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Anti-infliximab antibodies

Hello, I have been on Remicade infusions for a couple of years and doing well. But my insurance would no longer cover it so I was switched to a “biosimilar” drug called Avsola a few months ago. I haven’t had the relief I usually would get with Remicade so my doctor drew anti-infliximab antibodies and sure enough - my body has developed antibodies against my drug (infliximab is a generic name for Remicade and Avsola). I didn’t even know this could happen. Has anyone else experience this or similar? I have a few options but none of them sound appealing to me. I just don’t know what to do next.

  1. Hi . Sorry to hear you have developed antibodies to your Remicade treatment. Thank you for writing about this because, while it is rare, it is something people should be aware of. As discussed in this article on the topic, while it is possible that developing antibodies to one biologic will make it more likely with others, that is not certain: https://www.verywellhealth.com/antibodies-to-biologics-4846279#:~:text=Almost%20all%20biologic%20medications%20can,%2C%20animal%2C%20or%20microorganism%20sources. It is possible to monitor a person when they try a different treatment. Also, I don't know how this applies to JAK inhibitors. Your doctor should be able to provide additional information and guidance. Hoping you can find another treatment for your RA. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

    1. thank you very much. My rheumatologist gave me options and I’m starting with a co-therapy (Plaquenil) which can take time but I’ll try it. And in the meantime he’s submitting an order to the insurance for a different biologic (infusion) to see if they’ll cover it for my next infusion which is about 6 weeks away.

  2. Cathy, I certainly have developed antibodies to various biologic medications. I know how you feel about this. One thing that my past experience has taught me is that I will never give up a biologic that is working. When one gives out that is working it is precious. Rituxin is my 6th biologic and thankfully it has lasted 7 years so far. I hope there are many more.

    1. thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is really helpful to know all that. I appreciate it!

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