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Which biologic to start with

I've been on methotrexate now for a year, and now at 1ml which is the max. It was working pretty well.


In December, I developed a chronic UTI, so I stopped taking it. I've now been told I will have to be on a low dose antibiotic for the next 6 months.


I want to get my RA back in control, at least where I was before all of this started. I will ask my rheumatologist about continuing with the methotrexate, but if that's not an option, which is the biologic I should start out with? She's given me a lot of literature about them in general just not anything about a specific one.


I know there are so many, and that which ones works is trial and error, but they all seem so scary. Just don't know which to start with. If it makes any difference, I'm seronegative.


I'd love your suggestions, and your reasons!


Thanks,

















    1. - hey rick, if you posted a response, for some reason it's invisible. 😀 I'd love to see what you wrote!

    2. yes sorry!! Apparently there was a system issue and the tech team is working on it.

  1. I have been on methotrexate for 40 years. I did well with up until 1 1/2 yrs ago then I was having side affects so I went off it it for 6 months. My rheumatoid dr has been trying to sign me up for Orencia but it’s expensive with my insurance we make to much for any help. But I was afraid to it bc of side effects.

    1. - did your dr say why Orencia for you as a first try? My dr. has not given me much guidance but just says to read about them and then pick one....

  2. Hi Aimee
    He tried to get Humira to pay first but turned me down. With my Aetna my co pay was $1000.00 per infusion. But I had a lot of questions bc my tolerance level is so low. It scares me to do infusion. I asked what if I had side effects how would he address they since it’s not like a pill where you can just stop. His answer was you will do fine. Not what I wanted to hear. So I just stick with methotrexate for now and steroids when I get to bad. Good luck with whatever you decide. BTW I’m 72 yrs old. 🤷‍♀️

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