I heard today there is a new RA drug being released by the FDA and it is supposed to be terrific - Orencia. If anyone gets to try it, let us know how it goes. There may be a cure in my life time yet; I'll be so happy!
I'm more concerned about my children developing RA since it can be hereditary so I'll be so exicted if the "cure" happens!
I will research it. Thanks for the good news Cristene. learn more about abatacept, view our statement on our Web site at http://www.arthritis.org/resources/news/abatacept_comment.as p.
hope this helps.
Linda
Yes I heard about this drug too- the FDA has approved it so looks like in 90 days it will be available to the general public- I am going to talk to my RD- the trials looked great- there was a fair percentage who after 2 years of this drug had remission. My doctor keeps telling me this is a great time to have RA and an even better time to be a RA Doctor LOLMy Doctor say's the same thing!!
This sounds promising. I was taken off MTX and Remicade because it dragged myimmune system down too far and I kept getting infections. I wonder if this will be a drug that doesn't affect your immune system quite as seriously but still can stop RA. Guess I will have to do some research.
I am also taking prednisone 1mg daily and methotrexate 5.0mg per week. And Folic Acid daily.
boy pyskadlo, that is really impressive, i've been approved for remicade and am supposed to start next week, wonder if i should ask him about this one first? what were the side effects, worse, same or better than the biologics?
regardless, so glad you've found something thats done so wonderfully for you
mary
bob. thanks for answering, have you noticed any side effects yourself, the main reason i worry about remicade is that it can increase or start hypertension, and i have that pretty bad already, also it keeps me from treating a blood disorder that involves another immume suppressent to treat.
mary
Mary,
No side affects that I have noticed so far.
Bob
thanks, and i hope that it continues to be a miracle for you. i'll keep watching for more, and i guess i will take a chance with the remicade, even my hematologist puts the ra first.
mary
Bob,
How long have you had RA and did you have any major joint damage? I am soooo impressed that you can play golf!
Leslie,
About 8 years. I do not have any major joint damage. I'm very lucky, I was diagnosed properly and began treatment immediately. I credit my ability to play golf to Abatacept --- now Orencia!! Without this I would be a cripple.
Thanks for the answer Bob. This is very encouraging!
Leslie