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Date: 17.01.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: abatacept injections

had my first injection this morning, I felt fine at first, but as the days gone on I've got a nagging head,nausea,lightheaded and I feel desperately tired ... is this normal ? ... also does anyone have any idea how long they usually take to have an effect on the arthritis ... just I'm really struggling at the momenr ... thanks x
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Date: 20.01.2014
From: Emma

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi sandy, I have been on abatacept 6 weeks the nurse told me it takes between 2-12 weeks to notice any changes . Like you I feel tired and I have dry skin all over my eyes which I have had for 3 weeks now going to call rheumy tomorrow it's driving me mad with all different lotions. Sandra have you put any weight on or if your finding it hard to lose weight,I just cannot lose weight I'm down to just having soup for dinner. Let me know how your getting on,take care emma xx
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Date: 21.01.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Emma,I've not noticed any relief with it yet but as you said its early days - I found by the end of the day of the first innjection I was struggling to think straight - I'm not sure if that was the drug itself or the fact it made me feel so tired - I've got a phone consultation whith my rheumy nurse tomorrow so I'll ask her... I've got dry patches on my face as well so I assume that must be a bit of a side effect...as for the weight - I've gone the opposite way due to the flare up ,I've gone from a size 12 to a size 8 ... not a good look at my age ... makes me look about 10 years older ! Please let me know how long it takes to work for you ... thanks for replying ..take care xx
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Date: 21.01.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

I'm really interested in this discussion as after being on Enbrel since 2005 and since recently suffering a serious flare up, I'm now being asked to choose between Rituximab (infusion),Tocilizumab (infusion) or Abatacept (injections). In December my consultant sent me home after a steroid injection and the advice to increase my Methotrexate to 20mg. with leaflets on these three biologic therapies for me to consider. My deliveries of Enbrel were then stopped and I have to come to some decision by early February. Abatacept seems to have the least side effects and I prefer injections as my hospital is some distance away. However, I would welcome any insight to the experiences of others who are injecting Abatacept before I decide to follow that route.
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Date: 21.01.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline, I was in the same situation as you a short while ago and had to choose between 3 drugs. I'd been on rituximab for a few years,but it stopped working for me and I ended up having a massive flare up as well .I opted for abatacept because I didnt want to keep having to go to hospital for infusions and also as someone on this forum pointed out to me, the dosage is lower as its weekly - so if I had a bad reaction to it ,it wouldn't take long to get out of my system . I hope you get some pain relief with what ever you decide ... take care x
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Date: 22.01.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thanks for getting back so quickly, Sandy. Your reasons for choosing Abatacept are exactly my way of thinking and why I will probably go down that route. I certainly need something because I'm definitely beginning to flare up again now that the cortisone injection which I had on the 9th. December, is losing its potency.
I'm rather concerned about the side effects you and Emma are describing but, as you say, injections mean that it can be taken in smaller doses than an infusion. I hope your Rheumatologist nurse can advise you today and I'll check back to this forum for any new information. Good luck with it all!
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Date: 10.02.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Now that it is a few weeks later, I'm wondering, Emma and Sandy, how you are both getting on with the Abatacept injections. Have the side effects diminished? Does the therapy seem to be doing its job?
I have to make some sort of decision this Friday (14th. Feb.) The choice I have been given is between Rituximab (infusion),Tocilizumab (infusion) and Abatacept (injections). As I've explained before, the Enbrel injections stopped working for me and I have been taken off them. I am flaring up badly again now , relying only on 20mg. Methotrexate and naproxen. The cortisone injection I had in December has definitely worn off so I'm counting the days until I go to the hospital to sort this out.
I'd be really interested to know how it is going for you -also the experiences of anyone else on Abatacept injections (or, indeed, on Rituximab or Tocilizumab.) Of course, I can research the main facts on all these therapies but first hand experience is invaluable.
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Date: 11.02.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline,I had my fourth injection last saturday - I do feel that it's starting to take the edge of my pain but I have been told by my rheumatologist that it can take up to 12 weeks to really have any effect...I wish I could tell you that the side effects have diminished,but for me they haven't ...headache,nausea,agitation,exhaustion & hot flushes happen every time ... I originally took it on a friday but I have moved it to saturday so that im not on my own as my hubby does not work weekends ... I've learnt not to take it later at night as no matter how tired I feel the agitation keeps me awake ..I do however feel that its worth persevering as I do feel its improving things ...I was also on rituximab for a few years and I found that worked brilliantly for quite a while but stopped working eventually ...good luck with your decision x
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Date: 11.02.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thanks for getting back, Sandy. That all sounds rather disappointing. I was hoping you would say that it has been a miracle cure and that the side effects are minor! A bit worrying that you have felt it necessary to move it to a time so that you are not alone. The side effects you describe don't seem very pleasant -by agitation, do you mean a fidgety feeling or one of anxiety? I already feel slight nausea with the Methotrexate (like a feeling of being travel sick) so I don't relish more of it. However, since moving house, I am now at least an hour away from my hospital and having been used to injecting myself each week with Enbrel, I still think this might be the best option. I definitely need something as I'm hardly moving around and in more pain than I've known in all the long years that I've had R.A.
Here's hoping that things improve for you -rapidly -and that soon we can have the conversation praising the delights of being on Abatacept injections!
All the best,
Caroline.
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Date: 11.02.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline,I think everyone reacts differently to any of these drugs - when I spoke to the Bupa nurse (they came to do my 1st injection and deliver my drugs as I believe York hospital sub contract part of their service) he informed me that they have clients with no symptoms whatsoever after taking it and also some people who have had to be taken off it because of their reaction to it .... I really do think it all depends on what your body can tollerate ... I gather that abatacept tends to cause less reaction than some of the other drugs .... I hope that this is the case with you ... take care x
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Date: 11.02.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thanks, Sandy -that's exactly what my husband said when I told him about the side effects you were experiencing. I'll discuss it with the nurse on Friday and report back on what happens.
It has been useful to get your views on the subject.
Good luck with your treatment.
Caroline
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Date: 11.02.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

