Switching from Humira to Amgevita

[Jaynek]

I have been on Humira for 19yrs and in October my Specialist asked me to try Amgevita. I agreed and have had 1 course so far but was wondering if anyone has made the same change and if so, any side effects? Any information would be helpful.

[Hector]

I was swapped to Amgevita about 5 years ago and haven't had any issues with it at all. They both contain adamilabub so are basically the same.

Humira developed the drug and therefore had the monopoly on its manufacture for about 10 years. After that time other companies could make it and because all the testing had been done previously it was cheaper to produce.

[Jaynek in reply to Hector]

Hi Hector

Thank you for your reply and I will just see how it goes. All is good so far for me.

[Cod-chips]

hi I’d been on Humira 8 years when they asked me try Amgevita but I wasn’t very good on it. Didn’t work like Humira did and I had more pain & stiffness than before I switched. I felt awful. I also tried another alternative which also didn’t suit at all. But I also know someone for whom the switch made no difference so it seems to be what works for the individual. If you find it detrimental for you, please insist on going back to what works for you. I did and not settled back on Humira. Good luck. Xx

[Jaynek in reply to Cod-chips]

Thank you. If it doesn’t work for me I will have no problem going back to Humira as I have a very good specialist. Hope you are all good now.

[Cod-chips in reply to Jaynek]

That’s good. I’m settled on Humira again. Hope things work for you. X

[Red_Lillies]

I was on Humira for 14 years, with no problem. They switched me to amgivita but it didn’t work as well. Rheumatologist has consistently refused to put me back on Humira, although I have been on many drugs since. The nearest effective drug was Baricitinib, which worked well although push cholesterol up. This stopped being effective April/May 2024. I would still like to go back onto Humira but they won’t allow it. I’m currently on abatacept, only had 3 weekly injections, so it’s early doors.i am currently in a bad flare up and feel awful.

[Jaynek]

So sorry to hear you are suffering at the moment. Let's hope the new medication kicks in soon. So sad that people who do not have RA can put a price on quality of life for those who do suffer. 🤞for you.

[Potatos]

I made the switch once biosimilars came out. I had no problems, if anything it works marginally better and the pens were a little easier to use. My new pens are Amgevita HCF, it is a more concentrated formula. I haven't tried this yet as I am finishing up my old stock of pens. When I was asked to switch from Humira to Amgevita there was a big difference in price for the NHS which was why I agreed. Now in the UK the prices are very similar so I would not want to switch as there would seem no reason to do so and run the risk of it not working as well.

[Jaynek]

Very interesting to read your reply. My Specialist said that it could be more effective than Humira but I will wait and see. He also told me that the Social Security here in France are asking people to change to a biosimilar as it cheaper. I do not use pens but looking at the costs here for syringe, there is not a huge amount of difference.

[Potatos in reply to Jaynek]

I initially used a syringe for Humira, I started in 2006 when it didn't come in a pen. I was then switched to Humira pens when they came out. They were much easier to use than the syringe but hurt a little more. When I switched to Amgevita, it was also a pen, but it was easier to use and hurt less. They have just altered the formula for Amgevita in the UK. The pen looks the same, but I haven't used it yet. From what I can gather, the active ingredient is the same, but it is mixed with a smaller amount of liquid. I don't know the reason for the change, I was just sent a letter saying the formula was altering. They now say the pen should be left at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting. It's a bit of a faff but not the end of the world.

[Jaynek]

I have always used a syringe with no problem so saw no need to change. My Humira changed to a more concentrated dose which was quick and easy to inject but now the Amgevita is a bigger dose as was Humira back in 2005 when I started. I will see how I get on 🤞