Can someone please explain the problems with the Biologics...

[+xausted]

...as everyone seems to think they are a big step. I understand that they can have bad side effects, but so do the tablets. What in my naivety am I missing here?

[Talis]

Hiya,

I am on enbrel.

I think what most people fear are the side effects from all drugs.  The thing with biologics though is that being relatively new (around 10yrs) the very long term side effects are not known. Other drugs such as sulfasalazine, mtx etc have been around much much longer and have a "proven" track record. 

Bios are made from proteins produced by living human and animal cells and  do not just suppress the immune response but work at a different level changing the way cells develop and react to inflammation.

Its the uncertainty of clinical trials of great length that causes anxiety and uncertainty about taking bios I think.

[+xausted]

Thanks Talis.
Since I am new to this, I still find everything a bit confusing. However if those are the only problems with them then I am happy to take those risks...I have come this far I am not giving up now!

[hk]

I think that what Talis said was right. Also,  I think it all depends on how bad an effect on your life the P is having. I coped for about 20 years with severe P, refusing all drugs, but in the end I had no real quality of life - constant severe pain and itching, dehydration, organ failure - am now on Humira, a biologic, feel great and am hoping it continues to work and that I can stay on it!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

hk

[NitroNick]

Hiya,

I am on enbrel.

I think what most people fear are the side effects from all drugs.  The thing with biologics though is that being relatively new (around 10yrs) the very long term side effects are not known. Other drugs such as sulfasalazine, mtx etc have been around much much longer and have a "proven" track record. 

Bios are made from proteins produced by living human and animal cells and  do not just suppress the immune response but work at a different level changing the way cells develop and react to inflammation.

Its the uncertainty of clinical trials of great length that causes anxiety and uncertainty about taking bios I think.

Excellent reply Talis.

Wasnt there a Biological that was with drawn after a possible link to deaths in elderly patients?

[beat-the-p]

lumiracoxib due to liver damage & heart damage I think & efalizumab I think due to a rare fatal brain disorder, Rare sides of biologics can be Serious nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes have; Blood disorders; Certain types of cancer.

Now although these are rare, these factors should be concidered. For example my dad has a blood cancer so I would be very afraid to take a biological but what hk said is the most relevent in making the decision. Its all about quality of life, If my p/pa was giving me very little quality of life I would take the risk even though I may be more likely to develop a blood cancer.

[gazani]

Thanks for the info - reassuerd me as am looking to start biologics after 24/8 when next see doc. mtx and cyclosporin both had minimal effect on P but side effects severe

[SJ]

I have had no side effects from the 3 biologics I have used...bloods are 100% perfect.

I also am lucky enough not to have suffered any with the systemics either...have the constitution of an ox accordingto my derm...he is constantly amazed at my good health, regardless of what drug I am currently using.

I believe in quality of life. Any decision when taking any drug is one of consquences...the benefit ration if you like.

I am open and honest with my doc, he in turn takes very good care of me....if there was any question of him not being perfectly happy with my general health whilst taking any of the drugs I have used he would take me off them straight away.

Of course, the long term effects and those that are 'unknown' as yet are a different ball game.

Risk - benefit, as I say.

SJ