Anyone got any relief with biologics?
I've been on Embrel, Humira, and am now on my 3rd week trying Orencia. So far not much change 🙁
I did exactly the same thing. Order driby insurance requirements. Orencia took about 3months to show effect and 6 months to steady out. Methotrexate was added to get it all the way down. Blood factors have stayed down for 3 years now.
So did the pain subside as well ?
I miss doing so many things.
Don't give up! I had to try 4 biologics before I found the right one and now that I have, I am pain free almost 100% of the time.
The way my rheumatologist explained it to me (and this was a long time ago so I can't be sure this is still the case) was that you have to start with 'lower tier' biologics and work your way up in strength, I assume. So I had to make sure Enbrel, Symsia, Orencia, etc. didn't work for me before I tried Actemra which did.
Talk with your Rheumatologist about your concerns, I'm sure they'll be able to give you a greater understanding of this then I can.
Wishing you all the best,
Franki
Hey
!
Thanks for reaching out. I can 100% empathize with your frustration. My first few years after diagnosis was incredibly difficult. I tried so many medications and nothing seemed to work.
It took a lot of trial and error to find a mix (of meds) that worked. I think my frustration was compounded further that while I waited for one medication to work the previous one was slowly getting out of my system so I felt worse.
It took a few years but I have finally found a mix of meds (Orencia & MTX leading the pack) that work for me. I am able to live a pretty normal life without too much pain or disability.
I thought you might like this article from Tamara who speaks about her experiencing trying different biologics. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/search-perfect-biologic/
Please know you are not alone. Many community members have expressed the same frustrations. If you ever want to talk or vent we are here for you! ~MonicaThanks, I hope something works pretty soon .been 2 1/2 yrs now.
My 1st rheumatologist didn't seem to concerned. Started seeing a new one in July .
@Jfrench
Thank you so much for sharing. Myself and many others on this site have battled being on a series of different meds without finding the right one. Just from my experience of having multiple drugs provide no relief, Don't give up. The right med is out there for your specific RA. I am finally experiencing relief like I have never felt before. I started taking Rinvoq in June 2020. However, you have a right to be frustrated, mad, angry, sad, etc. How medications are dispensed for the treatment of RA often is by trial and error. Not a great method when you are living with this horrible disease. I have provided a link below by one of my awesome team mated Daniel. Hope the article is helpful. It addresses RA and medications. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/medication-effectiveness/
Also, I am really glad that you switched Rheumatologist. It is vital to have a Rheumatologist who understands how the disease is effecting you and cares. Best of luck with your new Rheumy. Please keep us posted. You are not alone in your journey. Reach out any time. Sending Virtual hugs. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
