Switching Medication

Hi . I can't personally speak to this switch, but I can say that there is no particular reason that an infusion of a biologic should be better or worse than the auto-injection. It is more a function of what particular medication best suites the individual. What works for one person may not work for another. Each biologic inhibits a particular autoimmune inflammatory cytokine. Abatacept (Orencia) is a T-cell inhibitor, while Humira is a TNF inhibitor. This article on biologics from our editorial team covers what type of inhibitor different biologics are: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/biologics. There is a test called the PrismRA test which can predict whether a TNF inhibitor may be effective for an individual (see here for more information: https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20210114/precision-medicine-arrives-in-ra-biomarker-test-predicts-tnf-inhibitor-response. Your doctor should be able to provide additional information. Otherwise, it is up to you whether switching from a medication that is controlling your RA is worth the risk. Best, Richard (Team Member)

I agree with Richard that what works for some may not work for others. When I was first diagnosed, I was put on methotrexate. I heard many people say that methotrexate didn't work well for them. Everyone's body reacts differently to medications and even to nutrients if you're considering a natural approach.

For example, I transitioned from taking medications to using natural methods. This change worked well for me, and I found a lot of nutritional support and relief through it. However, friends of mine who also have rheumatoid arthritis tried natural methods without much success.

In my experience and what I’ve learned, our bodies utilize these substances in unique and individual ways. A lot of it depends on our lifestyle choices and various other factors, in my opinion. Of course, this is just my perspective, but I believe that everyone reacts and responds differently to treatments.

I also agree with his other statement that your doctor knows you best and will be able to help you transition over to something new or different that will work for you. They'll be able to run tests and things to see what works, what doesn't, what's effective, what isn't. I get what you're saying though. It's sometimes annoying to have to do IV's all the time or even in my case swallowing a crap ton of capsules every day. It sure beats being back in pain all the time and putting my RA back to where it started long ago.