Biologics for RA

Absolutely. Humira was a life changer for me.....started it almost 20 years ago.

Hi . That is an excellent and extremely difficult question. There are absolutely risks and potential side effects. That said, we have many community members who use biologics to effectively control there RA. Each person, based on their circumstances, has to make the best choice for them. I know this sounds like a bit of a cop-out, but it is also very true. Uncontrolled RA brings its own risks of damage, systemic organ system issues, and comorbidities. One of our patient leaders referred to as the risk to risk ratio. One has to, in conjunction with their medical team, weigh the risks of the various treatments in relation to their particular RA and its severity. What can be difficult is that RA not only has the symptoms you experience now, but also the unseen, potential issues down the road if left uncontrolled. Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts. Best, Richard (Team Member)

It took 20 years of trial and error and a lot of damage in that time, but eventually we found a biologic that actually worked long-term to control my illness and I have been pretty good since then, active disease wise. Dealing with the damage is another issue entirely. Let us know if you have any other questions! Keep on keepin' on, DPM

Speaking only of my own experience, I have experienced more significant daily side effects from a variety of conventional DMARDs than from biologics. As I read about the meds, infection risk seems to be the scariest for biologics. I have had both respiratory and dental infections since I began treatment with either cDMARDs or biologics. Knock wood, my dental infections seem to have resolved even though I am on Ruxience + hydroxychloroquine. And my respiratory illnesses have really improved. My pulmonologist and I think my meds plus the bad viruses we faced in the year post Covid did cause me problems, which seem to have resolved. I also think I get less infections when my RA inflammation is more under control. If you’re considering biologics, have a talk with your doctor that incudes the risks of the meds and the risks of not getting RA under control. I Hope you can find a treatment decision you are comfortable with, Jo