Re: Biologics as Mono-Therapy + a Question About Rituxan

[Guest guest]

The only way I have been able to stay on a biologic like Remicade is with MTX. My RD makes me take it all at once. I used to become so ill from it, severe fatigue and nausea. I take it at night which is a must. When I get up the following day I take leucovorin. It literally rescues you from the side effects. Without it your body will find a way around the biologic. RA is smart. Its a parasite and very very smart. What MTX does is reset your immune system each week while on a biologic. Since its chemotherapy, it targets the RA cells which are abnormal similar to the way cancer cells react and keeps them from dividing which means the smart code they carry is stopped and your biologic can continue to work for you. With Leucovorin MTX isnt even an inconvenience now, just a part of my weekly routine. Hope that helps. Good Luck. Deborah

On Jan 28, 2008 10:43 PM, <catdelouise@...> wrote:

Hello All,I have had RA for 5 years and have tried Enbrel, which helped but not enough , then Humira which helped for almost 4 years before losing it's efficacy.The thing is, I have never used MTX with either of these drugs. I wondered if

anyone else here takes a biologic without anything else?Also, I am interested in Rituxan and wondered if anyone had a difficult time with your insurance company getting on it? Thank you,Elizabeh

[Guest guest]

Hi, ! Yes, I use Enbrel alone. I did try the MTX (also

alone) for several months, but my liver lab tests were too high. I

cannot seem to handle a combination of drugs. gentle hugs! Marcia

--- <catdelouise@...> wrote:

> Hello All,

>

> I have had RA for 5 years and have tried Enbrel, which helped but not

> enough

> , then Humira which helped for almost 4 years before losing it's

> efficacy.

>

> The thing is, I have never used MTX with either of these drugs. I

> wondered if

> anyone else here takes a biologic without anything else?

>

> Also, I am interested in Rituxan and wondered if anyone had a

> difficult time

> with your insurance company getting on it?

>

> Thank you,

>

> Elizabeh

>

>

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