Hello, new here! I've
had RA for 8 years and about to start a biologic form of treatment. My
rheumie has given me some information to review so I can decide which
one I want to try. Therein lies the problem! Deciding...
I've
taken sulfasalazine and celebrex and currently taking prednisone and
methotrexate. I'm looking forward to some relief in my future as these
are just doing nothing for me
I think a several things guide our choices. 1) doctor recommendation 2) method of delivery-some people prefer shots , some people prefer IV 3) sad but true...most important-insurance coverage.I agree with buckeye, the most important part of my decision is what insurance will cover!
I agree with the above, insurance made the decision for me. I think just like anything else, try one and see if it works, if not keep going. There are lots of choices! Good luck, keep us posted.
Phatgirl
Dear Tman: Very good question. I went through the same decision about a month ago. my insurance would cover remicade right off, but had to wait to hear about Embril, after my first infusion of remicade my doctor's nurse said, "you are covered completely for Embril", Since I'd already started remicade (the office visits,infusions,etc), and the doctor didn't have a choice, although it would seem his office makes money on remicade (?) but not Embril (yu inject it yourself at home and buy from the drugstores) I'm going on with remicade, take mtx and prednisone. My liver doesn't like mtx, much, but that would be my first choice. Good luckThe insurance coverage, and whether you have self inj phobia, or the time off work to take an IV infusion every 8 weeks are the main things to consider.
I have taken enbrel in the past for 18 months, remicade for 5.5 years and I have just started Humira. The risks are about the same for all. Remicade cost me the most and was the least convenient but worked so much better than enbrel for me.
I have just started Humira -took my 2nd inj last Sat. I love the convenience of every 14 days for an inj, even if it stings! I'm hopeful that it will be the best yet. It is the only biologic produced from a fully human base so perhaps there may be less allergies to fear.
Hi Tman,
Which biologic are you on? Enbrel
What determined your decision? My insurance
Has your choice helped or made a substantial difference? Not yet
What do you like/dislike about it? Too early to tell
Any other useful info about your choice? I have read of many getting relief using Enbrel and I have only been using it for 3 weeks so the jury is still out regarding outcome.
Good luck.
Tman---
Enbrel---also ony for 3 weeks. Have had a problem with headaches but that seems to be improving. Can't be sure about effect on RA yet. I am not unfortunately one of those who after a week ot two can say " It changed my life"!
Humira was last three months; did --Nothing.
Currently also on MTX . None of these choices are easy or what anyone wants to be doing. I am Really hoping Enbrel helps--I'm trying to avoid infusions as long as possible. Good Luck to you with your choice. Lou
My decision also had alot to do with what my insurance would cover. Also my dr basically left it up to me to choose between enbrel and humira. I picked humira. I saw a commercial on tv and read a ad in a magazine. I was on it but had to go off because I had surgery on a cyst. I did have 4 injections. After the first injection, I felt kinda of run down the next day, but the day after, I had so much energy! The next couple of shots also provided much needed energy but it didn't seem to do much (yet) for the pain. It varies so much from person to person.
I hope whatever you decide you get some relief!
CinDee
Evening Tman - I am not currently on any biologics - they either quit working for me - didn't work for me - or I had a reaction to them (don't get alarmed I seem to be in the minority on this one.
My first was Remicade and I chose it because I didn't want to give myself shots - it worked wonders for about 18 months and I didn't mind the infusions at all (I considered it "my" time - slept, read, etc.) - my insurance didn't really play much into it though. The Enbrel and Humira didn't do a thing for me and had a reaction to Orencia.
Which ever one you decide on remember it may take 10-12 weeks for you to notice a difference (I was lucky on the Remicade I noticed a difference the 1st infusion). It is easier to change the dose on Remicade also - I was at the max dose for my body weight every 4 weeks before I finally admitted it quit working for me.
Also remember not every one has the same results on a med so don't get disappointed if one don't work for you that has worked for others. Let us know what you decide. Hugs and good vibes.
I have been on Orencia since sept 06 and I was pain free for about 2-1/2 months. I admit if my insurance did not pay I could not AFFORD 00.00 a month. Thank God for Any insurance. The orencia is still working due to me being able to get out of bed and work an 8 hour shift everyday. What damage it's doing to my organs and body who knows. I have a 12 month supply according to the insurance people after that who knows. I have had to take some Advil Pm to get some sleep and help with the pain. Other than that I'm just scared of the side affects.I chose Enbrel over Humira because it has been out longer and there is more long term history on it.