good luck on Friday ...please let me know how you get on and what you decide .... I'll look forward to our conversation about the delights of taking abatacept !!!!
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Date: 14.02.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thanks Sandy!
I've just got back from a lengthy and useful consultation with my specialist nurse. I explained to her that of the three -Rituximab, Tocilizumab and Abatacept, I favoured Abatacept. She said she was glad I hadn't chosen Tocilizumab as there is a lengthy waiting list to be put on that.
I told her that during my online research I'd posted on this forum to find real life examples of people on Abatacept injections. She said that about 20 patients at this hospital have gone onto Abatacept in recent months without any major side effects, which was hopeful. Apparently, I should receive my first delivery of Abatacept in 2-3 weeks (sooner than I'd thought) and a nurse will come and show me how to use it. She sent me off for a series of blood tests (not the general ones I have for R.A.and methotrexate use but for HIV etc.)and also to have an X-ray for any signs of T.B.
She also gave me another cortisone injection (my last was 9th. December) to see me through until I begin the injections.
All in all, I felt much happier when I came out than when I came in. Now, just to wait for a few weeks to see how I get on with the injections.
Thanks for your advice so far and I will be interested to see how you are progressing as time goes on.
Caroline.
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Date: 15.02.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline,I'm glad you're feeling happier and hopefully you will be one of the people who has no side efects and massive improvement ... fingers crossed for you ! ...I do sometimes wonder if its just me who doesn't tollerate drugs very well ...even antibiotics tend to make me sick ! ..please keep in.touch and let me know how you get on ..good luck x
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Date: 15.02.2014
From: Emma

