I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Sjogren’s Syndrome. Because of all of that I am iin constant excruciating pain and am rapidly losing function of my joints. I was taking a form of a drug --the category is “biologics”-- and they work by destroying your immune system. So you can see the danger. Recently in my blood tests my liver functions were very high. Which meant that I had to stop my monthly IV of the last biologic I was on. My doctor found one biologic that does not mess with your liver. However, It has NASTY side effects. Headaches, Nausea and vomiting and loss of 20% of your body weight (which is REALLY okay by me)…HOwever the side effect that has me worried is that it causes severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
I have SZA so this is frightening to me. I’m hoping that if it happens I will be able to recognize that it is the med causing it and not that things really are so bleak as to cause me to wish death.
Would you take a med like this? If you were in so much pain that all you can do is sit in a recliner or lay in bed? Because that is my life right now. If this med doesn’t work…my options are all shot. THere is nothing—no hope left.
What is the med called? I have Orencia. It works wonders and I have not been more sick than before I started it. Just remember to take the flu shot every fall. It’s free in Sweden for the chronically ill.
I am sorry for your health condition. Sometimes the consumer does not necessarily encounter every side effects as indicated. I think it varies with different people. It is good then if you could remind yourself of that suicidal thoughts being side effect of the biologic.
If your symptom is pain in the neck, shoulder and arm, then there is traditional medicine (in capsules) for that relief. One of my family member has this but am unsure of the diagnosis.
I don’t know what to tell you about the med’s because I have no experience with those kinds of med’s. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you.
I also have RA, and like Comatose above, take Orencia along with methotrexate. The two work ok, but I still have a lot of joint pain upon movement.
So my rheumatologist added Norco (hydrocodone). It is an opioid pain medication. It works WONDERS in helping me stay mobile and active.
Although it IS addictive, when taken responsibly and diligently, can be a great tool in the RA sufferer’s treatment bag.
I know how it feels to be in agonizing pain. And my advice is to do whatever you have to do to manage your pain, so that you can live a healthy and happy life.
Blessings,
Anthony
I’m assuming it’s like Cyclosporin/Cellcept etc.? These are basically anti-rejection drugs for transplant patients but they have many other uses.
If I was you - yes, I would try it. Side-effects are a funny thing - you could have some or you could have none. It’s worth a try if you are in so much pain. Actually…the pain you’re in could have a bigger effect on your mental state than the medication itself. They usually start you off on a lower dose - if you find yourself not tolerating it well, then stop taking them and see your doctor.