Anyone on biologics?

[Anonymous]

How long you've used one? Any tips for new users?

[Anonymous]

Been on Humira or Enbrel for 15 years. It's a lot better now with the preservative free versions now available. Previously was very painful.

Specialty pharmacies don't always tell you that you need authorization from your MD or a new script, so keep track. I think I have to get auth every 6 mo from the MD.

[Anonymous]

I've been on Cosentyx for four years for ankylosing spondylitis. It has been a game-changer. Has worked really well with next to no side effects. In the very beginning, I had some stomach upset, but that faded after the first few months. I'm so grateful for this medication.

[Anonymous]

For decades! Went through a bunch. They all worked for a while and then I would hit a plateau and would have to switch. I finally tried one of the older ones and that worked best, I have been on it for about 8 years now.

They have collectively made my life better. The infusion center you get them in makes a difference in comfort and ease. You might be able to get it at home, depending.

Dealing with insurance is ridiculous. Even now every so often they claim I don’t need it anymore and I have to go through this whole song and dance to make sure they don’t get me off schedule.

That’s the most important thing for me: staying on schedule. I feel it real fast if I don’t keep it up.

In the infusion centers, if your biologic is long take snacks and drinks, the snacks are usually bad. Back in the day the drug companies used to supply sandwiches and such — no joke!

Also, dress warmly and comfortably, don’t wear anything that will make it hard or annoying to grab a blood pressure, they will be taking it and your temp throughout.

Bring earbuds or headphones in case you are next to someone annoying or talkative and you just want to zone out. Not all the infusion centers have private areas or curtains between.

Sometimes they give you Benedryl beforehand, to prophylactically deal with potential allergic reaction. If that’s the case and it makes you really tired (it doesn’t to me but it does to many people) you might want to not drive yourself.

Any specific questions you have?