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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 63
Active_Member
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OP
Active_Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 63 |
Hi, after a long journey this far, I am about to embark on the anti-tnf bit as everything else has failed.
I have 3 weeks before my rhumie appointment, and the rhumie nurse has advised me to find out as much as I can about enbrel, remicade and humira. I have had hell on earth with subcutaneous methotrexate and so i would prefer to avoid it so i guess that rules out remicade? whats your opinion of the other two: humira and enbrel?
the potential risks worry me, I have so say.
Any opinions gratefully received, thanks!
Jayney x
'Life always waits for some crisis to occur before revealing itself at it's most brilliant'
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,607
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,607 |
Hi Jayney!
You don't need to be on MTX to take Remicade. I think the medical community is beginning to agree on that one. Although for some drug plans, and in some countries, it's probably still recommended. I'm not sure what the requirements are in the UK, but in Canada, you don't have to be on it.
It's sometimes a tough call whether to go on an anti-tnf or not. I think when you get to that point, you just know. I was desperate and had tried everything else available, so that's how I started enbrel. It wasn't much of a decision for me when I was on mass quantities of steroids and painkillers, and still in considerable pain.
I haven't had any major problems with enbrel so far, but it's only been 21 months. (Couple of bladder infections, one throat infection, and some injection site reactions. Infections were common with me even before taking enbrel though.) I'm not sure if it's working as well for me as it once did, but then again, I'm definately moving alot more!
If you're ok with doing your own injections, I'd say go for humira. Less injections than enbrel, and it seems like it works very well from the articles I've read. Then again, remicade is only every 6 to 8 weeks, so that would be good too...hmm...I'm not helping out, am I? lol Anyway, I'll be curious to see what others have to say.
Good luck with all of this!
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 245
New Member
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New Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 245 |
Quote:
Hi, after a long journey this far, I am about to embark on the anti-tnf bit as everything else has failed.
I have 3 weeks before my rhumie appointment, and the rhumie nurse has advised me to find out as much as I can about enbrel, remicade and humira. I have had hell on earth with subcutaneous methotrexate and so i would prefer to avoid it so i guess that rules out remicade? whats your opinion of the other two: humira and enbrel?
the potential risks worry me, I have so say.
Any opinions gratefully received, thanks!
Jayney x
gday jayney,
im in the same boat as Megan - tried everything else so the anti-TNF was a natural progression. Enbrel has given me a new lease on life - i cant tell you the difference its made.
Do all the research as its as fascinating as it is helpful.- well to me it is anyway .. lol ..
hope the day is a good one.
Patrick
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 63
Active_Member
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OP
Active_Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 63 |
Hi both, thanks for your replies. I too have failed on everything else: nsaids, painkillers and dmards.
But my rhumie nurse is very concerned about potential 'nasties' that could go along with anti tnf - just doing his job by pointing them out to me, i suppose. However, I imagine you also have to weigh these potential effects up against your quality of daily life. I have only been married since April, and I havent been able to do much including work since December last year. I would really like my life back, you know what I mean?
I did want opinions from people like you who are already on these drugs, thanks again for your comments!
Jayney
'Life always waits for some crisis to occur before revealing itself at it's most brilliant'
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 245
New Member
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New Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 245 |
gday again jayney, The side effects are there for all to see but remember a lot of these are 'worst-case scenario'. You should be getting regular blood tests when/if you begin Enbrel anyway which will monitor the signs for the 'nasties' appearing. Not sure how Megans tests are these days but mine are almost normal after a year of injections. I do get the symptoms of a cold each month (which a very nice friend refers to as my period) but i dont feel sick. weird feeling .. lol .. I had similar hesitations after reading the side-effects list but looking back and seeing the changes that it has made i wouldnt hesitate knowing what i know now. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide. Patrick If you
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 624
Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
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Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 624 |
I was under the impression that biologics are DMARDS??
I am sure they are.
Amy:)
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 245
New Member
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New Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 245 |
Quote:
I was under the impression that biologics are DMARDS??
I am sure they are.
Amy:)
gday Amy,
Biologics are not DMARDS. DMARDS are the disease modifier and the Biologics are anti-TNF. The DMARDS are tried after NSAIDS have failed to help. Biologics are phase 3 once DMARDS have been tried. In some cases a DMARD like Methotrexate are used in combination with biologics but I believe that has been found to be of no extra help.
http://arthritis.about.com/od/dmards/
Things like sulfasalazine and methotrexate are DMARDS - ENBREL, REMICADE and HUMIRA are biologics.
Hope this or at least the weblink explain things better.
Have a good day.
Patrick
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 624
Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
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Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 624 |
OK.....I have never been on a DMARD and I am going stright to Anti Tnf....so that cannot always be the case.
Amy:)
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 624
Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
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Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 624 |
Search
Arthritis
> Arthritis Medications> A - Z: BRMs / TNF Blockers Biologic Response Modifiers - BRMs - TNF Blockers - Biologic DMARDs
BRMs (biologic response modifiers), such as TNF blockers and other biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), are medications that stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight arthritis and rheumatic disease. Drug information on the indications and side effects of BRMs, TNF blockers, and other biologics used in the treatment of arthritis.
It says that biologics are DMARDS....straight from the link you gave me......
?????????
Amy:)
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