I was diagnosed with RA in 2005 and was previously put on combinations of our commonly known to make you throw up, loose hair type of drugs like Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Prednisone etc.. until I was approved by my provincial government for Enbrel. Thank God I also have an extended health plan to pick up 80% of the $1.7K monthly bill.
Anyhow, if you read prior posts, I was on Enbrel for 10 years! It was a miracle drug that gave me my life back. I even had 2 healthy children while taking Enbrel (now ages 8 and 5).
3 years ago, so at the 10 year mark on Enbrel, the efficacy of the drug seemed to have stopped working. At the same time (co-indecently) my Rheumatogist moved and I was switched to a new doctor.
We tried Humira ... worked for a couple years and stopped working
We are now trying Cimiza... not working as well...
Next options given to me are Actemra & Xeljanz.. hmm.. anyone out there tried these?
I was explained that, as I move to more aggressive drugs, the risks increase such as:
Actemra chances of developing shingles = 2% vs Xeljanz chances of developing shingles = 3%. I've also heard of a shingles vaccine? would that counter this?
Then you have disclaimers like these on the Xeljanz Site that offer no Comfort:
"Cancer and immune system problems.XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, have happened in patients taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.
Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder)."
In times of flares, world seems darker & hopeless than it really is. But, I must remind myself that there's hope!
