Another Biologic switch

[cropredy]

Hi all,My first biologic was Enbrel and I was on it for over six years. I thought it was a miracle drug and it gave me my life back, that was until I was switched to a biosimilar called Erelzi. I was then switched to Abdumilibab(hope I spelt that right). After injecting that for a good time I found that didn't work. I was then given Tocilizumab(Roactemra) and until now it seems to be working😃.

I returned back home this from my physio appointment this morning to find correspondence from my Homecare Pharmacy Team saying that I am going to be swapped to a biosimilar of Tocilizumab called Tyenne😬 the reason given the same as my last switch, any of you on Biologics will be familiar with the reasons.

It seems like before that I haven't a choice but to change. I'm not angry with the NHS because my personal experience of their service has been faultless and very professional. In closing can I ask for any feedback from any of you who may have been on Tyenne for sometime. Thank you.

[Lolabridge]

Yes I’m on Tyenne having been told I had to switch from RoActemra. I made the switch with no missed dose between the last of one and first of the other and injected my tenth dose today. The Tyenne seems to be working just as well as RoActemra had done and I’ve not had any side effects (that I’m aware of!). As I’m on the RUBY trial I am being closely monitored and have a nurse appointment later this month by which time I will have had twelve doses. So 👍🏻 from me and hope it works as well for you too. 🤞🏻

If you enter Tyenne in the search bar you will find a couple of others who have been on it longer than me.

[AgedCrone]

Have you spoken to your rheumy team to confirm they have ordered all these changes?

[Lolabridge in reply to AgedCrone]

Probably Rheumy has been told to arrange the change to save money! RoActemra is US product and Tyenne is European so latter may represent a significant cost saving now.

[AgedCrone in reply to Lolabridge]

Unless the hospital team who decide on drug funding object, the clinician who prescribes decides. When Rituximab was the new drug on the block, I was on it, and we were told if we wanted to remain on it, we had to discuss it with the Rheumatology pharmacist. But that was 9 years ago..

[Brushwork]

I switched about 10 months ago, no choice and fully understand why it was necessary.

I have had no problems, side effects or disruptions at all. It seems to be working just as effectively as the original and I’m costing the NHS a bit less.

[oldtimer2]

The only way to find out, unfortunately, is to try it. We all react so differently to medications that one person's experience is not the same as another's. If you find it doesn't suit you, then you can campaign to return as an exception. I've had to do this with drugs for asthma as well.

(Glad to see someone else enjoyed Copredy as I did over the years!)

[cropredy]

Thank you all so much for your replies I found them all very useful. I also agree that it is important to save our NHS money. The letter I received was from my supplier Healthcare at home, but I will call my rheumatology department to let them know I had correspondence from them.Once again thank you, stay safe and enjoy this lovely spring weather.

[clod]

My expierence withvEnbrel worked wonddrfull during 13 years after i developed breast cancer had to stop.Simce then 4 mlg of prednisone of course osteoporosis but felt down sevetal times no hip or other broken.Touch wood i am 70 and have several other patolgies.But still can tell my story

[cropredy in reply to clod]

Thanks for your reply, sorry to about your cancer diagnosis and glad you did not break any bones when had your fall. I was sorry that I had to come Enbrel but biosimilars are there to save the NHS money, I am hoping my sway goes well and works. Take care and stay safe.

[tyncwmmarchhywel]

Good Morning, sorry to hear you have to change some thing that worked for you. I have just come off Adaluinamab after three months did nothing, what next I dont know, pain not too bad but FATIGUE is horrid and ruins your life. good luck with new meds.

[cropredy in reply to tyncwmmarchhywel]

So sorry to hear you are feeling horrid with fatigue, hope you feel better soon and that you get a biologic that woks for you.