anti-TNF agents

muffy
muffy Member Posts: 72
edited 6. Oct 2012, 12:52 in Living with Arthritis archive
I haven't been on here for a while as I a whole load of medical problems have recently raised their head and I have been up to my eyes in hospital appointments and tests etc. My question is what are anti-TNF agents? So far whatever has been tried for the RA has done no good and this is the latest suggestion to try, I would like to know a bit more about them before consenting to have them.

Sylvia

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The anti TNF meds are the 'big guns' of the rheumatology world. They are brought in after the lesser ones of meth, lef, sulph etc have not had much of an impact on things. I have tried three, inflximab, enbrel and currently humira. I never thought twice about trying them, and willl happily try another if the humira begins to 'fade' in its effectiveness. Your rheumatologist should have information leaflets about each individual one and I am sure they would pass these onto you to read. They can work very well for some and I hope you will be included in that group. Good luck. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sylvia

    I am so sorry things have been so difficult for you recently.

    For reliable, up to date information, you might want to have a look at the AC "Publications and Resources" section to see if there are any booklets about anti-Tnfs (biologics) and I know that the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society has information about them on their website (if you Google NRAS) you will find it. Arthritis Reseach UK may also have relevant information on their site.

    I am currently on my third biologic drug (anti-tnfs are part of the drug group known as biologics) two of which have been anti-tnfs. Infliximab, which was the first one I had, was absolutely brilliant for me and, for almost 5 years, I was pretty much RA free! The second, Humira didn't work quite as well for me but if I hadn't been "spoiled" by the success of the Infliximab, I would have thought that one was brilliant too. They don't work for everyone but some lucky people, like me, they can be absolute miracle drugs!

    Tillyxxx
  • muffy
    muffy Member Posts: 72
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Many thanks for your replies, I have requested a booklet from NRAS. Wish me luck I have to have a stent put in the heart on Wednesday.

    Sylvia
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Muffy,Just wanted to wish you luck for Wednesday,will be thinking of you.Mig
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear Muffy, I too hope all goes well on Wednesday and please let us know how you get on. My cousin's husband had that done recently, I think it was day surgery and he was fine. (He milked it a bit though, what is it with healthy men thinking they've done summat heroic in having an op? They should try being us! :wink: ) DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi muffy pretty new here, just like to wish you good luck for Wednesday will be thinking of you.......tc..........Marie
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Muffy
    I am so sorry you have been suffering , and sorry I cant offer any help, so here's some very gentle hugs (((((()))) and I do wish you well on Wednesday xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Really good luck for Weds Muffy. Will be thinking of you.

    Tilly xxx