Re:Can we talk Biologics?

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

    We are fortunate to have so many biologics available. When I was dx'd in

1999 (almost 10 years ago!) the only available biologics were Enbrel every 72

hrs and Remicade every 8 weeks. I was on Enbrel for a month or so but did not

improve at all. I started Remicade in March 2000 and have been on it ever since

-- without side effects or any disease progression. I actually prefer the IV

because I get it every 6 weeks and my HMO covers it completely plus a Home

Health Care nurse for 4 hours ($0 copay!). To me, taking Remicade allows me to

life my life without worrying about the storage/handling/etc that the shots. If

Remicade stops working, I'm switching to Rituxan -- an IV every 6 months!

    And, yes, the side effects are daunting but you have already weighed the

risk vs. benefits of MTX and decided to take it. Having an auto immune disease

like RA makes us more likely to get cancer and additional auto immune diseases

like Crohn's. ly, I have had such success on Remicade that if I did end up

with cancer it would still be worth. I doubt I would be alive now had I not

improved on Remicade.

 

Take care,

Steph in VA

 

 

Well I don't know why, but I really was never expecting it to get to this - yes,

major denial going on here... but after being unsuccessful with NSAIDS,

plaquenil, sulfasalizine & only semi-successful with prednisone & MTX, my Rheumy

sent me home today with pamphlets to look over regarding Enbrel & Humira (to add

to my weekly MTX). I figure this was the place to get the " real " scoop - not

just what's in the pamphlets. My Dr recommends Enbrel over Humira from a risk

(of infection & cancer) standpoint. To say I am beyond terrified is an

understatement as I was at the terrified state just trying Plaquenil. She is

giving me up to 2 months (when I have my next appointment) to make a decision &

go get tested for TB if I decide to forge on... I'd appreciate any info form

your own experience - ease of using the pen or needle, side effects,

effectiveness, etc, etc, etc,

Thank you!!!

xoxo