Biologics

[FloralsandTrinkets]

I was screened today for the possibility of being changed over to take a biologic. The last two months have been crazy with this flare but I’m hopeful. Does anyone have experience with Biologics and what it’s like self injecting?

[Runrig01]

Be warned it is a slow process, generally taking 7-8 weeks, as they need to apply for funding once your results come back ok. Biologics were a game changer for me, initially easing the stiffness then some of the pain. I have AS and a lot of damage to my spine before being diagnosed. So I still get mechanical pains from the damage.

The injections are usually pre-filled pens, with tiny needles that just go under the skin, they have to be kept refrigerated. I’ve been on the same one for 7yrs.

[helenlw7]

I’ve had two biologics. I didn’t find injecting a problem. You’re told to rotate the points of injection between your tummy and your thighs. After a few months I gave up injecting in my thighs - way too painful! I was on Etanercept for over ten years until it stopped working. I was then changed to Adalimumab but it didn’t worked at all. Good luck.

[Pythagorus]

I agree with Helen . I have been on Benepali for several years and injecting in the thigh I found really painful but into the abdomen is relatively painless. Keeps all those flares at bay too most of the time, only minor ones very occasionally. Good luck

[Jackie1947]

I'm on Benipali. I take the pen out of the frig the night before. Everything is very good.

[Bookworm55]

I haven’t found the injecting a problem at all. I’m on Amgevita and the process is simple - a pre- filled ‘ pen ‘ so you never see the needle. Neither have I found injecting in my thigh painful even though I press very hard to make sure it’s going in!

Unfortunately I’m not convinced it’s working for me even after 5 months and neither is my rheumatologist. I think a decision will be made at my next appointment in January.

[aliplayspiano]

I’ve been on tocilizumab for five years. It has made a big difference for me. Mine is a syringe rather than pre filled pen but the needle is so fine I hardly feel it going in. I only take it once a fortnight so I just inject in alternate thighs.

[CagneysMum]

I started Amgevita (also called adalimumab) about 3 years ago and it’s made a huge improvement to my RA …. life changing and I’ve had no flare ups during that time. I still get tired more easily but have no pain or inflammation at all. I use pre loaded pens that I hold against my skin (I pinch the skin to make it taut) and click, count to ten and release. Job done. I was shown how to do this in my thigh but switched too my tummy because I seemed to bruise a lot on my legs where I injected and it was more painful. You’ll be fine and hopefully it will work well for you 🤞🤞🤞

[SheilaT3271]

I’m on my third biologic. Benepali worked for me for a couple of years, then Adalimumab which wasn’t so effective but now just started Kevzara (similar to Tocilizumab so hopeful this will work).

I haven’t found injection (fortnightly) a problem. The pre-filled pens are pretty easy to use. It takes a few weeks to get used to but once you are in a routine it’s fine. Depending what drug you are on you will likely need blood tests after 1-3 months so you are monitored for any adverse effects.

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

As well as the great information sharing here from others taking biologics you may find the Medicines in RA booklet helpful. You can download it from our website nras.org.uk/product/medicin...

Also if you'd like to actually chat to someone over the phone who has experience of self-injecting you can call our helpline on 0800 298 7650 and ask to be put in touch with one of our trained volunteers, all with lived experience and they will call you at a mutually convenient time.

Hope this helps and good luck with your treatment.

[Sanguine2]

I started biologics in July. They have suited me after trying all the chemical alternatives. The epipen is easy to use. I have had a few local fungal infections, behind my ears and in my groin, so called jock itch. None have made want to come off the biologic. I don't know if it's real or imaginary but my joints get stiff towards the end of the week that I have injected. I do that on a Sunday, by Friday my joints get a bit achy, again not enough to cease the biologic. I hope that helps. Go for it. It does take a few months to become fully effective. Best wishes.

[MadBunny]

I've been on a biologic since 2014 and it's really worked for me ( details in my profile bio so won't repeat them here) .Although I was apprehensive about self injecting at first, I needn't have worried. I always inject in my tummy as its more squidgy lol , so easier.

[Orangutans]

Have been on biological for many years. Need to find the right one for you then - magic. After three days took my splints off and the pain was so much less. Go for it. I wish you well.

[wilbertjellyfish]

I've tried five biologics so far. Three injections two tablets.One of the injections was awful but the others have been fine. It's only once a week and doesn't take long to do.

For a lot of people they are life changing and I'm hoping if I get the right one they will be e for me too.

[TiggerMum]

Thank you for asking about this, I’m new and wasn’t brave enough to post anything yet. My rheum team want to start me on a biologic but I’m a bit wary of being more immunosuppressed. I’ve got two young(ish) kids, I’m a teacher and my husband’s a university lecturer. So we’re exposed to a lot of germs! Has anyone found this to be a problem?

[FloralsandTrinkets in reply to TiggerMum]

Ah, I’m equally apprehensive in terms of being more susceptible to illness. I’m at a nursery working specifically with babies. That’s a really good Q.

[smilelines]

I am on cosentyx and leflunimide. I haven't found that I have been sick or had infections.