Seronegative RA and anti TNFs

Starburst
Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
edited 14. Nov 2010, 03:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
I know there have a been a few questions lately about anti TNF drugs, so I thought I'd add mine. :wink:

Is anyone here on and have you been on anti TNFs with seronegative RA?

I heard a rumour, not sure if it's true or not, that you don't fit the criteria without a positive RF and/or anti CCP. Right now, I only have a positive ESR. My CRP fluctuates between postive and negative.

Any ideas? Thank you.

Comments

  • cherrybim
    cherrybim Member Posts: 334
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Princess,

    I've always come up seronegative (for 30 years :) but I'm on Cimzia.

    Cherry xx
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Princess, I'm sero -ve and being considered for Cimzia. There is one drug that is not supposed to work for sero -ve but I can't remember what it is.
  • tjc123
    tjc123 Member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    :oops: I dont quite understand sero negative RA so sorry I cant help you :oops:
  • gickygawky
    gickygawky Member Posts: 478
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there,

    I am sero neg and usually use the anti tnf Etanercept (Enbrel).

    Arna
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think this follows the rules: I am sero negative (as far as I know) but I have always scored very well on CRP and ESR. I am now on humira, which despite reducing those scores to less than 4 for the past 16 months , I am allowed to continue injecting: I presume this is a) because it is working (despite the flare from which I am now emerging) and b) because I still tolerate it. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi princess :D

    I have PA (Psoriatic Arthritis) which is one of the many sero-negative arthropathies. I have never tested +ve for Rheumatoid Factor.

    I've been on anti- tnfs for the past 7yrs or so .

    The criteria for starting anti tnfs, I think, is based on two factors 1. that you have been on three or more DMARDS which have failed to control the arthritis and 2. the degree of joint activity, score (DAS test).

    Iris xxx
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for the replies. xx
    I tried hydroxycholoroquine for 6 months and have been on MTX since April. I'm not really getting anywhere. Rheumy doesn't like prescribing any other DMARDs and wants me to give hydroxy another go but I really don't.
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi princess :D

    If the hydroxy didn't work for you...why would your rheummy want you to retry it :?

    if he does suggest going back on hydroxy then it would be perfectly reasonable for you to ask him what his thinking is in doing so and also to ask what other options are available to you.

    when are you due do see your rheummy princess? whenever it is, go prepared to discuss your thoughts and concerns about repeating the hydroxy,.... and also ask the questions you have about alternatives :!:

    Iris xxx.
  • madwestie
    madwestie Member Posts: 383
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Princess, i have Ra but did not test positive for RF but i only had the test done once 3 years ago so i don't think they are to bothered about testing for it again.
    I am on Methotrexate and Hydroxichlorquine the rheumy says it it like building up a web to keep the RA done so they try to do it in layers the Hydroxi is one layer then they put the methotrexate on top of that i also have depomedrone (steroid) injections every few month which adds another layer. it is all done to stop te RA getting through. I believe this is why a lot of people on TNF's also have Methotrexate.
    I have 25mg Metho injections and 400mg of hydroxi although my RA is a bit up and down it would be a lot worse without the meds
    I hope you get yours sorted out soon.