What biologic are you taking?
I know everyone doesn't take biologics. But I'm curious of those who do.
I started with Cimzia, it didn't work for me and I had terrible side effects. I was on it for 3 months, and what an awful 3 months they were.
I now take Cosentyx, I've been taking it for 1 year and 3 months and it's working amazingly for me.
What do you take? And how many biologics have you tried until finding the one that works for you?
Ali (Community Member)
Hi Ali and everybody! What an interesting topic.
I have tried several biologics over the last 4 years Humira, Enbrel, i was on both for about 4 months not at the same time but when humira failed they switched me to enbrel i didn't have any improvement with either also was on cimzia and had some complications on it, i was on it for 4 months it was helping however i developed PVC'S (Premature ventricular contractions) which resulted in me having a cardiac ablation procedure to resolve them which was an awful experience so they took me off of cimzia and I'm currently on taltz I've been on taltz for 6 months now but not getting much improvement so my rheumatologist is discussing infusion therapy next.
Nadine (Team Member)
Hi
and everyone here!
Great question and very interesting forum 😉
I was put on Embrel as my first biologic, which I think was effective but I had an allergic reaction to it...so I switched to Humira and I have been taking it for the past 7 years. It works very well for me and without sides effects, so I feel lucky!
The rheumatologist wanted me to switch to a biosimilar last year, but I refused. I want to stick to the same one for as long as I can.
I am happy for you that your biologic works for you!!
Take care,
Julie.Hi Julie! Oh wow, do you mind me asking what your allergic reaction was like?
I'm gland that Humira is working well for you with no side effects!
I hope you are keeping well,
Ali (Community Member)Hi,
Yes of sure, the allergic reaction looked like a skin reaction with a blood-like red patch developing around the injection site, after injecting myself with the biologic. It could look like a skin rash, but the skin was still smooth, no itchy or anything like an allergic reaction like you could have with something in contact with your skin. It came from an internal reaction to the product injected, under the skin, and created that coloured patch. When it started, it was a small patch, and it will go away eventually. Then, each new injection (to a different place) will create new patch bigger, so the reaction got worse quickly as I was injecting weekly with the biologic. I hope it answers your question.
Take care,
Julie.
I started with Humira until I lost financial aid. My doctor switched me to Simponi, and I'm glad she did because I get more relief and I don't get ill afterward.
- sorry to hear that you lost financial support for Humira, but glad you've switched to more effective treatment - Simponi. You know the saying - Sometimes one door closes so another can open. Very glad to hear your pain and fatigue are more controlled - hope it continues to give you relief. Rebecca (comm advc)
I take Orencia injections weekly along with DMARD, sulfazadine 4 per day. This has been the best combo for me so far. I have been on this for almost 2 years. I also have PsA
Thank you. I forgot to add, for the nerve pains I also take Lyrica Oh yes, I've tried gabapentin for severe nerve pain - but didn't like the side effects of severe headache, even on low doses. I hope Lyrica is effective for you and reduces the numbness, stinging, and tingling of nerve pain - it's truly awful. Rebecca
