What influences a Rheumatologist to prescribe immunosuppressants or biologics?
I am curious to find out if the Rheumatologists gets any form of incentives or kickbacks if they advise most of their patients to take Biologics. Most of the people I talked have been suggested to take biologics which drift my thought if the doctors are really thinking in favour of patients or these big pharmaceutical companies.
On the contrary, it should not be the case since these drugs are very expensive and should only be used when required. I a confused. Please any rheumatologists or subject matter experts can throw some light on this.
Thank You, 😀
Fortunately my doctor who doesn’t accept insurance is not influenced by big pharmaceuticals. We did talk about it and she did bloodwork but again fortunately I can’t take that stuff due to anemia. We were both happy that I can’t take it. I will also add that my bestie takes Embrel for RA. She’s in more pain than me and I use a Rife.
Hi i have worked for big pharma and I have AS. I have worked in many fields including Rheum (pre being diagnosed) - I would trust most of the rheumatologist I know (there are always bad ones in every field) but they are genuinely amazing doctors and interested in the patient and not any $$ for the pharma company. Big pharma put decades into research and development to met an unmed need. You have the ultimate choice to choose biological treatment or not. And this is a discussion unique to each patient and specialist, I think the more options for patients the better. The better informed a specialist- the better options/ information they can provide. It is more about what and how drugs are reimbursed by the government that is the problem. Just my opinion from two sides.
agreed.. also in Australia and taking Biologics. They are highly subsidised by the government ($1200 down to $30 a month) so to qualify for the initial script I had to have positive markers on MRI and Xray, and proof of failure with a least two high dose anti-inflammatories (not over the counter NSAIDS). To get any repeat scripts I have to show reduction of inflammation markers every three months. My rheumy couldn't have prescribed a biologic as the first option even if she wanted to, it took about 5mths of testing and trialling medications before I 'qualified'. 
I had to go through similar before being able to go on biologics here in Quebec. So going through the trial error I can relate on how that's one of the hardest parts. I remember being is so much more pain and in a dark place trying to find something to just have better quality of life out of bed. Have you been able to finally find something to help with your disease?
Nicky (Team Member)
At my second rheumatologist, the nurse messed up and told me that they have lunch catered in every day by a different pharmaceutical company and she never has to worry about lunch…..
HOLY S*** !!! as bad as i suspected . It means nothing to say that open incentives are illegal ; there is always some slimy backdoor way they figure out to further their profit over people crap . EVIL . SO EVIL
I can only say that my new rheum is a kind , caring and capable dr , im glad to have her , but right after she said You have AS , she then said we will have a talk about getting me on humira or similar . So im disappointed that this is her go to . I dont feel there is anything deliberately sinister about her advice ; perhaps shes just used to handling AS that way . But she needs to do it my way bc its safer . Behind the scenes , i ordered ldn online and started it ; im feeling benefits at only 1 week in . How do i reveal what im up to without alienating her ? Ldn is safe ; i want the safe med that i can see is giving me relief , not some strange poison that could cause cancer ☹️☹️
- Totally normal to be scared when taking any type of medication and especially after hearing about potential side effects like that. While it is a potential risk of developing certain types of cancers, it is rare. You can read a bit more about it on Humira's website too: https://www.humira.com/#abbv_use_statement. It's certainly a conversation you can have with your doctor and they should address your concerns. This is also a helpful study that may help put your mind at ease: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/the-risk-of-cancer-from-certain-ibd-medications-1/. Sending vibes for comfort and relief, Anthony (Team Member) 
thank you Anthony sorry I have hardly been told much in the uk, I get fed up of pushing them, ringing them and no one knows anything and they keep changing things it does my head in and sick of it,
Thank you for those articles I really appreciate them.
Take care
Jan
