Can rheumatoid arthritis patients stop biologic medications? Part 1 of 2. Dr. Hatem Eleishi

[@gamaltaher9714]

Good, thanks

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Most welcome Mr. Gamal.. Happy eid to you

[@dindin8045]

Hi, I have been told i need these injections but ive also been told they supress your immune system which means i can get infections easily, is this true?

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Hello Din Din, those injections suppress the immune system enough to make us acheive the effect of stopping the inflammation in the joints and preventing the progression of the diseaes but not so much as to make us susceptibel to any infection at any time. True you are relatively more susceptible compared to those who re not using the mecicine, but it is not as bad at all as you have been made to believe

[@bhavyav8421]

Hi Doctor, Thanks for sharing the information. I am a 33 year old breastfeeding mother. I was diagnosed with RA in 2012. My Doctor has suggested to proceed with biologics. Do I need to take the current ongoing medication when I start biologics ? Currently i am on Saaz, hcqs, methylprednisolone. How long it would take to see dome difference once i start biologics

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Hello Byavya.. starting a biologic does not mean we stop the ongoing medications.. maybe sometimes omitting only one of them.. In your case, I don't think your doctor will omit any of those meds except maybe lowering the dose of methylprednisolone soon if it is a high dose.. It all depends on the decision of the treating physician after all who knows all the details of your case more than me.. All the best

[@HA-kw7vq]

This was extremely helpful, diagnosed 2016. I am on Abatacaept I inject every week - I still have pain in my left hand which is sore and tender, some days better than others, but I can function (many years ago the pain was dire in my hand and feet). I would like to start reducing my injection to every 2 weeks as it would be great not to be on this for life. Although I was told I would be. This video was reassuring and I shall speak with my consultant to see if possible I am able to reduce it. I do have a fear though that it will all come back!. I am also going to try cryotherapy as it may help the pain in my left hand or acupuncture, are you able to confirm if this is worth a try? Thank you so much Dr Hatem for taking the time to make this video.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Hello.. I hope your doctor will gradually be able to reduce your medications.. I just want to clarity here that if the pain in your hand is a symptom of any ongoing disease activity, this is not the best time to embark on reducing treatment doses or spacing out the doses. We do this only at a time when things are under complete control. Crytherapy might be of help.. It can be a good aspirin that helps but not a treatment we rely on. All the best..

[@christineawad6053]

Hi Doctor I am in Biologic for 3 months i got a dose 2 weeks later i got the second and weeks later i got the 3rd I’ll take the 4th 6 weeks later, pain unfortunately is getting worse in betwee the doses, does this mean it’s not working with me or i am taking very few and less doses than what I need? I take inflectra for RA Thank you so much

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Heloo Christine.. Yes, if the pains are not getting under control and at the same time the biologic is prescribed at the standard doses and at the standard intervals between doses, then we should revise with the doctor of course, if that medicine is working for you or not

[@bash4374]

Great video, thank you Doctor.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Most welcome 🌹🌹

[@PTOnTheTrail]

Thanks for the detailed explanation!

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

My pleasure!

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Thank you for watching

[@pardesirulgay]

Great Job👍.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Thanks for watching

[@malimbep4298]

Some people cannot be on it forever if it causes massive weight gain.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Hello Malimbe.. Weight gain is an uncommon side effect for certain and not all biologics.. Quite uncommon..

[@MissMarceline-wp6oq]

​@@onlinemedicalconsultations9695I have been on entyvio and remicade and both caused me horrible side effects like weight gain swelling tingling ahd numbness in my feet and hands. Will never go on biologics again for my crohn's.

[@cheekyoziechick]

Get your vitamin D levels around 90 to 120 That will help inflammation in the body. Good Doctors will tell you this.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

This is only a humble help and it does not replace the main treatment

[@crystalm5152]

on enbrel for 19 years on and off. No side affects. 'but i don't want to be on it anymore due to the cost. It's not financially sustainable. Too much stress.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

Yes, I totally understand.. For this to happen, you have to be on a non biological medication at the same time so that it can take over and maintain your remission when enbrel is spaced out gradually till it is stopped.. Kind redards..

[@crystalm5152]

@@onlinemedicalconsultations9695 I have taken forever with no other medication. Worked great. Praying I am in remission the rest of my life.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

@@crystalm5152 I hope so too. All the best

[@johnfern]

Did you go off enbrel and switch to something else? If so, did it work out for you? My wife will be switching from enbrel soon due to the cost. Thanks.

[@fishandchips1762]

Biological drugs have more serious side effects than non biological drugs.

[@onlinemedicalconsultations9695]

And each of them should be prescribed only in situations where they are indicated

[@MissMarceline-wp6oq]

Biologics can cause obesity heart attacks diabetes and blood pressure.