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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010
Posts: 576
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We have a lovely new rheumy nurse and, true to her word, she rang me at 3.30 yesterday. She said the Rheumy wants me to try Cimzia as it works in a different way to Enbrel so she has all the paperwork ready. Now I just have to wait to get the Ebrel out of my system. She said about 4 weeks so I'm trying to be patient  Any advice on starting Cimzia? When I was given the original choice I didn't opt for this as it is not a pen injection. However, the pen delivery or the Enbrel going in stung - a lot - so maybe this will be better? xx Ailsa
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/8/2009
Posts: 43
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Hi Ailsa
I have been on enbrel and that really stung as well,but had a bad allergic reaction.I have been on cimzia and it was a lot better it didn't sting as much and the syringe is easy to use.Hope you get on alright and it works for you,
Poppyxx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Ailsa That is really good news, I'm so pleased something has been sorted out quickly for you. I think you will find you have more control over a syringe and needle than the pen (not that I've actually tried a pen!) and may find the injection suits you better. The stinking actually comes from the preservative contained within the drug so the longer lasting it is the more preservative it contains. I had the option of switching to weekly and/or pen (Enbrel) but having asked around decided to stay on twice weekly syringes. Cimzia has had some good reviews so fingers crossed it is the one for you. Hope the countdown weeks go quickly and you don't suffer in the meantime  Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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That's great news Ailsa!
I used humira syringes but somehow got changed to pens, and I found the syringes much easier to control.
Hope you can get started on it soon.
Love, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Well done Ailsa,
So pleased you been seen and sorted quickly - Good luck.
I Am afraid I have no knowledge on cimzia though.
Brill news for you
Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Ailsa,
really pleased you've got sorted to start Cimzia soon.
no knowledge of it either,
i'm still waiting for my Humira ( reckon another 2-3 weeks ) when i will have to pluck up the courage to inject.
let's hope you get on well with this one,
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Ailsa
Very good news about the Cimzia. I have tried both pen and syringe and found the syringe far less painful. I did have a wobble at the beginning actually having to put a needle into the skin myself but I did it and did not feel a thing. I have plenty of fat to grab hold of around the tummy so injected into this and it was brilliant.
Good luck with the Cimzia. This may be my next option having failed on Humira and Enbrel. Keep us posted on how you are getting on.
Jackie
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Jackie (sorry to hijack Ailsa!) As I understand the NICE guidelines once you have had two anti-tnf treatments you are not entitled to further sequential treatment using anti-tnf drugs. This was confirmed by my rheumatologist yesterday; I have had Infliximab and currently on Enbrel. A further switch of drugs would see me moving to Rituximab (or similar) so very reluctant to let go of my Enbrel as my available options are fast reducing. I think, Jackie, you would be in the same position as me. Humira, Enbrel and Cimzia are all anti-tnfs. This also applies to anyone moving to a second anti-tnf ... three are not allowed!! Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Lyn
Thanks for your advice. I am in limbo at the moment. I had a knee replacement in January and I am currently only on a low dose of Methotrexate - down from 17.5 mgs to 7.5 mgs. I acutally went into remission for 10 weeks with my RA following my knee replacement. My immune system was too busy protecting my knee to think about attacking my other joints. Unfortunately it is now back with a vengeance. I am waiting to see a new Consultant to our area (Shropshire) in June. When I last saw my RA nurse a few weeks ago she said they need to re-consider my medication. It seems I have had RA all my life even though I was only diagnosed two years ago. It has completely eroded both knee joints and they are concerned that at my tender age of 48 my RA need to be more under control so that I can preserve the rest of my joints.
Following your advice about not being able to have a third anti-tnf I am now wondering where I stand. I am having to increase my Methotrexate in the mean time to try and keep the pain at bay. That and trying to get fit to return to a full time job is going to be a very testing time over the next few months.
Jackie
xx
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