I have research to do. I'm now on bi-weekly Humira injections, daily Plaquenil, and daily Prednisone. The Humira has been working great as far as the stiff and achy joints goes. I am getting around better than I ever have been before. However, it's still not great. I continue to have frequent mini-flares that are extremely uncomfortable and are starting to interfere with my ability work. I know that this is a disease and that there is no magic pill. But I can't help but wonder if Remicade will be that magic drug that works "best" for me and gives me more relief than what I am on now.
At the same time.... what if it DOESN'T? What if my symptoms come back with a vengeance? These biologics are not something to mess with.
I know that I am not alone which is why I wanted to post this here. I need advice. Should I go for it and switch to Remicade, or stick with the Humira?
I also want to know what your experience has been with Humira and Remicade - which one did you have the best results with? What did you like/dislike about either one?
Hi Suzanne, I have not taken any infusions as yet, Enbrel is my first biologic after Sulfasalazine and MX were unsuccessful. At 7 weeks I am noticing a big improvement, though I am not sure it is getting me through to the following week. There are so many on here having infusions, but the blogs do not see as much traffic as the discussions, not sure why really, but it will get noticed, if not repost it as a discussion.
My insurance wouldn't cover Humira or Embrel so I HAD to go with Remicade.. and it was the BEST decision made for me.. I have been on Remicade for a yr now and the results are stammering.. I went from having to sit on my rear in order to go down stairs, staying at home because I was in to much pain to go to the store.. Now.. I can RUN with my kids, run up and down the stairs, I do p90x workouts with my husband.. It has opened up a whole new world to me. The only down side to Remicade is the infusion time. It usually takes 3 hours for me (I have small veins) every 2 months. (you go every couple of weeks for the 1st few infusions).. That has been my experience. Hope it helps!
First of all, thanks to responding to Suzanne's post, secondly, I am so glad that you have had such fantastic results with Remicade. Some are so afraid to try the biologics, these testimonials are an inspiration!
I'm not currently on anything but I'm glad you're getting some relief with Humira. I can't give you any advice but I hope that if you go for the Remicade that it helps you even more. Some people have posted with great results. That's encouraging!
Please keep us posted with your decision and the results. I'll be very interested to hear what you have to say! Good luck, girl!
Ah Suzanne, I am probably facing the biologics in the next few months and will look forward to hearing your decision. Wishing only the best for you of course. Best of luck!
Thank you for all the responses. ^_^ I'm going to try Simponi first at the urging of my doctor (don't have much faith but we'll see.) If that doesn't work, then its Remicaid.