I'm going to start Simponi tonight and was wondering if anyone else is trying it too. Prior to my 5-month sinus infection, Orencia was helping but not very much. Although sinus/upper respiratory infections are also a side effect of Simponi, my doctor said they are supposed to be less than the other meds. I certainly hope so as the sinus-infection-for-half-of-every-year thing doesn't work too well when you can't take your biologic.
Anyway, wish me luck!
Thanks,
Phats
Yes, please keep us posted! I've been on Orencia for the past year and a half, and it is no longer working. I just had lab work done, and my CRP was 57...I'm having lots of pain and swelling also. I see my RD tomorrow, so maybe I'll ask him about it.
Edited to add: After using my Simponi Assistance Card, my cost was zero!!
Brisen2009-07-02 19:12:43I'm supposed to be starting Orencia soon any advice that you can share with me? If it doesn't work then simponi is one of the few options I have left now.
Well I'm pleased to report that the once-a-month self-injector was significantly more pleasant than I remember the Enbrel injections being. I did it Wednesday evening and it was only 3-5 seconds with no burning (at least this first one didn't). No injection site reaction or anything, maybe just some extra fatigue for a day, but then again that could still be me recovering from this past weekend. As usual, I'll have to wait close to forever to see if there's any result, but so far I'm pleased with it.
Bob, I had no side effects (beside the infection) with Orencia, so really my only advice would be...don't get an infection! Sorry, but that is such a problem with these biologics. Everything else went smoothly with the Orencia, just found that while it helped, it didn't help enough and I need more.
Aleva, thanks for the suggestion, however I have very sensitive sinus/eyes and even using a saline nasal spray tends to trigger bad reactions for me.
Well, it looks like I'll be starting Simponi also. I dropped the prescription off at the pharmacy yesterday afternoon, but they won't be able to fill it until they get prior authorization from my insurance company. My RD doesn't think that will be a problem, since I've failed Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Rituxan, and Orencia. I just have no idea how long the authorization will take...hopefully not more than a week or two.
Suzanne, did your RD give you A Simponi Assistance Card? I got one and registered it, and it is supposed to help with co-pays. They will pay out up to ,000 the first year, and it's a free service. If you didn't get one, ask your RD for one!
My very best wishes to each of you for rapid control, increased comfort, and a speedy return to all life has to offer us! I hope you will provide us with frequent updates on your progress, or conversely, difficulties.
Salut! Shug
[QUOTE=Brisen]Suzanne, did your RD give you A Simponi Assistance Card? I got one and registered it, and it is supposed to help with co-pays. They will pay out up to ,000 the first year, and it's a free service. If you didn't get one, ask your RD for one![/QUOTE]
Yes they did, and thanks for mentioning it...I forgot to. And if your RD doesn't have one, you can still call the 800 number on the website to get it.
My co-pay was actually a lot less than I expected, only /month when I buy a 3-month supply, and of course that is covered by the assistance card anyway.
Well two weeks after my first dose, I don't feel any different (nor did I expect to so soon), HOWEVER, my CRP and ESR are down quite a bit!!! I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high, but this is a good sign and I'm hoping as the months go by I will start to feel the change that is already appearing in my bloodwork.Sounds good so far...hope it works for you!
For you also, Brisen!
Do you Sjogrens? My sinuses have been a constant battle scince the Sjogrens got really bad. Just lack of moisture. I saw an ENT and he did a sinus wash. They put you to sleep and put shots of Ceclor or like drug and cortisone directly into your sinuses. Some times antibiotics by mouth just do not do the trick. I took course after course of antibiotics and still had blood raw sinuses until I did the sinus wash. I had it done in January. Really helped. Great news about the ESR and CRP levels Suzanne! I took my first Simponi injection on June 25, but I'm not due for blood work for another 3 weeks, so we shall see. I have no idea how long before we'll start feeling better, but I'm hopeful, as you are!
Edited to add: BTW...the Simponi Assistance Card is awesome! It paid for all of my co-pay, so my cost was ZERO!
Brisen2009-07-02 19:30:41I haven't heard of this one yet, Suzanne and Brisen. Definitely keep us posted with your progress! :)This is a very good post for those considering an alternative. Lynn has posted good information on Simponi;
http://www.arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22492&KW=simponi&PID=251434#251434I sure hope it works out for you! All my best!
Bump for
kkotts8
I hope everyone using this drug will keep us posted! Best of luck with success to you all!
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