Is it better to start the biologics sooner or as a last resort?
If your doctor is suggesting biologics early, then I would strongly consider it. The goal is to minimize damage. Many times, people are required to try and fail multiple DMARDs first, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, etc.
Waiting is not ideal. . . By that time, damage has been done, and then you have to deal with that. Once damage is done, you may have continuing pain, or even need repairs. Better to avoid that.
Hi sunshine...
Do not use it as a last resort... i tormented myself for 4 months.. only because i was afraid of needles..... like i was once told... dont be afraid of the drug... be afraid of the disease....
That is what changed my life..... of course i have pain from osteo and fibro.... and detioration from the Psa.. but the pain i had in my SI joints was unbearable...
Enbrel took that away...
So just go over everything with your doctor .. even if you feel it is unimportant... I held back .. and it caused more problems
Take care
Karen
Thanks for the advice guys! I feel so blessed to have found you all! :)
Sunshine, my first rheumatologist maintained that my PsA was mild, and she had me on this DMARD and that for a whole year. I was terrified the whole time, afraid that PsA was damaging my joints. Finally, I asked for a biologic. She refused, saying that my disease didn’t warrant it.
Well, in that year, I lost my hip (both hips, actually, one hasn’t been replaced yet) and I sustained significant joint damage in my feet. A second opinion determined that I had a somewhat unusual presentation, and a high pain threshold, which explained why rheumy #1 thought I was a mild case.
If I had been offered a biologic from the get-go, I would have happily taken it. Now that I’m on Enbrel, I feel better than I have in twenty years. And I don’t just mean my joint pain. Do I like taking these high-tech, powerful, expensive meds? No, not at all. But they give me quality of life that I haven’t had for about two decades.
If only I’d had the chance to start them sooner …
Hi Seenie, have just joined this site recently. Noticed that you are taking Enbrel. My rheumatologist has suggested taking one of the biologics along with MTX which I have been taking for several years. It sounds as though you found it made a big difference. Enbrel is one of the ones suggested and I am looking for info. Thanks.
Seenie said:
Sunshine, my first rheumatologist maintained that my PsA was mild, and she had me on this DMARD and that for a whole year. I was terrified the whole time, afraid that PsA was damaging my joints. Finally, I asked for a biologic. She refused, saying that my disease didn't warrant it.
Well, in that year, I lost my hip (both hips, actually, one hasn't been replaced yet) and I sustained significant joint damage in my feet. A second opinion determined that I had a somewhat unusual presentation, and a high pain threshold, which explained why rheumy #1 thought I was a mild case.
If I had been offered a biologic from the get-go, I would have happily taken it. Now that I'm on Enbrel, I feel better than I have in twenty years. And I don't just mean my joint pain. Do I like taking these high-tech, powerful, expensive meds? No, not at all. But they give me quality of life that I haven't had for about two decades.
If only I'd had the chance to start them sooner ...
Tasha, the difference is HUGE. I’m not saying that I don’t have pain or that I’m not tired. I am. I still have PsA. But the difference (especially in my severe depression) is very very significant, and my quality of life is greatly improved by it.
I was surprised when my rheumatologist gave me the choice of several Bios. I had done my homework before going (expecting that I’d be prescribed one) and I chose Enbrel, for the simple reason that it is the oldest biologic and the one that we know the most about. When it no longer works for me, I will move on to another. I hate this disease, but I am grateful to be living in an era when these medications are available.
If you are looking for information, keep an eye on the Newbies’ section. We have drug information in the works. And have you picked up the book I recommend in “Book Reviews”? It’s a great all-round guide, and although it is sliightly out of date, it does contain good information on the first biologics such as Enbrel. The e-book is a bargain!
Good luck with this, and do let us know how it’s going for you!
I'm also with don't wait. I had to fail on methotrexate before I could move on to a biologic. I spent 4 months on MTX moving up to the highest dose possible. The severe swelling (I ended up having my wedding band cut off) never went down. I started on Humira and boom, the swelling was down. Unfortunately, as with Seenie, the damage was done. I have very limited flexibility/mobility in the fingers of my left hand and nothing to date has worked in bringing it back. My goal now is to keep my right hand "good" and in working order.
Apologies for not replying, I have not found my way around this site yet! Just found more messages re: biologics - I still have my L-plates on navigating this site! I am amazed that anti-tnf's make so much difference. MTX has reduced some of the pain in my hands but cannot bend my fingers. I too have had to have rings made bigger three times. MTX does not seem to help my spine which is getting worse. I gather that MTX helps the peripheral joints but need biologics for my spine. Thank you for all your info, you have helped me make a decision, i quite agree that I should be more scared of the disease than the medication, my rheumatologist did not really make this clear, I don't think they want to tell you how bad it can get. they are keeping me on MTX - I tolerate it quite well other than having pneumonia and being in hospital for a week a couple of years ago. I think I will try Enbrel first, i did not know that it was the oldest one, which is important, also it is weekly and I am used to injecting myself so once i start I will let you know how I am getting on. Thanks.
Seenie said:
Tasha, the difference is HUGE. I'm not saying that I don't have pain or that I'm not tired. I am. I still have PsA. But the difference (especially in my severe depression) is very very significant, and my quality of life is greatly improved by it.
I was surprised when my rheumatologist gave me the choice of several Bios. I had done my homework before going (expecting that I'd be prescribed one) and I chose Enbrel, for the simple reason that it is the oldest biologic and the one that we know the most about. When it no longer works for me, I will move on to another. I hate this disease, but I am grateful to be living in an era when these medications are available.
If you are looking for information, keep an eye on the Newbies' section. We have drug information in the works. And have you picked up the book I recommend in "Book Reviews"? It's a great all-round guide, and although it is sliightly out of date, it does contain good information on the first biologics such as Enbrel. The e-book is a bargain!
Good luck with this, and do let us know how it's going for you!