Are You Taking Biologics?
Many people in this group are on biologic injections. Some have tried multiple types.
Have you been on biologics in the past or currently? How are things going?
Thank you for the topic, Anthony. I'm 65 now and I went undiagnosed with AS for about 10 years until I got to the point I could barely walk which happened in a short space of time. Finally, I was diagnosed with AS and immediately went on Enbrel with saved my life. Fortunately, my liver was undamaged from taking so much Ibuprofen. I retired and moved to Bali, Indonesia where I transitioned to Humira under the care of a very good rheumatologist in Jakarta. I heard about a cheaper biosimilar available in Thailand called Hyrimoz and actually moved to Thailand to get on the drug. Thailand was not a good fit, but Hyrimoz has been a great biosimilar to Humira and in my case, I feel much better on Hyrimoz and have not had a flare up since starting on Hyrimoz about 7 months ago. I have more energy, and I've managed to lose weight much easier on Hyrimoz. Hospitals and the other medications I take (Methotrexate, Folic Acid). Medications are easy to get, the rheumatologists and overall medical care I received in Thailand is every bit as good as the US, in my opinion, and it is all very, very cheap to live and get treatment. I mentioned this before in another thread, but my chief complaint about Hyrimoz is the very poor quality injector pens which often miss-fire.
Prices I've paid overseas for Biologics: Humira and Enbrel ($350 USD/pen), Hyrimoz ($125 USD/pen). I chose retirement abroad and I'm aware of the low prices for Biologics with insurance in the US.
Kind regards, NealIt is always interesting to read about healthcare in other counties.Thank you for sharing your experience. Warmly, Kathy (Team member)
Have been on Enbrel for almost 6 months. Some days I think it helps others not so much. Rheumatologist thinks its helping so wants me to stay on it. No side effects so far
I was initially put on Humira which didn't do anything but make me sick for a few days after the injection. I am now on Cosentyx, which doesn't do anything for my pain, but at least I am not sick after taking it. Went to a pain clinic yesterday. They put me on Lyrica and referred me to aqua therapy....hope it helps First it was Humira. It did not work, I felt worse. Went through a couple of others that did not help or I could not tolerate them. Now I've been on Cosentyx for about a year and I can tolerate it. It does nothing for my pain, but if it is helping to keep inflammationdown, then it's worth it. It's a good thing we have options! Glad to hear Cosentyx is doing it's thing. I think that's a good perspective to have, but I hope you're able to find some relief for your pain as well. Thanks for sharing and being a part of the community! Best, Anthony (Team Member)
