Biologics

Ariana

I will shortly be starting biologics, benepali, and would like to know how others have found them. Is there a particular time of day to inject? Is it better to eat before injecting? Any side effects?These are just some of the questions I have been thinking about. If anyone one has any advice or suggestions I would be very grateful. Thank you.

Poppyjane

Hi @Ariana

Just thought you might find this useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/november/anti-tnf-transforming-the-treatment-of-inflammatory-arthritis/

I hope others maybe able to share their own experiences of taking this drug which used to be available as Enbrel.

Take care

Poppyjane (Moderator)

sallygee

Hi Ariana,

I started on Benepali about 5 months ago, and have had a very positive outcome so far. I had ground to a halt more or less, so it's a joy to feel more mobile and independent again. I am still quite weak, ( loss of grip etc), but my pain levels are much improved and I do feel like the progression of the disease has been dramatically slowed down.

I was on Salfasalizine before, and have now weaned myself off that ( with approval from consultant), - I had not realised how rotten that drug was making me feel! - I thought it had suited me, but now I'm off it, I have noticed my brain fog has lifted and I feel much more 'in the room'!

I was tried on Methotrexate, but my liver function started to fail, so had to come off that and so started on Benepali.

It does make me tired, so I do my injection in the late afternoon or early evening, so that it's not a problem if I need an early night. I think it may make me a little emotional/sensitive the next day too? - But not every time, so that could possibly just be me? ( I am post menopaysal now).

I have had my spleen out many years ago, which reduces my immune system in the first place, but so far, the Benepali doesn't seem to have made things any worse. (recently caught a cold, and had no problem fighting it off, which was a good first test since I started on it).

Hope that helps. Good luck with it!

Sallygee.

Arciere

Hi Ariana

I started a different biologic earlier this year (Yulflyna).

I was injecting late evenings, but have changed this to the mornings for daylight and less chance of doing one after alcohol. I prefer to watch the plunger move to ensure that it’s dispensing properly.

No side affects for me and i think they are really working.

Hope this helps

Good luck

Ariana

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/726216#Comment_726216

Thank you sallygee, such a lovely reassuring message. It is interesting to know how others have taken to Benepali and also when they inject. I am usually tired by about 9:30pm, so evening might suit me too. Thank you again and I hope you continue to improve.