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Date: 28.06.2012
From: Sciqueen

Subject: About to start Cimzia - my first biological

Hi

As the title says next wk I am going to start cimzia. I know from reading past posts that the loading dose makes you feel great. But how are those on the drug 3+ months faring? Has it made a difference to you?

I have had Ra for 9 months. It is still not controlled. I am on 20mg mtx injectable, plaquenil, anti flam - 90mg arcoxia, pain killers cocodomols and am stepping down oral steroids, presently on 3mg + folic acid.

Cimzia was not my first choice, but prepared to go with what the consultant suggestion.

Would like to hear from anybody who has experience of cimzia - good or bad. Thanks for reading my block Joanne x
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Date: 28.06.2012
From: Nicola

Subject: Re: About to start Cimzia - my first biological

Hi, I've had RA for 2 years. I started cimzia in December and have been feeling an improvement every month. I haven't had any significant infections and am feeling great. My dose of mtx has been reduced from 20 to10 and haven't taken a painkiller or anti-inflammatory in months! Stick with it, I don't particularly enjoy having to inject but it's totally worth it. I feel better than I have done in over 2 years. I still take plaquenil every day. I really hope it works well for you, I noticed an improvement within a few weeks. I know some people get side effects and regular infections but for me it's been a breeze. Good luck x
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Date: 29.06.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: About to start Cimzia - my first biological

I was on Cimzia for 9 months and had to stop due to constant infections. The loading dose was good but never really got going after that and didn't feel it was helping. On enbrel now and, although I've got problems, can feel the benefit almost immediately.

A lot of PCTs are making the doctors prescribe cimzia as the drug company pays the first three months of treatment and it is a very expensive drug!

Also, my nurse told that, in my hospital, a lot of patients had to come off it for the same reasons as me. Though, strangely some other hosps had different results. Hope you are in one of those and it works for you. xx
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Date: 29.06.2012
From: sciqueen

Subject: Re: About to start Cimzia - my first biological

Hi

That really great news, Hope it continues to work for you. I am naturally hoping that I will see an improvement in my disease management. Boy do I need to have some improvements.

Take care & many thanks

Joanne x
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Date: 29.06.2012
From: Sciqueen

Subject: Re: About to start Cimzia - my first biological

Hi BSK

I suspect it is something to do with cost why so many of us lately have been put onto cimzia. I was not given a choice as my consultant said the health authority wanted everyone to start off on cimzia and this was way back in March, when it was first mentioned that my next step would be anti tnf. So I am agreeing with you it is certainly something to do with costs!

Cheers Joannex
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Date: 29.06.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: About to start Cimzia - my first biological

I'm sure that's true but lots of people do well on it. Good luck!
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Date: 30.06.2012
From: Kim

Subject: Re: About to start Cimzia - my first biological

HI
I have been on cimzia on and off fo r a few months. I developed a nasty chest infection after my first dose and then had to wait for that to clear up to have second dose, then I got shingles so was off it for some time! I am persevering with it though. I have noticed I have a little more movement in my hands but when I tried to reduce my steroids and painkillers the pain was still horrendous! I think you have to give it 3 months of doing the injection every two weeks to know if it is making a difference or not. I think we have to try these things, anything to make life a little easier!
Good luck and I hope it works for you
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