motrhome said...
Saw GI for results of scope and treatment plan. Recommending Simponi as he finally agreed that it was the Remicade causing the joint pain.
After researching Simponi, I see the top 3 side effects are Depression, Sinus Infections and Bronchitis - great - battled depression years ago, always get sinus infections and thankfully never had Bronchitis.
I also see that many on Simponi are taking Methotrexate. Just wondering if that is specifically for RA or does Simponi also cause joint pain - I can't find anything on that.
Is anyone taking Simponi and have any advice?
Currently 1000mg Salofalk Sup twice/day - working great.
Previously Remicade 2012 - severe joint pain
I started Simponi and have gone through all of this already.
Yes Remicade gave me joint pain, some of it was from the Colitis actually (but Remicade came with more severe joint pain). It was never enough to stop me though.
I never got joint pain on Humira, which is delivered by the same means as Simponi (self-injection NOT infusion). So considering my experience I would follow the doctor and go with Simponi, it may not cause the joint pain. I say that because Remicade did for me but Humira did not -- so the reason it or they are causing joint pain doesn't seem to correlate to them both being Biologic type medications. In fact Remicade VS Humira & Simponi are quite different in the way they're made.
I would NOT suggest you go with Entvyio just yet if you're doctor recommended Simponi. Simponi seems to be really good at helping people who did not respond to other Biologics (but read on because I have another reason)!
Also Simponi is injected at home - I don't think Entvyio is! So Entvyio will take more of your time and money (depending on insurance and what country you live). Sounds like you're doctor knows what he's doing. I can see his logic here. I was in with the research for Entvyio - it didn't work for me, although I had no way to know if I was on placebo or what dose. It was infused just like Remicade. You may find using something like Simponi or Humira a lot better, but you also may find Simponi is a HECK of a lot painless than Humira! They've designed a very good pen compared to Humira!
Methotrexate, I do not believe is often prescribed in combination with Simponi for those with UC. Honestly, it's probably better to see if the Simponi works before adding that to the immuno fire. My GI did not prescribe that for me.
It seems to be more common with RA patients because there are studies to show more success with that combination and disease. I am simply on Simponi and steroids (weening off prednisone). Simponi injects much more like what you see in Star Trek -- the pen goes down on your thigh and you press the button. You remove the pen from your thigh when the 2nd click is heard. You will not likely feel a needle at all (they use a very very small needle compared to other pen injections!).
Hope this helps - I've had a lot experience with this now.
Post Edited (xeekk) : 10/6/2014 9:28:38 AM (GMT-6)