Cimzia experience?
My rheumatologist wants to start me on Cimzia. I have just been diagnosed with PsA (after years of being checked at different rheumatologists, never having lab values high enough etc.) I was wondering about people's experience with it. NGL the adverse effects risks are scary.
Hello
, I'm so glad to hear that you've finally gotten a diagnosis (and hopefully on your way to some relief). Hopefully some of our community members with experience on Cimzia can share with you here. Your hesitation and fears of the potential adverse effects are understandable, and one that many people here have also experienced. Biologic medications can be game changers for a lot of people, but they aren't without their risks, and it really is up to the individual person to weigh the possible risks with the possible benefits to determine what they are comfortable. Not everyone chooses to treat their PsA the same, and for some that means avoiding biologics. Have you had a conversation with your doctor or medical team about your hesitations?
Also, I was able to find a forum started by a community member who mentions having a positive experience with Cimzia, I'll link to it here, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/forums/coping-with-surgeries-pain-fatigue-and-discouragement. It looks like it's been awhile since she's posted here, but you can try reaching out to her and connecting to ask more specifics about her experience on Cimzia.
If you're comfortable, please let us know how you're doing and what you decide is right for you. Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)thank you for the feedback. I think having gone so long with on and off symptoms and getting that its just arthritis, now I have a diagnosis and Im having second thoughts about taking this med , which makes no sense at all.
Cimzia, like Enbrel and Humira, is a TNF inhibitor. TNF inhibitors are often the first biologic treatment in immune system disease due to their proven efficacy, safety profile, and cost. Don’t get too wrapped up in looking at the side effects of the medication, as the most adverse ones are often just worst case scenarios. The most common side effect of biologics is reduced immune resistance, leaving one more susceptible to opportunistic infections. So wear a three layer surgical mask during cold and flu season, and wash your hands with soap and water often, and you should be fine. I started on Humira in 2020, and we all remember how bad a year that was. Even continuing on through 2021, I didn’t get a single cold, thanks to precautionary measures such as masking in public and hand washing. And avoiding sick people.
Thanks so much for the input. Were you able to get flu and covid vaccinations while taking it?
Hi
, I'm tagging here, just to be sure he sees your question about the vaccinations. Be sure to check with your doctor as well, if you haven't already, on their recommendation for Cimzia and vaccinations. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) I did stay current on all my vaccinations, influenza, covid, and pneumonia, during that time.
Thank you I did message tem an waiting for a response.
I hope you hear from them soon (if you haven't already) and, if you're comfortable, please let us know what they say for you. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
