Possible Biologics

[Kati66]

Hi all,

When I had to speak to the nurse before Christmas as my symptoms had escalated, she mentioned trying a biologic. I’m currently on Hydroxychloroquine and leflunomide but my ESR and CRP are now raised. She arranged for my to have a steroid jab to get me through Christmas and I’m going in to see her next Monday.

My question is, can you be on DMARDS and Biologics at the same time? I have got on well with the Hydrox. and and Lef. so didn’t want to come off and start all over again! Do you know which biologic is normally used first? Just as I got my head around DMARDS I’ve got a whole new range of meds to understand 😮😮

Many thanks

Kati

[Runrig01]

Yes you can be on both dmards and biologics. I take methotrexate as well as benepali. Most rheumatologists use a tnf inhibitor as the first biologic, although it can differ if you have other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. There are many names of these meds, as there are now biosimilars, which is what your likely to be offered. They behave much the same as the original drug, but a much better cost. You will need a chest X-ray, and bloods to check for TB before starting. It’s usually 7-8 weeks after, these initial tests, to you starting these meds. This is because the tb blood test takes a few weeks, then they have to apply for funding. It usually takes 3-6 months to see a good response

[Kati66 in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for the reply, I didn’t realise you had to have funding approved for the Biologics. I guess she will explain the process when I see her next week.

[Runrig01 in reply to Kati66]

Yes, they cost around £8-10,000 a year, between the drug, training and delivery. So there is strict criteria. You also need a Das score >3.2. Your rheumatologist will explain it all 🤗

[AgedCrone]

Your rheumatologist, together with the other specialists who are looking after you will use his/her experience to decide which type of new drug will suit you first….there is no fixed rule….we all get prescribed for our own particular need.

I hope you get something that helps you very soon.,

[Kati66 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you 👍🏻

[helenlw7]

Yes you can be on a biologic and a DMARD. I’ve been on methotrexate since 2010, and 3 different biologics alongside the mtx. I started with etaneracept, which worked well for about 10 years, then Adalimumab, which didn’t work, and I’m now on Cimzia, which is working well

[Kati66 in reply to helenlw7]

Thank you for the reply, it’s good you have found one that works well