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline I'm on my eighth week got some steroid cream for my eyes as they were dry seems to be doing the job. I have seen my rheumy he has seen improvement but he is putting me back on methotrexate to work along side abatacept as they work well together to take it down more. But I can move a lot better which is good, I just think if I'm up and walking that's good enough for me. I really hope it works for you fingers crossed keep us up to date with your progress. Take care emma xx
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Date: 17.02.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hello Sandy and Emma,
Thank you both for keeping in touch and up to date with your experiences so far with Abatacept injections. Yes, I shall maintain my 20mg. dose of Methotrexate whilst on Abatacept. I don't think there was any suggestion of not being on it and I have been on Methotrexate for years on various amounts. My nurse gave me a very comprehensive pack of information on Abatacept including a customs form for travelling, booklets, charts,even stickers to put on the
calendar and a DVD.
Now I'm just waiting to hear when I will get my first delivery and when I will be visited by a nurse to show me how to administer it. After a cortisone injection on Friday, I'm feeling much better so I'm hoping the relief from that injection will overlap any I might get from the Abatacept but, as it seems to take a few weeks for Abatacept to work, I'm expecting a downturn somewhere along the line.
Best wishes to you both,
Caroline.
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Date: 06.03.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

UPDATE 06/03/2014
The Abatacept was delivered without a hitch last week and I stored it in the fridge. A nurse came to the house today and supervised my first injection. She more or less let me get on with it myself (I've had several years of injecting Enbrel before this) although she offered to let me practice with an empty syringe on a piece of sponge first if I had wanted to do so (I didn't!)
After staying with me another half hour, in case of any reaction, the nurse left but will 'phone me in a couple of weeks to see how I am getting on. I could have had a further home visit if I'd wanted. All very efficient and without problems. I can't say that I've noticed any side effects yet but it is only three hours since I injected the Abatacept. I'll follow this topic and report back at a later date.
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Date: 07.03.2014
From: Emma

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline welcome to the abatacept club lol, on my tenth week of abatacept rheumy put me back on methotrexate to work with it as he took me off leflunomide as it was causing problems I have had only one flare which was due to coming off one drug and getting the methotrxate into my system, I hope it works for you fingers crossed, keep me updated with your progress take care. Emma xx
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Date: 07.03.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline,fingers crossed for you that you dont get any side effects and that it works well for you.Im the same as Emma, I take it with methotrexate as well ....please keep us informed as to how you get on .. good luck x
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Date: 08.03.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hello Emma and Sandy and thanks for getting back.
I've always taken Methotrexate with these biologics -presently on 20mg. I'd much rather be taking less as on this dose I do feel some nausea on the afternoon/evening of the day I take it (Saturday) and sometimes on the next day.
Two days after injecting Abatacept,I can't say that I notice any side effects nor any difference in my condition.
Neither of you have actually said you feel any improvement so far. Do you think it has helped at all?
All the best,
Caroline.
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Date: 08.03.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline,I'm so pleased to hear that you've suffered no side effects ..I'm jealous !!.. as for improvement,I do feel it's taken the edge off things,before starting on it I was having massive problems with my neck,shoulder and left arm and I do feel that this has eased quite a bit, but unfortunately I have not found it to be a miracle cure (I'm still living in hope as its still early days !) I think I may realise if it's doing me any good over the next couple of weeks as I've been told not to take it this week as I've got a flu like bug ... so if the shoulder pain comes back with a vengence I'll know it's starting to work ! I'll be interested if it's working for you yet Emma as you've been on it longest ... take care x
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Date: 09.03.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thanks, Sandy!
I'm sorry that you have a flu-like bug but, as you suggest, it might act as some kind of control experiment whilst you are not taking the Abatacept.
It's early days for me -still time to get some side effects, I expect. The nurse (helpfully)said that it could take weeks -even months- before I notice an improvement. I think I'm still having some relief from that cortisone injection I had about a month ago and I'm also taking Naproxen twice a day. The test will be sometime down the line when the steroid has completely worn off and I stop taking the Naproxen. I'd love to decrease the Methotrexate, too but the last time I tried that it triggered a flare-up (I think.)
Good luck with it all,
Caroline.
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Date: 09.03.2014
From: Emma

