Guest guest Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 This sounds a lot like humira or enbrel.. I have not heard any commercials yet for it though. Joy keptoz <keptoz@...> wrote: Has anyone tried this drug? My Rheumy is thinking of switching me to it, but its new & that makes me a little nervous. I've been taking Enbrel & it works, but I've been getting hives from it. Honestly, I don't mind since it helps my pain so much, but my Dr is worried that at some point I may have a more severe allergic reaction. I wasn't 100% clear on the explanation from her, but she said it doesn't have any of the added proteins that can cause the reaction & otherwise its the same basic drug as Enbrel. Its also only injected once a month which is a plus for me. If anyone has heard about or had any experience with it, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks. ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 I'm curious: several of you are getting this drug but I thought the FDA had approved it only for plaque psoriasis. Are docs prescribing it for PsA, too? And, if so, will insurance companies cover it for that? Or am I getting it mixed up with another drug. Joanna Hoelscher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 The drug you are thinking of is ustekinumub, which is for plaque psoriasis. Simponi is golimumab and is approved for rheumatoid arthritis, ankalosing spondlytis and psoriatic arthritis and was approved by the FDA about a month ago. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2009 Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 - I started Simponi on Monday. Sounds like we're going to find out how it works together. I've been doing pretty well with Enbrel and methotrexate, so for me it's a matter of maintaining a good level of health. The folks at my rheumys office told me that it would probably help my psoriasis. That, along with the convenience of once a month injections, caused me to switch from Enbrel. After reading the literature that came with the Simponi I think that it's possible to get off methotrexate as well, but I'm not dropping that until I see how things are working. Rob Glover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Hi - my curiosity got the better of me as I had not heard of Simponi before either. Here is their website: http://www.simponi.com/simponi/index.html I've not taken it before, but I am always wanting to hear about new meds. Please let us know how you do with it. Why are you having to stop the Humira? Just curious.....Doreen Hey all, My doctor is taking me off Humira and putting me on Simponi I have never heard of it and wondered if anyone else is on this med and if it has helped them? I am alos on Relafan, metho, and folic acid of course.. Thanks for any input and praying for pain free days for all.. /fl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Hi , I've never heard of Simponi, either. Let us know how it works. Is it by injection, infusion, or what? Sue On Sep 13, 2009, at 12:38 AM, wndy_crss wrote: > Hey all, > My doctor is taking me off Humira and putting me on Simponi I have > never heard of it and wondered if anyone else is on this med and if > it has helped them? I am alos on Relafan, metho, and folic acid of > course.. > Thanks for any input and praying for pain free days for all.. > /fl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Good morning , I was just wondering why you are going off Humira, and how long you've been taking it. I ask because I too have been self-injecting Humira once every 2 weeks since March 2008. It still seems to be working but not like it was. I see my rheumatologist this afternoon and I have no idea what is going to happen. I have mixed feelings about taking Humira more often, like once every 10 days or once a week but I also don't want to switch medications. So far the side effects of Humira have been...bearable....I guess....except for the costchrondritis....(I sometimes take a Voltaran if that starts to appear)....but Humira has definately not put my RA into remission or slowed it down, but I don't believe there is a medication that will. I've tried almost everything over the last 20 years and the pain has never and will never go away. ( sorry I got started on my pity party )...... Is Simponi a new medication? I haven't heard of it....keep us posted on how things go. Take care, (musiclvr3237) From: wndy_crss <wndy_crss@...> Subject: [ ] Simponi Date: Sunday, September 13, 2009, 12:38 AM Hey all, My doctor is taking me off Humira and putting me on Simponi I have never heard of it and wondered if anyone else is on this med and if it has helped them? I am alos on Relafan, metho, and folic acid of course.. Thanks for any input and praying for pain free days for all.. /fl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Since I do not suffer from RA I cannot claim to have tried this drug but I can tell you that we have done quite a lot of market research about it and it is being well received by rheumatologists and specialist RA nurses here in UK. As I understand it, it will be a once a month injection using an autoinjector which is a bit easier than a syringe and less frequent than the other self-injection biologics. I know remicade/infliximab is less frequent but it is an infusion and I'm sure most people would prefer a quick injection to a couple of hours getting an infusion. It probably also has an effect on the cost although that is not a consideration for NHS patients in UK, it