Biologics

CaroleWalt13

Hi everyone

Still trying to get my medication/symptoms settled.

Started Methotrexate May 2024, Sulfasalazine October 2024 with Predisone intermittently.

Appointment with consultant last week & he's mentioned about adding a Biologic to the treatment in the coming weeks - Has anyone tried this combination??… Successful, in progress, no improvement… Any experience or shared advise much appreciate.

MaryL44

Hi @CaroleWalt13

I don't have any experience of biologics butI'm sure some of our members will respond to you soon. But in the meantime search for biologics in all the posts (use the magnifying glass at top right of screen). There has been a lot of discussion previously on the forum.

Best wishes

Mary

Arciere

Hi @CaroleWalt13

Yes, it sounds like we’ve had a similar medication journey.

I was started on Methotrexate then moved to Sulfasalazine before landing on a Biologic, with oral steroids in between. I only take the Biologic.

Despite the risks they flag to you about Biologics, I’ve found it to be a real life saver - I’m almost living like I don’t have RA. I still get flare ups and I am still stiff and sore, but no where near like I was. I feel that I’ve become a sensitive old bean, so whilst the biologic absolutely works, I still have triggers like stress and food groups (gluten, sweetener, deadly nightshade), or at least I like to attribute a reason for a flare up, but I have no evidence.

It’s injected which is fine really - felt a bit odd doing that for a few months but no real side affects, apart from the risks they outline, which I think are sort of acceptable if I can continue feeling this good. I don’t think about it at all.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. The Biologic I take is Yulflyma.

I hope you get sorted soon.

CaroleWalt13

Hi@Arciere

Thanks so much for you reply.

Are you solely just on the Biologic now? Can I ask how old you are? How often do you inject?

Apologies for all the questions

I eat so healthy avoiding all of what you said above & exercise… Just frustrated as to what causes the flare ups.

Appreciate you sharing.

jamieA

Hi @CaroleWalt13

In 2020 I was initially put on sulfasalazine which didn't work, then in early 2021 methotrexate was added and the combination didn't work. In July 2021 the adalimumab biosimilar Amgevita was added and that made a world of a difference. It took 2 months to fully kick in and I was then able to hand back the crutches I'd needed to walk with. In early 2024 I asked my consultant if I could reduce my medication and she reluctantly agreed to reduce my sulfasalazine from 3gms a day to 2gms. I subsequently had a flare and she almost gave me an 'I told you so' speech. She says the 3 drug treatment works synergistically - or as she describes it 1+1+1>3.

Arciere

Hi @CaroleWalt13

Mid forties - inject every two weeks and yes, I only take the biologic. In comparison prior to the biologic I was consuming oral steroids (and fighting for further prescriptions of that), naproxen, stomach protectors and paracetamol . I rarely take any pills now.

The prescription is delivered monthly by a private company but funded by the NHS. Kept in the fridge. The delivery is a bit inflexible they won’t leave it - someone must be in, but I haven’t missed a delivery yet. There’s an app I order via.

Identifying the reason for a flare up is hard. Stress is a big one I think - as is dehydration maybe. I’m certain gluten is a thing and there is wheat in so many random products. I have taken an interest in the gut micro biome and the impact fermented foods and fibre can have.

Although it may just be the disease. It can be really frustrating I must say. I haven’t got RA in the family so to have it is completely baffling. I wonder if poor gut health, a long term stressful situation and possibly covid or another infection caused it all.