HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Question about biologics for my Mom

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/16/2013 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
My mom has been on Remicade for about 8 years now for her RA. It's always worked really well but lately she has been having a lot more stiffness and pain way before her next infusion is due. I'm a little worried for her that it may be losing its effectiveness.

Has anyone here gone from Remicade to another biologic to treat their RA and what were the results? I should add that the first drug the Dr. put her on was Orencia (sp?) and it didn't work so that's when he put her on the Remi. I'm not sure what other biologics are approved for RA.
Posted 10/16/2013 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't been on Remicade but I was on Humira. After a year, it stopped working for me and I am now on Xeljanz. It is common to have to switch meds with RA. So far Xeljanz is working great for me.
Posted 10/16/2013 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Enbrel for 12 years and was recently switched to Humira and so far as the RA it is working great. I do have alot of side effects from biologics though and while I can function physically without being flared up all the time the side effects they cause are worrisome.

I hope your mom gets some relief and that you find another medication that works well for her. -Don
Posted 10/17/2013 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Perhaps the doctor can shorten the time between infusions and she if that helps the problem. I don't have RA but do have AS. They moved my infusions from every 6 weeks to every 4. I was able to stay on Remicade for another year after that.
Posted 10/17/2013 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Ides, try having the medication moved up on the time frame first to see if that helps, before trying another medications. or another medication could be added such as methotrexate. Make a note of all this and take it with you to her next Doctor's appointment so that you can go over it at that time and yes bring up that the Orencia did not work for your Mother.
it's good that your helping your Mother and it's wonderful for you to help. Make sure your getting bloodwork done by your Doctor as RA can go from Mother to Child (heredity) and it's best to error on the side of caution.
Prayers and many well wishes
Posted 10/17/2013 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies! I think that may be a good option about moving her infusions up. I need to go with her next appt. with her doctor and see what he thinks.

Chartreux, it seems auto-immune runs in our family. Myself, my sister, a cousin and my uncle all were diagnosed with UC then my mom got hit with the RA. I had surgery for my UC and am doing great but I always worry I will be slammed with something else! I worry for my kids too.
Posted 10/18/2013 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Worry is understandable, make sure to get your bloodwork checked. But, at the same token let your kids live a normal healthy life, which can be hard...I'm glad the doctor's have your UC under control.
Many well wishes..and keep us posted on to how your mother's doctor appointment goes, will be thinking of you...
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply