An update
I had heavy side effects from prednisone, much of it emotional - anger. My RA doc pushed me to use Acthar gel. While she was writing the script on her tablet, she said, three times, “this is REALLY expensive!” I later found the price to be ~$40,000/month.
My insurance company denied payment. Eventually, the drug company reached out to me and I started Achtar in January.
Achtar has given many, many good days! I am grateful to the drug company for making this happen.
The downside is the effect on my blood pressure. W my cardiologist, I have evolved to using some of the strongest BP mgmt meds available. If you are encouraged to try Acthar, give it a go. But do have a BP cuff and use it multiple times per day.
Yesterday, a flare started. I took Tramadol, and laid down for a nap. I was sleeping but still having vivid dreams of my having a heart attack…I finally woke up and found my BP to be 212/114. That’s in the “Go directly to…” category.
Achtar has been a powerful option for me and I will continue to use it until doc and I are convinced that Bimzelx is working and able to manage the disease.
Good grief,
! My apologies for not seeing your update sooner!
I hear you about the downside of prednisone. I tend to be a bit "Incredible Hulk" on it, so I avoid it when possible. I am so glad that Acthar has been working well for you and that the insurance issue got sorted out.
Thanks so much for sharing about the adverse affect on your BP, though, as I did not know about Acthar. That's a really important point to consider and I am glad you are monitoring your BP closely. I do hope your body adjusts to Acthar and your BP settles into more acceptable levels so you can keep using the medication that is working for you (and that the Bimzelx kicks in and starts working, too)!
Fingers crossed!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
