I had posted a month ago about an awful experience going back to my former RD and his inept injection of a sample of Cimzia he had from a pharma rep. Long story short, I was in the throes of a longer than year flare with my trusted Enbrel failing and Humira being useless.
Well it turns out the Cimzia seems to be working! Cimzia is taken monthly. Mid month, I had a terrible flare around Christmas and upped Prednisone again, but got over it quickly. I did some research at the Cimzia website and found that when you start it, you are supposed to "double load," meaning a shot at week 0, another at week 2, a third at week 4 and then every 4 weeks thereafter.
It is a pegolated medication with polyethelene glycol in it, hence it has a viscous quality, not a clear liquid like Enbrel or Humira. The doctor explained what all this means for people who have built up resistance to TNF inhibitors but he started sounding like the teacher in Peanuts; I'll need to read more in the materials. It is also a large injection. It hurt like hell when he gave it to me in the office but I think it can be handled more artfully at home by a self-inject pro like me.
Just wanted to put the word out on the board, if you're at your last rope with TNF inhibitors and considering infusions, Cimzia may be helpful. Of course, whoever knows what will work for one person.
Best to you Tara!
[QUOTE=waddie]I hope this is the one for you, Tara! It worked well indeed to put a stop to a year+ flare! Thank-you so much for sharing. So, you are due your second shot soon? Will you give that to yourself or do you have to go back in to RD?
Best to you Tara!
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As soon as I can clear the script through the mail order pharmacy, I'll get the next couple of shots. I'll be doing them at home. Oh please let this relief last!
Thanks so much Waddie and Snow. wow.. that sounds great!! hoping the best for you.
Bummer - been over four weeks since the trial inject and symptoms are returning. Caremark is not returning my calls. It's getting close to quitting time on Friday night, hope this weekend is not too bad.