probably is for people in other countries. Simponi is not yet licensed in Europe but has a license in USA. I expect it is a good drug as it is the latest development in this class of drug. Good luck with it whatever you decide to do! . > > Has anyone tried this drug? My Rheumy is thinking of switching me to it, but its new & that makes me a little nervous. > > I've been taking Enbrel & it works, but I've been getting hives from it. Honestly, I don't mind since it helps my pain so much, but my Dr is worried that at some point I may have a more severe allergic reaction. I wasn't 100% clear on the explanation from her, but she said it doesn't have any of the added proteins that can cause the reaction & otherwise its the same basic drug as Enbrel. Its also only injected once a month which is a plus for me. > > If anyone has heard about or had any experience with it, I'd love to hear about it. > > Thanks. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Ang, I am on Simponi but have only taken one dose. I agree, there is absolutely NO burning which is great. It did not make me nauseated but I was very tired, not sure though if that was from the PsA or the drug. When my second dose was due I was sick and still am so I am 3 weeks overdue on taking it. Rae Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 How expensive is Simponi? Does it cost as much as Enbrel and the others? Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2009 Report Share Posted December 14, 2009 After taking my 1st dose of Simponi I was able to make a fist for the first time in almost a year. I took MTX, Enbrel, Humira and Orencia with little or no results. I am completely off of steroids for the first time in almost 8 years. This drug has been amazing for me. I take it without MTX. I'm a week late for my injection and my fingers are starting to swell. My pharmacy's supposed to get my med in tomorrow so I can't wait to do my next injection. I'm still having a lot of pain my back, shoulder and hip. I had some joint injections but it made it worse. I'm hoping that with continued use of Simponi the larger joints will get better and I'll be able to get off the pain meds. leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 I contacted the Healthwell Foundation for help with Humira and got a lot of help from them. They help RA patients only, I think. Here's a number to call to get started: 1.800.675.8416 I hope it will help you with the copay, that's what they're for. Dennis in eastexas On Wed, Feb 17, 2010 at 8:13 AM, COLLEEN MCPHERSON <cmcpherson@... > wrote: > > > I also was on MTX and Humria weekly for 6 years when it stopped working. I > have taken 3 injections of Simponi and I feel it has really helped. I've > continued with injectable MTX as well. My problem is the $1750 cost of > Simponi. My insurance caps at $1500 annually so there is no way I can get it > through my insurance. I'm on my second foundation trying to get some help > with the cost. Try a few more injections and hopefully it will help you as > well. > Conniekay > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 Hi Dennis! You said these guys help with RA patients - it's not a drug specific agency? Thanks! in SC Sent from my iPhone On Feb 17, 2010, at 9:16 PM, Dennis W <betnden@...> wrote: I contacted the Healthwell Foundation for help with Humira and got a lot of help from them. They help RA patients only, I think. Here's a number to call to get started: 1.800.675.8416 I hope it will help you with the copay, that's what they're for. Dennis in eastexas On Wed, Feb 17, 2010 at 8:13 AM, COLLEEN MCPHERSON <cmcpherson@... wrote: I also was on MTX and Humria weekly for 6 years when it stopped working. I have taken 3 injections of Simponi and I feel it has really helped. I've continued with injectable MTX as well. My problem is the $1750 cost of Simponi. My insurance caps at $1500 annually so there is no way I can get it through my insurance. I'm on my second foundation trying to get some help with the cost. Try a few more injections and hopefully it will help you as well. Conniekay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Hi, Did you try the Simponi One copay program through Centocor (the drug manufacturer)? I have one of their co-pay cards, and pay nothing for the first 6 months, and $5 a month for the next six months. Their number is 1-877-697-4676. At least that would get you through for a while! Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 , the card I got from them says: Healthwell Foundation Copay Assistance Card Rheumatiod Arthritis. That tells me that it's disease specific, not drug specific. I was given an amount based on my income (SSDI) and would pay for about a year's supply. Unfortunately the Humira didn't work and I had to stop it, so I guess I have the money to use thru April, 2010. Dennis in eastexas On Wed, Feb 17, 2010 at 8:34 PM, <ltdavis_jrdavis@...>wrote: > > > Hi Dennis! > You said these guys help with RA patients - it's not a drug specific > agency? Thanks! > in SC > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Feb 17, 2010, at 9:16 PM, Dennis W <betnden@...