Sacukinumab

WendyGoode64
WendyGoode64 Member Posts: 25
in Chat to our Helpline Team

Hi, just been to see rheumatoid nurse and it’s now been suggested that I go onto Sacukinumab which will probably take 8 weeks to get sorted, I was on Yuflyma for 3 months and gave it a good go but had more flare ups and really didn’t feel better at all. Can anyone tell me how long it takes for this drug to kick and what the side affects are and also if you can continue to take steroids, thanks Wendy

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  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,983

    Hi @WendyGoode64,

    Thank you for posting in the Helpline Online Community.

    Sorry to hear the Yuflyma (Adalimumab) wasn't effective at controlling your inflammatory arthritis condition for you. Hopefully your new treatment will work better control the inflammation driving your symptoms.

    Secukinumab is another biologic but this one targets a different protein of the immune system. It is a long-term treatment, and depending on your condition, it may take between three weeks and a year of taking it before you start to see the benefits.

    You ask if you can continue to take steroids with Secukinumab. Sometimes steroids are prescribed alongside biologic therapies but you would have to consult with your Rheumatologist or Rheumatology Nurse Specialists on their Helpline about your particular circumstances and the prescription of steroids. You should always make any healthcare professional treating you aware of all of your medications, including current and historic use of steroids. If you have been prescribed steroids in high doses, or if you're on them for more than three weeks, you may have been given a steroid card showing your dose and how long you've been taking them for.

    Regarding possible risks and side effects of Secukinumab, this is covered within the following information - I hope you find this useful.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/secukinumab/

    Also, you may find it helpful to read the following information on taking steroids and other treatments.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/steroids/#steroids_effects-on-other-treatments

    I hope this helps.

    Best wishes,

    Helen, Helpline Advisor

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