Anti TNFs, antibodies & PsA

dorcas
dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
edited 4. Mar 2010, 03:14 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi folks,

I saw my rheumatologist today to discuss why my PsArther is now so out of control. I've been on Humira for nearly five years (combo with Mtx), but it is obviously no longer working as my joints have been murderous and my inflammatory markers are sky high.

He said that my bloods show that I have 'created' antibodies for Humira so my body is now very efficiently destroying the drug, seeing it as an 'invader'. This cannot be reversed even if I come off the drug for a while as my body will always now recognise Humira and attack it. (I had no idea this could happen!)

We discussed what to do next and I asked him about the new drug Tocilizumab, although I knew it's not licensed for PsA yet.

He said that Tocilizumab would not be an effective alternative for controlling PsA but does think that the other new one Certolizumab, would be.
(I thought other peeps here might be interested to know that)

Unfortunately Certolizumab is not licensed yet in Scotland and as my arther is so active and destructive he decided it would be better for me to go onto Infliximab as soon as it can be organised.
I don't know anything about Infliximab so if any peeps here are already on it I'd be grateful for any info. and whether it works!.

Thanks Irisx

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Iris,

    Can't help but leaving you a ((( ))) Cris x
  • chahoua
    chahoua Member Posts: 29
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Well I've learnt something - I didn't know that you can build up antibodies to anti-TNF treatments. I tried Infliximab before I went on Enbrel. It's an infusion that takes around 3-4 hours (can't remember the exact time as it was 6 years ago) and you slowly build up to having one infusion every 8 weeks. It worked quite well for me initially but then it plateaued. My arthritis activity levels began to increase after 6 months or so, so I switched to Enbrel.

    Jackie xxx
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 3. Mar 2010, 18:45
    skezier wrote:
    Hi Iris,

    Can't help but leaving you a ((( ))) Cris x

    Many thanks Cris,

    ((())) gratefully accepted..they do help too you know. thanks for the support. Irisx
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    chahoua wrote:
    Well I've learnt something - I didn't know that you can build up antibodies to anti-TNF treatments. I tried Infliximab before I went on Enbrel. It's an infusion that takes around 3-4 hours (can't remember the exact time as it was 6 years ago) and you slowly build up to having one infusion every 8 weeks. It worked quite well for me initially but then it plateaued. My arthritis activity levels began to increase after 6 months or so, so I switched to Enbrel.

    Jackie xxx

    thanks Jackie and nice to meet you!

    I started on Enbrel and then moved to Humira as I had a reaction to Enbrel (it was wonderfully effective and acted quickly too, so I was sad to have to stop it)

    seems we all have to keep trying......but this is the third one for me and I don't know anything about it when used for PsA, so I'm a bit nervous in case it doesn't work......I think we don't get to try any more after that? Iris x
  • ritwren
    ritwren Member Posts: 928
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I've only just seen your post and am so sorry to hear your regimene has been changed again, but from the sounds of things there is'nt any other option. I did'nt know you could build up antibodies either. All I can do is wish you all the best with the new treatment, I hope you get to start it soon and that it has a good effect for you.
    big gentle hugs as always
    rita

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