HI all, I have been reading about the biologics. They usually are in conjunction with mtx. If my rd does not want me back on mtx because of my reaction (that really scared me) have you heard of what is used as an alternative? I am also wondering if lower doses of mtx would not cause such a reaction. I would be pretty frightened to take mtx again, that reaction was no fun. As an EMT I know how dangerous allergic reactions can be YIKES!
Lots of folks here switched to the injectable MTX after finding they couldn't take the oral. Ask about that...although I would still understand your fears.
ANYONE: What biologic can you take without MTX. I know there is one...I've heard of several people taking it. Is it remicaide? That's the one they want you on anyway isn't it Roxy?
T-BIRD: you don't take MTX with your remicaide do you? (If she doesn't respond...PM her. She's in and out and might miss this thread)
Oh man, I really gotta find that stuff for you Roxy. Am on the way now to search my files. I am trying to remember what someone else I know who can't take MTX does...maybe they prescribe it at an extremely low dose. I'll look. Be back later hopefully with some stuff,Roxy... my RD told me arave was like MTX, we put them together but when i started the enbrel, I got off it.... i was not under the impression that you had to take MTX with any of the biologics... maybe im wrong.... i know enbrel is used for Psoriasis (sp?) and i dont think they take MTX too...
Gott go stop the bottle rocket from landing inmy yard! UG!!!!
Yes! Kineret is often overlooked. An excellent biologic for RA. I take it. An excellent site to compare the 4 is the link below. It appears that MTX is required with Remicade, suggested with Humira, and not necessarily needed but OK to take with Enbrel and Kineret. I've pasted a very clear table from the link below as well.
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/biologics.asp? aud=pat
Table 1: Comparison of Biologic Drugs in RA
|
|
Adalimumab |
Anakinra |
Etanercept |
Infliximab |
|
Inhibits what? |
TNF |
IL-1 |
TNF |
TNF |
|
Type of biologic |
Antibody |
Receptor antagonist |
Receptor |
Antibody |
|
Drug Half-Life* |
12-14 days |
6 hours |
5 days |
9 days |
|
How given |
Subcutaneous injection |
Subcutaneous injection |
Subcutaneous injection |
Intravenous infusion |
|
Given how often |
Every other week |
Daily |
Every week or twice weekly |
Every 8 weeks |
|
Onset of benefit + |
2 -4 weeks |
4-6 weeks |
2-4 weeks |
2-4 weeks |
|
Methotrexate needed? $ |
Suggested, not required |
No |
No |
Yes |
What is Methotrexate? I read the litrature that comes with my meds when I get them from the pharmacy....BUT I cannot remember what it is exactly. I mean like what is it suppose to do for us?
Good Info Sara; thanks for sharing.
MTX is a DMARD Joonie. It's supposed to slow the progression of RA.
God I love you guys. You are doing all the work for me. I think we should name Wayney our resident researcher. Wayney, that would be a great occupation for you - you are so good at it. I just went on the most glorious swim. I hope you guys don't hate me. It is very hot here and it was bliss. I swam against the current so didn't go anywhere, just swam and swam and my dogs would jump in and visit me.........Got to tell you--your story about the family with their fat butts and screaming kinds reminded me of my first trip to the Grand Canyon a year ago. I walked up to the rim before dawn, all by myself. I wanted to watch the sun rise on the canyon. It was so silent and beautiful and yes, spiritual. I was just enjoying the first peek of the sun when some stupid couple came up behind me, talking loudly, laughing and dragging some noisy rolling cart with their camera equipment behind them. I wanted to turn around and scream at them to shut the #$@! up! I mean, I'm not at all a religious person, but how dare they interrupt my personal moment with God? This is my canyon, dammit! (I laugh about my reaction now, but wasn't amused then.)
Take care.
Joonie...once the DMARDS have a chance to get in your system they control the disease itself so you won't have the inflamation and pain as much....there for you won't need those other things.
They don't work as fast...but in the long run they hault the cause of the pain all together. Or that's the hope anyway. It's not quite as simple as that...but it has worked for me; and many others like me.
I don't take too much pain medication....or any anti-inflam. anymore. Rarely anyway...I'll admit to the occational muscle relaxer...and advil now and then depending on the day.
Sara, I have always loved privacy in nature. That is where I am with "my God". It wouldn't have bugged me so bad but there are other swimming holes on that creek. I lived in Arkansas for ten years near a huge lake. My hubby and I would find a far off cove and camp there from our boat. It would amaze us. Boaters would come into OUR cove, tons of coves there and the funny thing is - we used to say - I bet they are from California. He He That is where I live now. In Arkansas, people respect privacy - if they don't - THEY MIGHT GET SHOT lmao
Sorry I took over your post Roxy. I will stop now.
Imuran can be taken with Enbrel if you aren't able to take MTX. I've been doing that for the last 4 years. Its in pill form, taken daily and does not cause nausea. BarbI've been on Arava with Enbrel and had pretty good results (until the blood problems started... grrr)
Thanks you guys. So why does all the literature push mtx? It seems like there are so many alternatives. I am afraid of mtx now. I am feeling so much better and my memory is still very fresh how sick I felt the "next day" after mtx. Look forward to seeing rd on Thurs. and find out the latest plan. Not sure why MTX is so popular among RDs. Possibly because it's been around for so long, with proven results. Keep in mind the matrix on the four boilogics I pasted into my earlier post in this thread--in it, only Remicade requires tandem MTX. For two others, it's not required, and in one only suggested. Personally, my RD has me on both Kineret and MTX, along with prednisone. I hope to get off the pred soon (weaning now), and then start at least cutting down on the 25mg MTX I'm taking. You might want to ask the RD about injections rather than oral MTX. I've not had problems with the oral variety, but those here who have had trouble with the pills seem to have excellent results with the injections. Or maybe he'll prescribe one of the biologics that don't require MTX. (I will tell you that many insurance companies - mine included, Anthem BC/BS - will not cover biologics unless the patient has tried and failed on MTX alone.) Lots of possibilities out there. You should now have quite an arsenal of questions for your RD.
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