Just saw my rheumatologist yesterday and I asked about side affects like lymphoma etc by taking the new biologics for RA, like enbrel, humira or remicade. He said a brand new study came out in the medical community that shows there is no relationship to TNF administration and contracting lymphoma.We all know these new biologics are new and lymphoma and TB were listed, so this is good news. I also asked him if all these darkly looming side effects were listed for methotrexate when it first came out to be used for RA and he said yes. So hopefully, even though there could be side effects, they will not be so disturbing as when we first read about these TNF inhibitors. In the drug world, to me, at least, it is a new drug, since MTX seems to be the gold standard for RA. Things are changing.
Joanne
It is nice to read something good relative to the biologics. I have been on Remicade for a full year (as of 7/21/07) and have found it to be a wonderful med. It takes away nearly ALL of my fatigue and most of my aches and stiffness.
Thanks for sharing good news !!
Read my other post. I see you also take vitamins, calcium, etc. I listed a site that a doctor listed on what to take to reduce TNF factors and he also listed vitamins, MSM, Moducare (plant sterols) etc. Don't know if you saw it. Every little bit helps.
Joanne
Thats very encouraging news! Thanks for sharing it!!! What about MS type stuff. That is documented. I think down the road these Biologics will be banned, or changed. You are fooling with Mother Nature You fool with Mother Nature everytime you take medication or receive a medical treatment. "MS type stuff" - I'll take life with biologics and dmards over sitting in a wheelchair, morphine, and acute depression. My decisions have been based on well researched documentation and the choices I have available.It is true that there could be unforeseen side effects in any of these meds that we take to control the beast that is RA. But when I recall the debilitating pain and fatigue and how far I have come, then I know the benefit outweighs the risks.
My late mother suffered from RA. She was treated with coated aspirin..and nothing else. She died from cardiac disease which undoubtedly was part of the RA's inflammatory process. I don't want to suffer that same fate. Right now my cardiac health is very good and I intend to keep it that way--if at all possible.