Date: 14.07.2011
From: richard
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Subject: Cimzia question.
Hi all.
After my last visit to the Rheumy, he`s going to prescribe Cimzia. I think there are a few tests that will be carried out beforehand and I know it has to be injected which is ok as I inject mtx. He`s stopped the leflunomide that I was on, to clear out system so i`m back on steroids to tie me over till the cimzia appt, but joints are achey so I cant`t wait to get on it. I just wanted to ask, what tests are carried out beforehand,how are all Cimzia people getting on with it, and is mtx stopped when taking it or does it carry on.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks
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Date: 14.07.2011
From: Sian
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
Hi Richard, I'm on Cimzia injections, had been for over 12 weeks before I had to stop to take some anti-biotics. The tests I had were for TB and I'm not sure why but they took swabs from my nether regions? The usual blood tests, chest xray and urine sample... I think that was it. You should inject two times once every two weeks for a while then just once every two weeks. For me I noticed a difference straight away, it was amazing felt like the old me... jumping out of bed each morning with no pain, energy levels were through the roof. The only down side I'd say is I picked up every bug going , this maybe different for you so don't panic. I've been off it for a few weeks now and I'm back to square one!! I've been told to continue with my leflunomide. They normally only give you Cimza if your RA is aggressive ( well that's what my nurse told me) as it's very expensive if on NHS. Please let me know how you get on with it. I'm writing a list for my next appointment as I often forget to ask enough about my meds. Hope it works well for you : )
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Date: 14.07.2011
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
Hi Richard, Tests same for me as Sian above. The main thing they are looking for is TB and hepatitis A,B,C. I felt much better on the loading dose - two injections every two weeks but, like you Sian, I get every bug going and have just started back after being ill. A week later and I've got a cold! It hasn't fully kicked in yet either so am taking some steroids to keep me going. Apparently, it is more effective with Mtx so you might have both. Good luck with it.
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Date: 14.07.2011
From: cookie
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
Lol how these places differ had a chest xray got my bloods checked a month appart to ensure i met the criteria and bobs your uncle. Got meds in 2 weeks delivered to home. Have had them for 3months and things are improving hugely still having problems with 1 knee but defo have less symptoms and much less tired during the day x
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Date: 15.07.2011
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
I think the tests are the same Cookie :) Chest xray to check for tb and bloods to check for hep. Had all mine done on the same day and 2 weeks later on Cimzia. How are you doing btw?
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Date: 15.07.2011
From: richard
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
Sian and bsk mentioned about picking up loads of bugs while on Cimzea. With us all having to compromise our immune systems, i find that some of these bugs can cause more trouble than they`re worth. We`ve got loads of drugs to get rid of joint pain, etc, but try and shift a simple cold...now thats a challenge lol:)
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Date: 15.07.2011
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
tell me about it Richard! Got the second one in a month. I seem to have about 2 or 3 good days before I come down with something. It's endless.
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Date: 16.07.2011
From: cookie
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
didnt have my bloods for hepatitis screen just inflamation markers x
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Date: 16.07.2011
From: cookie
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
hi bsk am generally good thanks honey, right knee is bad making my foot swell and getting crap at work but apart from that all good thanks lol xx
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Date: 16.07.2011
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
well, you prob not high risk :)
Sorry to hear about your knee. I have same problem though it is getting better. My wrists are still problematic but hope they will calm down soon.
Are you putting ice packs on your knee? I find that helps a lot, plus keeping it up as much as poss.
xx
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Date: 16.07.2011
From: cookie
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
i am honey got an emergency appointment on the 25th have had ra for 17 years and always had problems with my knees but never had them xrayed so hoping they will sort it out this time x
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Date: 16.07.2011
From: richard
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
Regarding Cimzea, I haven`t got appt till the end of July so it`ll be mid August before I`m taking it I assume, but I`ll let you know how I get on with it and what tests they carried out as they seem to vary a bit.
I had an information leaflet about it but the stuff I wanted to know wasn`t on it so thanks everybody for the info.
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Date: 16.07.2011
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
Good Cookie, hope you get it sorted out, it's impossible to get about with a bad knee. I had a steroid injection in mine last October and it helped a lot. The junior registrar insisted it was OA but I have RA and know my x-ray said very little oa in my knees. However, the treatment was the same so just said 'go ahead' lol! good luck with it. Richard, do keep in touch, very useful to talk to peeps on same drug.
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Date: 17.01.2012
From: davina
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
hi richard hope your body as responded to cimzia. can you tell me how it as effected you?
i am starting this week and just want some info. thanks
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Date: 18.01.2012
From: Rich
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
Hi Davina. I can`t believe its July when I last wrote on this string. I started Cimzea in August last year and had 3 month review in November. At that time I wasn`t convinced it was working as I had inflammation and pain in my ankles, elbows and shoulders and fingers so my Rheumy arranged for steroid injections and told me it usually takes 6 months for the effects of Cimzea to fully work, although after 3 months of taking it my Rheumatoid factor was still the same as it was before taking Cimzea so apparently my arthritis was still very active(I have seropositive R.A by the way) My appt came through last week for the steroid injections which I`ve cancelled as I don`t feel I need them so much now, although i`m still achey, the pain is alot less and never get the fatigue which was a big problem before. I haven`t had any side effects from taking it unlike others that take it and believe its helping more than any other drugs i`ve tried although I still take Methotrexate too. My 6 month review is near the end of Feb so hopefully I can get there without any flareups.
Hope this has been helpful and please let me know how you`re getting on as I look on here regularly. All the best. Richard.
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Date: 18.01.2012
From: davina
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Subject: Re: Cimzia question.
hi richard thank you for that.
i too have seropostive and been on enbrel since last april, it has lowered my blood work but still in lots of pain and swelling in most joints. i have seen that other people on here have been helped with the bloods but not the pain which doesn't really help.
my doctor wanted me on infusions which i didn't want as i want a baby soon. i said i would try this for 3-6 months to see but now regreating my discision.
thank you for your info and hope your appointment goes well. x
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