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I am now about ready to abandon my third biologic - Orencia - after a slowly building flareup that has become much worse after phasing out a small daily dose of prednisone. I'm waiting on blood test results before deciding next steps but am interested in others' experiences with the trial-and-error approach to finding a medication that works (and how to cope with the long-term pain without long-term steroid use).

July 14, 2022
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Answer Summary

Members shared their varied experiences with finding effective biologics for rheumatoid arthritis, with many reporting trying anywhere from... Read more

Members shared their varied experiences with finding effective biologics for rheumatoid arthritis, with many reporting trying anywhere from three to seven different medications before finding relief, and some acknowledging that no biologic has worked consistently for them at all. Several members described medications that provided years of relief before eventually losing effectiveness, including Humira lasting ten years for one member and Enbrel working for five years for another, while Kevzara combined with dietary changes like eliminating beef brought sustained improvement for one member after multiple failed attempts. A recurring theme was the frustration of trial and error, the challenges of managing pain without long-term prednisone use, and the emotional toll of starting over when a once-reliable treatment stops working.

A myRAteam Member

Thanks! I went through many of the more "conventional" DMARDs but none worked, so biologics were my only option. Enbrel spoiled me for five years. Now it's like starting over again. Continued good luck to you.

July 14, 2022
A myRAteam Member

Hi Nick...I do great with hydrochloriquin and sulfasalazine.....I refuse to go with biologics because of the side effects...sometimes I think we are guinea pigs ...I'm sticking with my regimen until it no longer works for me...methotrexate was a nightmare for me! Can't take prednisone because I am diabetic...good luck to you on this journey!!!

July 14, 2022
A myRAteam Member

I have always been on trial and error. After 7 biologics I’m done. They don work on me. I don’t know if anything will. I take prednisone for pain. I’m currently in a flare. Feel very Ill and painful. I don’t know what to do

July 14, 2022
A myRAteam Member

Thank you and you also! It is quite the journey!

July 14, 2022
A myRAteam Member

I have tried 3 of them(hydroquinone, avarta, methotrexate) of them already On Wednesday I will start my pen infections of humira.

February 4, 2023 (edited)

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