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline and sandy I have seen some improvement as in movement especially in my legs, but just waiting for methotrexate to kick in to help . I will keep you updated on improvement, fingers crossed it will kick in for both of you very soon keep me updated on your progress. Take care Emma x
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Date: 10.03.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thanks, Emma!
I'm surprised that you weren't put on Methotrexate with the Abatacept from the outset as I've always been told that the biological treatments work better alongside Methotrexate. I hope you will now notice a big improvement.
I'll report back when I've used the Abatacept for a few weeks but I'll check in here from time to time to see if anyone reports anything -good or bad!
All the best,
Caroline.
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Date: 01.05.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

It's 9 weeks since I began Abatacept injections (alongside 20mg. Methotrexate). I'm also taking Naproxen twice a day and a paracetamol every night. Sadly, I'm not sure if it is working for me -or, at least, not yet. At the beginning I was hopeful -no flare ups and the pain seemed bearable but this might have been down to the steroid injection I'd had about a month before starting Abatacept. Since then, I can't say that I've felt particularly good nor at my worst. However, overnight into today, I seem to have flared up again. I couldn't sleep because of pain in my shoulder (a year ago I didn't have much trouble with pain in my shoulders or arms and only slight pain in my hands as it is my knees which are the most damaged.) This morning I seem to be in complete flare-up mode -hands stinging, arms, shoulders, knees hurting -even my jaw seems to be aching.I really don't feel like doing anything except stare at a computer screen -not so good for mobility issues.
So, Emma and Sandy, I wondered how you are both getting on with the Abatacept injections. You are a few weeks ahead of me so maybe you have now had some improvement? I've no problem with the actual administering of the injections and the information which came with the pack is very good.
Perhaps there are others out there who inject Abatacept and could share their experience of this biological treatment.
With thanks for reading this,
Caroline.
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Date: 02.05.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline & Emma im afraid im the same as you Caroline - its not really working for me either .. since being on it I have also been told by my consultant that I now have fibromyalgia as well ...I've had some bad flare ups recently,but my mums been really poorly in and out of hospital and at this moment in time in a care home for a few weeks respite i do wonder if the stress has contributed to the flares.Last time I saw my consultant he said if there was no improvement by my next appointment that they may consider taking me off it ...personally I would rather persevere with it a little longer to give it a fair try,as I did feel that it was taking the edge of things to begin with
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Date: 02.05.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hello Sandy,
Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about the extra worry you have with your mother's health and I'm sure stress contributes to the cause of flare-ups.
I'm actually feeling better today -yesterday was a complete write-off -I did practically nothing. I don't see my consultant until July which seems a long time ahead but by then I should know if the Abatacept is working at all. The information pack came with one of those "how are you feeling?" charts to fill in each week but I always find those rather subjective and the results might vary from day to day rather than week to week. I've filled it in as the literature stresses the fact that the consultant will want to see the results but it doesn't exactly reflect how I feel. Today I feel more positive -but still with an "average" amount of pain, yesterday I was certain that the Abatacept was having no effect at all and was maybe making my condition worse. This is very unlike my experiences with Remicade and Enbrel which both started working almost from the start and gave me steady improvement. Unfortunately both those treatments stopped working for me -but after several years. The thing which REALLY gives me the most relief from pain is a steroid injection but I know that there is a limit to how many of those one can have.
Oh well -just wait and see, I suppose. Good luck with your own health and I'll be interested to follow what happens.
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Date: 09.05.2014
From: Emma

