Anyone on this combination of meds? Saw my rheumy for an unscheduled visit yesterday due to pain and swelling in most of my joints. I have had 5 Remicade infusions so far. I was feeling better and we decided to lower my steroids. As soon as I did within a day and a half, I felt terrible, with all over joint and tendon pain. I need to get off the steroids because of long term use and some bruising issues recently. She told me this combination has never been tested, but she has used in in some RA and PsA patients with severe cases. I am willing to try most anything to feel better. Pain and stiffness are affecting my quality of life. Now just waiting to see if my insurance will cover Otezla since I am also on Remicade.
That's interesting Needs answers.
I had a consult with a PsA specialist and we talked about Otezla and she said 'no' in combination with biologics. Which I guess is what you rheumy also means when she says 'has never been tested' .... but the fact that she has already tried it for some of her patients is encouraging. Did she tell you they are getting a good outcome?
Jules - She did say she is getting good outcomes, and knows of other rheumy drs who are getting good outcomes. She said she only uses this combination with patients who have severe cases who are not having good responses to biologics. We have tried several combinations of the usual drugs and I am not getting relief from pain and swelling, particularly with my tendons. I am very hopeful. It feels a little risky to me since the combination has not be tested, but I am getting more and more desperate for relief. My PsA is affecting my quality of life. I've got two wonderful grandchildren I need to play with! Just keeping my fingers crossed that insurance is approves.
I hope you get the insurance approval. If the insurance people came back saying either/or, do you think you'd want to give Otezla a try on it's own? I guess nothing to lose so long as you can revert to the remicade if need be. This is so tough for so many of us, isn't it, because there is no 'one size treats all' approach!
In the UK, it looks like the Otezla guidelines when they are issued (later this year) will actually put it in as a step after DMARDS but before biologics. But like your rheumy, the PsA specialist I saw is already trying non-responsive patients on it as solo therapy.
My fingers are crossed for you, too.
Thanks Jules. I guess I would try it solo if I can't do both. I have too much pain, stiffness and swelling on Remicade. Humira did not help well either. I remember thinking that the Humira did not help, till she stopped it before my Remicade. Such a rough time. I'm afraid to stop the Remicade if it is helping, and feel even worse. It is such a difficult time finding the right combinations of meds, and time consuming - driving me nuts right now. I have been in pain, except when on high doses of steroids, for almost two years. I'm ready for something or some conbination to work. Thanks for crossing your fingers too!
We need more info about biologics. A greater discussion would be great. How long have biologics been around? My first Rhumy was shocked that Humira didn’t work. Had too many flair ups! I could be wrong, but I think that biologics work better with the younger generation. I hope the combo works for you. The key is to catch this disease early!