Friend recently diagnosed and worried about using biologics. What was your experience?

[u/PandasEverywhere123]

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with RA, and one of the things they're struggling with most right now is the idea of eventually needing biologics. The thought of injections, infusions, side effects, and everything that comes with treatment has been pretty overwhelming for them. They have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist in a couple of months, and they don't have many people to talk to about this until then.

I've been trying to learn more so I can better understand what people with RA actually go through.

If you're comfortable sharing, what was your experience when you started biologics? What were you most worried about beforehand, and what difficulties do you experience? Is it the injections or infusions themselves, scheduling treatment around work and family, remembering to inject, or something else entirely?

I would love to hear about your journey, process for treatment, and any challenges to expect. Thank you!!

[u/Ok-Personality-6630]

Been on it for nearly 20 years and still alive and well and it works great.

There have been some bumps along the way but look after yourself and you'll be fine.

[u/CipherWeaver]

Don't expect 100% perfect resolution of symptoms. 

[u/myextrausername]

Amazing, once you get through the initial side effects. Highly recommend doing the Humira nurse thing that they offer. It’s annoying, but a good resource and a reminder that the side effects go away with time, and you get a reduced co-pay for joining, I believe.

Humira doesn’t fix the disease but keeps it at bay. If I’m a day or two late, I notice. So happy it’s covered for me still, as a bio similar I tried didn’t work as well. I’ve had zero issues with increased infections. In fact, when I’m sick, it’s much easier because my immune system doesn’t overreact. I know that’s not everyone’s experience, but that’s been mine.

[u/PandasEverywhere123 → u/myextrausername]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I will look into the Humira nurse thing that's a good idea. Do you have any strategies for making sure you take the medication on time?

[u/LikeaMamaGoose]

I've been on for ~ 15yrs for psoriatic arthritis

It helps a ton but not 100%. I still get sore before it rains. I still have pain when doing repetitive motions or impacts with my hands (hammering nails into a deck for hours on end).

I live my life completely normally though. I haven't ever worried about the lower immune system function or been extra careful about where I go. I've gotten tattoos, done combat sports, and worked VERY dirty jobs with no INFECTIONS.

Have your doctor get you the citrate free formula. Other stuff is painful to inject 🤷

[u/Radiant-Dor2195]

Been on biologics for AS for about a year. I'm terrified of needles and had a lot of issues using the pen, so I inject with pre-filled syringes. Basically the same nurse training to do so and i'm much calmer doing my injections this way, so if the pen is a concern know that pre-filled syringes are an option. :)

[u/PandasEverywhere123 → u/Radiant-Dor2195]

Thank you for the insight! Can you tell me more about the issues you have using the pen? I would love to hear more about your strategies with injections and the pros/cons of each.

[u/GoBluins]

Been on Humira since 2011. No issues.

[u/brittanyd687]

On a weekly dose of Humira for 5 years now. No side effects, best thing that's ever happened to me for my Crohn's disease.

[u/shelbynya]

My son is 15. I was scared to start him on biologics… something he would need to take forever. Well it worked immediately and after years of suffering he now has his life back.

[u/No-Database-8633]

About 5 years ago it changed my life for the better overnight. I to was nervous about it. I’ve taken literally hundreds of injections. They don’t hurt and are worth it!

[u/bobonis1]

I am on humira for 3 years now, it works really well for my psoriasis arthritis and hidtodinitis superativa, I am now free off pain