Re: OT How Do You Handle A Flare?

[Guest guest]

Doreen and group;

Doreen can you tell us about your clinical study? I would love to

hear about it.

gentle hugs

Clora

[Guest guest]

Sure, Clora. I am taking part in " a randomized, double-blind,

parallel-group study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of

tocilizumab (TCZ) versus placebo in combination with Disease Modifying

Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in patients with moderate to severe

active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) " . The drug is being studied by Roche

Laboratories, Inc. Apparently, there have been over 4,400 people

studied throughout the US, Europe and Japan so far.

" Tocilizumab (TCZ) is an antibody specifically made to counteract the

inflammatory response caused by a substance called interleukin-6

(IL6). This substance is partially responsible for the inflammation of

the joints seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis...It is hoped

that the manufactured antibody against IL6 will reduce the IL6-induced

inflammation and lead to improved joint function. "

This particular study has a ratio of 2:1 - meaning that patients have

a 67% chance of getting TCZ and 33% will get a placebo. It is given

intravenously over a period of about 1 hour, once every 4 weeks.

I've had 3 IV Infusions so far and I honestly wonder if I'm getting

the placebo as I've not noticed any difference so far. I also wonder

if the inflammation I experience during a fibro flare is different

than the IL6-induced inflammation in RA. I do have the right after the

4th infusion to exercise the escape arm option which would put me in

another study that is getting the " real " TCZ or to stop taking part in

the study altogether at anytime. Time will tell, I guess. I'm giving

it one more month before I decide for sure.

I hope this answers your questions, Clora. That's all I really know

and everything between " " is taken verbatim from the study material I

was given at the beginning...........Doreen

>

> Doreen and group;

>

> Doreen can you tell us about your clinical study? I would love to

> hear about it.

>

> gentle hugs

> Clora

>

[Guest guest]

Doreen and group;

Wow, cool doreen!

GEntel hugs

Clora

> Sure, Clora. I am taking part in " a randomized, double-blind,

> parallel-group study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of

> tocilizumab (TCZ) versus placebo in combination with Disease

Modifying

> Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in patients with moderate to severe

> active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) " . The drug is being studied by Roche

> Laboratories, Inc. Apparently, there have been over 4,400 people

>\