TNF blockers

caspiana

Hello. I'm Cas and I I just signed up for this forum today. I was diagnosed with RA in December 2008 and am about to start on biologics. I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

I have two questions. My rhuemy has suggested that I start either Enbrel or Remicade. He explained that Enbrel is injected twice a week and Remicade is administered via an iv drip once every two months. I didn't like the idea of injecting myself twice a week so I am leaning towards remicade although it is more expensive. Which did you guys choose and why?

Questions two is I heard that they have to test you for TB and a whole lot of other things before you start on Remicade. What exactly do they do? I am such a wimpy person I am so afraid of being proded and poked.

Actually I lied, I have one more question. How long do you have to be on Remicade? Is it a life long thing? I read up on it and there is a risk of getting so many things from it namely cancer, heart failure etc. plus the possible side effects hives, fever, hair loss, and a weak immune system..I am truly scared.

bertyboy

sorry i cant offer any help but i am sure some body will be able to help , on here , xx but welcome any way xxx

woodbon

Sorry, I have oa but lots of people on here will be able to answer your questions. I can tell you from recent experience that although reading informs you thats good, sometimes it can be frightening, as all sorts or rare side effects and conditions can be listed. I'm sure someone here will be able to help you. Glad you've joined the sight. Love Sue

marief

Hi caspiana

I'm Marie I may be able to help with one of you questions, I take Enbrel and inject once a week they offered my the same thing (Inject or Drip) but I throught that I didn't what to be tired down to the hospital so went for the injection .
A nurse will come round and show you how to inject a couple of time and you can ring her for advice , the needle is fine and the amount is tiny so it's very quick .
Once your on your choice of drugs you will need a blood test every month then after three month you will have an appointment with TNF clinic at your hospital and they will look at you blood results and decide from there if you stay on that drug choice or sometime try another .

My drugs get delivered to my every two month to my house I have heard that some people have to collect they drugs from the hospital .

Hope this helps a bit

Marie

colinone

Hello Caspiana
Welcome to the site you are about to meet a great bunch of people who will help you as much as they can. if they cant help you you will certainly get all the support you need. I have RA and PA my main drug is enbrel, I take 50mg once a week and what Marie tells you is spot on. I never wanted to inject myself and wanted the remicade but nice said no and had to settle for the embrel.
T.B test is no problem its just a normal blood test from the arm but you have a different type of blood form and make an appointment. Reason for this is i believe the lab require your blood as soon as it is taken perhaps they need to test it whilst still warm. However it is just like the normal blood test.
So your scared hey join the club lol i think if the truth was known we all are "i know i am" and i do worry about the future. I was always scared of the hospital and still am. Sorry but RA is for life and the drugs that controle it also for life. But dont worry there are different degrees some of us are worse than others and take more drugs some less. The thing is once they get your RA under controle the can start reducing your drugs. The problem is if you dont take the drugs you deteriate to a stage where it becomes more difficult to help you. Its a catch 22. You can talk openly about your fears to the people on the site they are a great help and if thats your main worry i'm sure you will find people on hear who have been on seriouse drugs for years. Take care and keep your chin up
Colin

marnie

hi marnie here
im just about to start enbrel also feeliing nervous but anything is worth a try just to be a little relieved of the pain. oh to lead a normal life again !
Im also scared of side effects just lost a cousin to lympoma nightmare, would be glad to hear from anyone! marnie.xx

anniek

Hi ,Iv been on enbrel for over 3 years and I remember feeling scared and really not wanting to inject myself but once you start injecting and getting the benefits of the drug it really does become a lot easier ,I choose enbrel because I didnt want to have to go to the hospital to receive the other drugs I was offered Annie

averyniceman

caspiana wrote:

Hello. I'm Cas and I I just signed up for this forum today. I was diagnosed with RA in December 2008 and am about to start on biologics. I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

I have two questions. My rhuemy has suggested that I start either Enbrel or Remicade. He explained that Enbrel is injected twice a week and Remicade is administered via an iv drip once every two months. I didn't like the idea of injecting myself twice a week so I am leaning towards remicade although it is more expensive. Which did you guys choose and why?

Questions two is I heard that they have to test you for TB and a whole lot of other things before you start on Remicade. What exactly do they do? I am such a wimpy person I am so afraid of being proded and poked.

Actually I lied, I have one more question. How long do you have to be on Remicade? Is it a life long thing? I read up on it and there is a risk of getting so many things from it namely cancer, heart failure etc. plus the possible side effects hives, fever, hair loss, and a weak immune system..I am truly scared.

Hi

I can't answer your questions about TNF but I'm really curious about something. Why have they offered you anti TNF so recently after your diagnosis? I thought that NHS practice is to try traditional DMARDs first.

Best of luck with the treatment, whatever the reason.