Hi everyone
My Rheumatologist has suggested changing from Cimzia to Etanercept because my CRP and ESR are constantly raised. My research so far tells me it’s not a biologic but is biosimilar. It hasn’t got the long testing the biologic it’s modelled on, Benepali, has. I’m also on Methotraxate which it’s planned I continue with. I’m just wondering if anyone has been taking it, and what your experience has been. Thanks in advance 😊
Benepali is a biosimilar, I’ve been on it 5 years and it made a huge difference to my RA and subsequently my life. I take methotrexate too as many of us do with this. I hope it works as well for you as it does for me 🤞🏻
I take both Methotrexate and Benepali. Benepali was added to the Methotrexate after my inflammation levels were raised. I was hoping to reduce Methotrexate when the Benepali was added four years ago . I did reduce from 25mgs to 20 mgs over the last two years but I have started to have minor flares and am back to 25mgs again. Hope all goes well for you
Pythagoras you have replied to me rather than Jan, at the bottom of your reply if you click ‘more’ it will give the option to delete it and then you can post as a reply to Jan 😊
Thanks Kitty🙂
I thought etarnercept, also known as enbrel, was a biologic. At least that was the case when I was on it 10 years ago. Never taken benapali, though my understanding is it's a biosimilar that's replaced enbrel for the majority of people.
Correct. Sir! You should know. Etanercept (brand name Enbrel) was my first biologic med in 2013.
I've done exactly that and it's worked out very well for me. I've managed to drop the methotrexate too...thank goodness! Replaced with hydroxychloraquinin....life at the the moment is really good. Glad I was able to change meds. Good luck.
I’m on the Benepali/ Mtx cocktail like others on here when mtx on its own stopped being effective . Benepali took a while to make an impact but I’m glad I persevered. Good luck whatever you decide
I have replied to similar posts about Benepali
I was on it for a long time and it was very good. I used to tell everyone about how good it was, It gave me my life back.
Then last year I was hospitalised for a month with PCP ( a type of pneumonia) I was told that my immunity was non existent and it was down to the Benapali, which was stopped .
I am fortunate that my RA is inactive but I still take one tablet morning and night of Sulfasalazine to stop any flares.
As others have stated Benepali works for them and I hope it works for you.
I hope this helps
Regards Brian
Benapali etanercept is the injection I have , so not quite sure if you have got confused? I also take 12.5 MG of methotrexate I seem to be doing quite well so I'm happy,good luck.
Hi, I was on Cimzia for about a year I could feel it losing its efficacy. When I had my routine meeting with my Rheumy, she took me off it and just left me on Methotrexate. I have been having all sorts of issues, since I have been off it. I never had any issue with my ESR or CRP, in fact when I had Sepsis my ESR CRP were barely raised. I hope you get sorted. Happy to answer any questions you may have.
Benapali is Etanercept or so it’s says on my boxes in the fridge. It works well for me.
20 years RA. 2 years on this medication. Remision achieved where others failed
I’ve been on it 7yrs, and has helped enormously with my pains. It is still Etanercept, same as the original enbrel. It is classed as a biosimilar, because unlike regular meds like Brufen where all brands are identical, biologics can’t be predicated identical as the drug made from living organisms, so can’t be replicated the same as chemical meds. It is still a biologic, and has the same effect as the original enbrel.
How long have you been on Cimzia ?
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