really well. I had to stop for three weeks when I had covid and my RA symptoms came creeping back after about a week. So slowly the Filgotinib is controlling my RA again. For me it has been life changing.

[smilelines]

I don't think biologics are hard on the liver like the Dmards are. That is my understanding but I could be wrong. I know that I do not need to be monitored for liver enzymes on cosentyx. For this biologic they are more worried about a drop in white blood cells but my doctor is not monitoring my blood for that either. I am not sure way though.