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi sandy and Caroline, well i have a bit more mobility which is good but I have put weight on which I cannot budge and I'm just down to to peas and fish lol I give up, and my liver test has come back which the doctors are concerned about so I have to have another blood test done in 2weeks and everyday a light headache coming from the back of my neck up over my head so I am wondering if it's really working. I hope it kicks in for both of you and starts working fingers crossed please keep me updated. Have you put on weight or had headaches at all while being on thus drug. Take care emma xx
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Date: 10.05.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hello Emma,
Sorry it's taken me until today to pick up your message. It seems you are having some side effects but the worrying liver test results may be from the Methotrexate rather than the Abatacept, perhaps?
I haven't put on any weight since starting Abatacept and I don't have the headaches which you have but I do feel abnormally tired (I'm definitely ready for bed by 9p.m.)
After a flare-up over the bank holiday weekend, I'm feeling O.K. now but not brilliant and I'm not doing much during the day.I spend most of my time on the computer or reading which is probably not giving me the exercise I should have.
I hope you will soon be rid of those headaches and that your LFT will not cause any more concern for the doctors.
All the best,
Caroline.
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Date: 11.07.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hello Emma and Sandy -and anyone else reading this who may be on Abatacept injections or thinking of going onto them.

To recap, I began Abatacept by self injection on 6th. March 2014. I'd had a steroid injection in February so, at first, it was tricky to tell if the Abatacept was having any effect. Then followed two months of either being "just O.K." or suffering a series of flare-ups.
By June, I seemed to be improving - various joints looked less swollen and I had more energy to go out and do things again. However, for the last few weeks, I have been getting really painful mouth ulcers (not something I've ever been prone to). Looking online, it could be the Methotrexate causing these (although I've been taking that for years without any mouth sores) but I have also read reports of the same problem for some people on Abatacept. I wondered if anyone else has suffered from these as a result of Abatacept (or Methotrexate)? I see my consultant on Monday so will discuss it with her then.
Hope you are doing well,
Caroline.
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Date: 28.07.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

An update on the mouth ulcers -my consultant agreed that they could have been caused by either or both the Methotrexate or Abatacept (one of the common side effects in the Abatacept notes). She has reduced my Methotrexate and doubled the amount of folic acid I am taking and this all seems to be working at present.
Best wishes to you all on Abatacept (and others reading this!)
Caroline.
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Date: 06.08.2014
From: Emma

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline,hope your feeling a bit of relief from mouth ulcers,I'm lucky I have not had that pleasure, I have been on abatacept for 9 months and yes I have had good improvement but I cannot lose weight and have some tummy trouble which I am going for a scan for as my stomach bloats all the time. But i have made improvements I have even gone back to my boxing training obviously not how I used to but once a week just to keep me sane lol. I really hope it works for you I will keep my fingers crossed,keep me informed on how you are getting on, take care emma x
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Date: 07.08.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thanks for the update, Emma. Abatacept seems to be working for you -except for the nausea and weight gain which I haven't experienced.
I certainly feel The Abatacept is having some effect now and the mouth ulcers have gone since I doubled the folic acid and went down to 17.5mg. Methotrexate. The only downside is that my consultant has added more "requests" to my blood tests (adding Vitamin B12 and Zinc to be tested) because I had the ulcers. I have 8 things to be tested next week and before even going to that appointment I have received the "because of Dept. Health Guidelines patients with R.A. are invited for an annual review including cardiovascular risk assessment" letter with the request for more blood tests including a fasting one! I can't complain that they are not thorough although having blood tests is not a favourite activity of mine.
All the best,
Caroline.
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Date: 07.08.2014
From: Clare

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Newbie to abatacept! Good to hear some success. Only 2 weeks in terrible fatigue & nausea also dizzy spells & loss of appetite just blah really...
C
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Date: 08.08.2014
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hello Clare, I'm really sorry that you are feeling so ill with the Abatacept. It has prompted me to look again at the Abatacept information pack in which I see that nausea is a common side effect. I've written more on the "other" Abatacept Injection forum so won't repeat myself here.
Good luck,
Caroline.
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Date: 14.08.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Caroline,Clare & Emma ..I've not been on here for a while so I thought i'd give you an update ... Clare ..when I first started on abatacept I had exactly the same symptoms,but it does ease off a bit the longer you take it for ..I have learned to take a couple of ibuprofene about 45mins before my jab and take it just before bed and that seems to ward off some of the side effects ... especially if i'm tired enough to sleep through it ! ...i am finding it relieves some of the pain but its not really making the difference I'd hoped for ...I've just been at hospital today .. I've been put on a permanent low dose of steroids and so far today I've been given 2more wrist splints, 2sticks, a neck brace and they've ordered me a wheelchair and arranged for someone to come round to my house regarding bath seat,stairlift and grip bars ...so I dont think that I'm one of their success stories !! .... (got to say that I did draw the line at a comode & a walker at 52 !!)
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Date: 14.08.2014
From: Clare