<betnden%40gmail.com>> > wrote: > > I contacted the Healthwell Foundation for help with Humira and got a lot of > help from them. They help RA patients only, I think. Here's a number to > call > to get started: 1.800.675.8416 I hope it will help you with the copay, > that's what they're for. > > Dennis in eastexas > > On Wed, Feb 17, 2010 at 8:13 AM, COLLEEN MCPHERSON < > cmcpherson@... <cmcpherson%40bellsouth.net> > wrote: > > I also was on MTX and Humria weekly for 6 years when it stopped working. I > have taken 3 injections of Simponi and I feel it has really helped. I've > continued with injectable MTX as well. My problem is the $1750 cost of > Simponi. My insurance caps at $1500 annually so there is no way I can get > it > through my insurance. I'm on my second foundation trying to get some help > with the cost. Try a few more injections and hopefully it will help you as > well. > Conniekay > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2010 Report Share Posted October 5, 2010 I've had a lot of success with Simponi. It's working for me far better than Humira. I've also had repeat infections when I was on Remicade and have had no problems with Simponi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Dear , Thanks so much for responding. You are the only email I have seen about Simponi and I guess it¹s due to it being so new. How soon did you feel better? My doctor told me it works quicker than the other drugs, so I guess I¹m going to just take a chance and pray for the best. Thanks again for the info. Take care and stay well, Fran \ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Swelling went down within the first month and continued to improve over a period of 6 to 7 months. The swelling in my hands and wrists is so much better. I've been using it for a little more than a year. I am just beginning to see it help the P a bit. Mine always gets worse during the winter months and usually starts showing up in early Sept. and no signs of it getting worse yet so I'm hoping that's a good sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 I also tried simponi for several months. It worked very well for my joints and fatigue. The down side for me was that I had constant bacterial and fungal infections in the female region. Then a bout with a severe sinus infection which led to ear infections that eventually got so bad my eardrums ruptured and bled. It took a month of antibiotics and high dose prednisone to cure it and longer to restore my hearing. My rheumy pet insisting it wasn't from simponi even though my other docs said it absolutely was! He convinced me go start it up again. Within a week the yeast and bacteria started back up along with terrible abdominal pain which they found to be a major Step B infection (never even heard of it before this). After that I flat out told my rheumy I was stopping simponi and put my foot down. No infections since.... Ang~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 For me the effects of Simponi kept getting better and lasting longer during the month, the longer I took it. I think it topped out after about 7 to 8 months. It helps the inflammation but I still need to use other drugs to help. I use 5mg of prednisone, Celebrex and azathioprine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 I had my first injection of Simponi on Nov. 2nd and was told to stay on all other meds because they didn't want me to flare up while the Simponi was taking effect, so I still take Sulfasalzine and Doxycycline as I was taking it before. I was told that the doctor would monitor me and adjust medications after I had a few doses of the Simponi. I have done so much better since taking the first dose. I can't wait for me second! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 I have only had my first dose on Nov 2nd, but so far no side effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2010 Report Share Posted December 23, 2010 Hi, I've been on Simponi for a year. The first 3 months or so I had a really bad headache the day after injecting, but that stopped. Other than that, I think it controls my RA very well. I have not had a flare in a long time. (Of course I probably just jinxed myself by saying that.) I also take Arava, Minocycline, Voltaren, & fish oil. Best wishes, Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 26, 2010 Report Share Posted December 26, 2010 thanks patty!It has been 5 days since my injection....it seems to be working take care rob > > Hi, > > I've been on Simponi for a year. The first 3 months or so I had a really > bad headache the day after injecting, but that stopped. Other than that, I > think it controls my RA very well. I have not had a flare in a long time. > (Of course I probably just jinxed myself by saying that.) I also take > Arava, Minocycline, Voltaren, & fish oil. Best wishes, > > Patty > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2011 Report Share Posted January 14, 2011 Are there any Simponi users out there? I"ve been doing so good, arthritis-wise, on Simponi for the last year. However, for the last 4 months, within 36 to 48 hours of taking my shot (which is monthly), I've either come down with a cold or a GI type bug. I took my shot this past Saturday night, and by monday afternoon I was running a fever and had gotten a cold. So that makes 5 months in a row. 2 weeks ago I started feeling like my blood pressure was elevated, and it was. 150-160s over 100's, which is not good. I had to go on an additional blood pressure med (I was already on one for the last year). Now I read in the prescribing information that Simponi can cause elevation in blood pressure. Anyone else on the group have these kinds of problems with Simponi? I see my rheumatologist on Monday to talk about all this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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