I went and seen my Rheumatologist yesterday and he is thinking of switching me to Humira or Remicade. The swelling and inflammation throughout my body has went down significantly since I started the Enbrel but my elbows are still inflamed, painful and swollen. My Rheumatologist completed an ultrasound of my elbows and showed me where my synovial linings where being damaged. Does anyone have any experience with Humira or Remicade that can share some information on either medicine (side effects, effectiveness or etc.)? Also does anyone know what makes either of these better than Enbrel? I guess I am just a little confused and reading the pamphlets given by the doctor does not help much in informing me why it might do better than Enbrel. Thanks in advance for any information shared! It is funny to me but it seems like the more I research this issue the muddier the water gets!
The way I understand them each of the biologics inhibits a different kind of cell from the immune system. Enbrel works by blocking TNF (tumor necrosis factor), Humira also blocks TNF but seems to be more effective for certain types of RA than others, Remicade blocks TNF alpha and is also more effective for certain types of RA than others. RA seems to effect everyone a little differently and finding the right medications is an individual process for each person. I find the info on Webmd much easier to understand than the pamphlets from the doctor's office. Some of the articles are still goobledy gook to me but usually I can find a straight forward one. Mayo Clinic has a great website for info too. Since there are over 100 types of RA figuring out which exact drug/s will make you better can take awhile, not everyone responds to every drug in the same way. Hang in there, we are all pulling for you.