biologics vs DMARDS

[LoveIslandFan]

Just wondering if anyone has switched from DMARDS to biologics and what differences they noticed? Or if they added in a biologic to methotrexate. Interested in people’s experiences.

[AgedCrone]

I think these days many people diagnosed have at least added a Biologic, if the first few DMards, including Methotrexate have not offered enough control. But I expect quite a few still live comfortably on just DMards.

In fact people diagnosed in the last few years have benefitted greatly from Bio similars as they are much less expensive than the original Biologics…& although price shouldn’t be a primary concern…it does often affect what can be prescribed.

Personally after 7 years, Methotrexate stopped working overnight & after the necessary tests I was prescribed Rituximab,& I am one of the lucky ones who it suits well,& now after 8 years on that, I can go 9/12 months on one infusion….with nothing else except the odd paracetamol /ibuprofen.

[helenlw7]

My first biologic was etaneracept, which I took for 10 years alongside methotrexate and it was a game changer. Since then I’ve been on Adalimumab, which didn’t work, and I started Cimzia about 6 weeks ago, always with methotrexate. I’ve tried Baricitinab and hydroxychloroquine along the way.

[Madmusiclover]

you’ll get as many answers as people. But yes currently taking metho alongside a JAK. Too early to say if it’s helping.

[ruth_p]

They usually like to keep you on mtx with a biologic as a way to stop your immune system making antibodies against them. I’m on mtx and tocilizumab and I’ve been in remission since 2015.

[Mama-K]

Hiya

I am on Biologic injection once a fortnight & Methotrexate injection weekly. The difference in pain has been brilliant, I have found that you do need to be careful with infection or cuts as you heal much more slowly but it was a game changer for me. X

[Sunshinereturns]

Yes, I have been on highest dose methotrexate for ages (still am) and it didn’t hold symptoms at bay. Now I am also on adalimumab and it’s early days but has been like a magic spell. I can’t rate it highly enough. I now this won’t last forever but I am so grateful for just now.

[RAGuy]

Briefly, yes, very many people do. Sometimes alongside a Dmard, for me instead of one. I am on my 4th biologic and they are very effective, Unfortunately, all treatments stopped working at some point but that's just me. We are all different. Don't worry, if one does not work another one will.

[Paula-C]

I'm on enbrel, been on it since November 2012. It took me straight into remission, I felt it starting to work within 24 hours of my first injection. I'm still in remission, no side effects, no pain relief required. Enbrel gave me my life back.....it gave me back to me!

[Kariss]

I was switched to biologic Benepali after 12 years on mtx and after a brief spell on Adalimumab which wasn’t effective. I had a break of a year with no meds between because the pandemic got in the way. I can’t honestly say that the biologic has helped more than mtx did apart from the fact that the costochondroitis I suffer from has lessened in intensity and there are far less side effects now than I had with mtx. For instance I no longer feel nauseous a lot of the time, have massive headaches or feel wiped out the day after the meds. Also no monthly blood tests necessary. I prefer the biologic by far. I still have painful hands and feet and inflammation but then I am also older now and have other ailments too so I don’t expect miracles. Everyone reacts differently and you will only know if they suit you by trying. If offered I’d say give it a go.