remicade, humira, embrel or orencia

mimi423 · 08-27-2006, 09:01 PM

Hello, I have decided to switch from methotrexate to one of the above meds and I need some help deciding. My doctor will only tell me that all are available, he will not recommend one over the other. I have mild RA, for 5 years now but my doctor tells me that the new meds are less toxic to the system that methotrexate so that's why I'm switching. I do know that I will still be taking methotrexate for a little bit in conjunction with whatever new med I pick. Cost is not a concern as I have GREAT insurance that will cover which ever I pick. Any comments? Thanks to all for your time. Mary

kera4 · 08-28-2006, 01:15 AM

Dear Mary, I tried Humira first, but it did not help my hands (which are my main area of arthritis). Then I tried Enbrel, which DID help my hands. I have stuck with it for 2 years. I have not really had any side effects, except when I get a flu it can last longer than average. I do not seem to pick up more colds than anyone else. I had to stop Enbrel a couple times when I had the flu, but was able to go right back on it. I really do not want to try Remicade because the process seems so involved with going for infusions, but I know someone who is much improved on it. Either Enbrel or Humira are easy to use-a once a week injection. I am not familiar with orencia. Good luck! Kera

rennah77 · 08-28-2006, 01:26 PM

Hi Mary,
I am on Humira and it has done wonders for me. I have been on it for a couple of months now. I started with the Remicade, which I had to go to the doctors office for infusions (2-3 hrs process), but my Insurance company would not cover enough of the cost so I could not afford it. I then started Humira injections. My husband injects me every other week. What a difference it has made. I am not even taking anything for pain now. I have been able to get off of the Methotrexate and hopefully will not have to take the Arava after my next doctors visit.

My rheumy suggested the Remicade infusions first because he felt it would hit my RA the strongest. Then he suggested Humira as the next for self injecting, as it was probably the most potent among the self injecting and you only had to do it twice a month.

Hope this helps and good luck with whatever treatment you choose.

catsblueeyes1 · 08-29-2006, 05:18 PM

Hi Mary,

I was on Humeria for 2 years with the first year this med did wonders than the 2nd year it stopped working so I switched to the new drug orencia, it is a 20-30 minute infusion once a month and it is helping me greatly with the only side effect is that I get alittle chilled right after the infusion. I love the once a month with not much time for the infusion. I have severe RA and this pain relief is heaven! There isn't a medication out there that will work for everyone, so give one a try and if it doesn't work than try another. I wish you
the best!
Debbie

CTuit · 08-29-2006, 05:41 PM

Hi Mary,

Hate to say this but there really isn't a correct answer. Some work great for some and others do better on others. I've been on Enbrel for three years. It did great to start but isn't working that well anymore and now the doctor is switching me to Humira. I've talked to others and they've done the reverse. I'd say look over the information on all of them and then try what you think might work best. Personally I'd try either Humira or Enbrel because they're easier to take than Remicade. Orencia I'm not really sure about.