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Basic info on Biologics Options
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Ailsa-H
#1 Posted : Monday, September 20, 2010 9:54:09 PM Quote
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Hi - where can I read up on basic info on Biologics? My Rheumy nurse told me to stop Leflunomide last week as my BP was up yet again to 150/100. My GP said taking BP tablets to reduce it and staying on the Lefl was not an option and that as I have failed on 3 drugs now I should be eligible for Biologics now. I have to go back to the GP this week to check BP again but don't see the Rheumy till mid Oct.

I realised I haven't taken much in about Biologics as I was so sure that MTX and then Lefl would work. I don't really understand anti-TNFs/biologics etc. Any ideas where I can find out? I still don't know another person with RA apart from my friends on here, so I really value your advice. Sorry for all the questions yet again! XX Ailsa

PS Rose - not sure why I can't take BP meds and stay on Lefl - that is what you tried isn't it? Huh
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Ailsa-H
#2 Posted : Monday, September 20, 2010 9:56:37 PM Quote
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Sorry - thought I had lost this and posted it again - must be time for Horlicks and bed!!!
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Rose-B
#3 Posted : Monday, September 20, 2010 10:06:56 PM Quote
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Hello Ailsa,

Yes that was what happenned for me. I was not allowed to start Leflum until my BP was around 140/80. I got to 145/90
and they said i could start. All the time i was on BP tablets - see previous posts.

Look on the NRAS site (i have regarding the biologics) that is my understanding. So I am waiting to see the Specialist
to see what happens next to me as well.

Poor us. Keep spirits up

Rose x
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Kathleen_C
#4 Posted : Tuesday, September 21, 2010 4:05:41 PM Quote
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Hi Ailsa,

NRAS produce various information about all the biologics - if you give them a ring they will be able to help. I`m on adalimumab, (humira ) for three years now,; that`s the only anti-TNF I`ve been on so far, so if you have questions about that I will try and help.

I`ve had BP problems over the years, since before I had RA, and was still prescribed leflunomide, and also at one time, cyclosporin, another DMARD, which made my BP worse, so I had to stop.

Take care,

Kathleen x
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LynW
#5 Posted : Tuesday, September 21, 2010 9:19:41 PM Quote
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Hi Ailsa

Sorry to hear that your BP continues to cause problems for you. The NRAS site has a lot of information and articles on Biologics, try this link. As Kathleen says you can always call them and they will send out appropriate leaflets. A useful article on Infliximab, Enbrel and Humira can be found here!

Personally I think the world of 'Biologic' drugs is mind boggling. There are now quite a few to choose from but different drugs act in different ways. I started out on Infliximab (by infusion), it was great and really made me feel like me again ... until it gave up on me! I then moved on to Enbrel which likewise has been a wonder drug, giving me back a good quality of life. As more of these drugs are introduced I think it's important that the rheumatologist offers appropriate advice in individual circumstances to ensure you are given the best drug for your condition. Quite often people seem to be left to make up their own minds ... I'd still be trying to decide if it was left to me!! Worth reading up about before your appointment!

Good luck!

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

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jenni_b
#6 Posted : Wednesday, September 22, 2010 11:29:52 PM Quote
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there are anti-tnfs, b-cell treatments, t-cell treatments and IL treatments.

they are all biological and different to the DMARDS.

http://www.arthritisrese...toid_arthritis.aspx#non

look up the company websites of retuximab, etanercept, humira, tocilizumab, cimzia on google and look at their explanations.


jenni
how to be a velvet bulldoser
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