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Thank you Sandy, so sorry you are still in pain & having no luck finding anything that works. It's a long slog trying these drugs isn't it I've had 2 years with no relief except from steroids I have tried various combinations of dmards & 2 tnf biologics with no success. I have even been trying hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the past 4 months thinking outside of the box!
If I make sure I get plenty of rest & load up on anti nausea tablets I get through the 48 hours after injection.
I really hope your rheumatologist comes up with something new for you to try soon, perhaps the aids wil offer help in the meantime it's so hard to accept isn't it I'm only 42 & with a 5 year old just wish I could have more good days when I didn't have to plan rest time & could walk or take her to the park :0(
Good luck
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Date: 15.08.2014
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Clare .. let me know how the oxygen therapy works,I've never heard of that before ! ..yes it is hard isnt it but you've just got to make the best of it - my ra nurse said yeterday that my 'stubborn pigheaded I will not be defeated attitude' has done me good !!! ... Ive tried the same sort of drugs,this is my 3rd biologic ..I hope it starts working for you soon xx
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Date: 17.08.2014
From: Clare

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hi Sandy,
I have been using oxygen therapy for around 4 months now. There has been a small amount of research done into it reducing inflammation & as its pretty safe I thought it was worth a try. It's quite hard to fit in for the 1st month you have to go 5 days a week for an hour session then it decreases to 3 2 or even 1 session a week. If I'm honest I managed the month then my sessions were a bit sporadic due to family ties so maybe I didn't give it the best shot in terms of inflammation I found my esr count getting higher when I was off my meds :0( eventually gave in and started abatacept.
I was desperate to find something that worked without the horrible side effects, the chap who runs the centre & charity near me is a huge advocate if it and has been using it to manage his ra for 10 years with great results but all the other members were ms patients really.
I am hoping to continue the treatment though as it really helped with other side effects especially the fatigue. Also while on methatrexate I lost a lot of my hair & my skin was awful & it really made my hair grow & skin much better. It basically helped my general well being I felt betterv& slept better it promotes healing &.helps circulation & cognitively I felt much better. I did check with my rheumatologist first though & he agreed a trial was worth a shot & safe for me to try.
Hope this helps
Clare x
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Date: 29.09.2014
From: Clare

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Bumping up
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Date: 29.10.2014
From: Birendra Oli

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

n update on the mouth ulcers -my consultant agreed that they could have been caused by either or both the Methotrexate or Abatacept (one of the common side effects in the Abatacept notes). She has reduced my Methotrexate and doubled the amount of folic acid I am taking and this all seems to be working at present.
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Date: 05.02.2016
From: Anthea

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Been taking abartacept since November and it's now Feb. My RA is just getting worse and worse with two nasty flare ups, and swollen ankles . I may as well be taking sweeties! Four months of pain.
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Date: 08.02.2016
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: abatacept injections

Hello Anthea!
I have just seen your comment on this post about Abatacept. I have been on Abatacept for about two years. I'm actually not taking it temporarily as I have just had a total knee replacement and they advise you to cease taking Abatacept for a couple of weeks before and after the operation.
Abatacept does take a little time to "kick in" but I would say that from November until February is too long. Maybe it is not the right biological treatment for you and you should discuss an alternative? I have been on Enbrel and Remicade before Abatacept. Both worked for quite a time and then suddenly had no good effect at all as if the disease had worked out the code! My consultants have always been very good at letting me stop and try something else. Good luck with it all -RA is a horrible disease and can be really depressing when things aren't helping.
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