Who's taken Biologics & had serious side affects? | Arthritis Information

 

I ran into this website which of course made me scared to death to take any biologics...I know people post un-true things as well, but they can't all be made up... If you scroll to the bottom under the 115 comments, many horror stories:

I saw this website earlier and because of it, I held off the biologics. That is until the MTX alone was doing any good and my doctor sat me down and told me I had to get off of the Prednisone. There is also a lot of testimony on the web where others have been on biologics for years and feel their lives have been changed because of them. I just try to be very careful about handwashing, avoiding sick people and so forth.bfils2011-01-08 10:39:40I've been taking biologics for the past 6+ years, and have had absolutely no serious side effects. I've had multiple surgeries during this time, including two total knee replacements this year, and have had no problems or infections. As stated by bfils, proper hand washing, avoiding sick people, and contacting your doctor as soon as you start  to feel sick, are all things that need to be observed during biological treatment. There are side effects to ALL medications, and one just has to be cognizant of those side effects and report them immediately. all medications have risks and benefits you have to weigh them for yourself.  Like Gale I've been on various biologics since they came to be, without any serious side effects.  I'm not downplaying them but taking precautions can help minimize them.  I have been biologics for about 3-4 years.  So far no side effects that I am aware of.  I have had dental surgery (an implant) and no problems with infection.  In fact--no colds at all.  I wash my hands constantly and back away from sick people.  If they cough or sneeze--I get away from them--and go wash my hands!Thank you everyone.Like the others, I have been on biologics for 5 years and had no serious side effects.

Biologics are scary but so is RA.  You need to remember that RA is a systemic disease.  When I was first diagnosed as a teen, by biggest concern was being in a wheelchair.  Now my biggest concern involves my heart and lungs.  Many of the meds we take are just bandaids and cover up problems, but the biologics actually work to stop/slow down the disease process. 

I PM'd you. I have had very serious side effects from EnbrelI've been on Enbrel, Remicade and now Simponi over the past six years and haven't had any serious side effects, other than trying not to catch every cold that comes along. A friend, who was on Enbrel, almost died from her very compromised immune system and major organ shut down. Everyone reacts differently and I don't think these drugs would be on the market if they didn't help more than they harmed.
DeidreJust infections but they can be WAY serious - case in point - I got cellulitis and staph in my face - started with what I thought was a deep underground zit in my nose and morphed into my face swelling and being admitted to the hospital till the infection showed signs of going away since your brain is kind of close to your nose Had I not been immune suppressed I kind of doubt it would be that bad but the infections can be BAD but that's true with all immune suppressant drugs not just the biologics so that's probably not biologic specific and not really what you are looking for but I thought I would share just in case!
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