Rheumatologist left me to choose the next step for treatment

By jen22w

1 min read

So I'm 4 months in on Otezla and blood work is still off. Sed rate did drop from 63 to 44, so it’s doing something. Rheumatologist wanted to see it closer to 20... I have two choices for a med change and she’s leaving it up to me to research and get back to her. Xeljanz or Humira.

Opinions appreciated.

Have your own story to share? Submit yours here!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Psoriatic-Arthritis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Leanne Donaldson Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention user-id="3290218" username="jen22w"/> that's an interesting place to find yourself, left to research and make a final decision on your own. I've found myself in a similar situation, choosing between 2 meds, but I was given some guidance from my rheumatologist. She told me the differences between the types of medications and what made her "lean" more towards one than another. I totally get leaving a final choice up to the patient, but we also tend to rely on the experience and educated input of our doctors. When it comes to specifically Xeljanz vs Humira, we do have some articles on each medicine that you might find helpful, but I imagine you've probably done a significant amount of research on you own already. However, here are the links for the articles, just in case you haven't run across them yet. <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/clinical/xeljanz-approval-treatment/' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/clinical/xeljanz-approval-treatment/</a> as well as some general info here <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/medications/' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/medications/</a> That being said, we have a great "search" system (top left side of the screen) here that will allow you to see others' experiences with both medications as well as questions and information. Also, you might find it helpful to post the question in our forum as well! I guess when it comes down to it, when I've been in a similar situation, I made the best choice I could, then most importantly, made sure to do a good job tracking my symptoms and side effects so that I can gather more information for the future. I hope your doctor was able to give you a little more guidance and let me know how you are doing! I hope that you don't come upon any hurdles to getting your medication because of COVID-19. Sending gentle hugs, -Leanne, Community Moderator
hilababy Member
Hello. My rheumatologist also gave me several options for a biologic and went over some info with me. She also said my insurance and medical group may choose not to approve the newer medications without trying some that have been around awhile. We decided on Humira, an injection that I give myself every 14 days. So far I’ve had no reactions to the site injection. Plus I have a Humira Complete ambassador that contacted me before I got my first prescription and she gave me a lot of info, answered questions and is available to answer questions and provide support. Best of luck
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Hello <inline-mention user-id="3288170" username="hilababy"/> , thank you for sharing your story. We are so glad to hear you have a treatment that is helping you and that you had a good experience with your Humira ambassador. Please come by our community at any time to share your stories. Jill, Community Moderator