Any Permanent Change From Biologics?
So here's a question I have about biologics like Humira. If and when I stop taking it some day, will there be any permanent change my body? Specifically my T cells since that's what Humira manipulates in order to tamp down my immune system.
I know it takes time for a biologic to completely leave your system, and the half life of different biologics are different, but once I stop taking Humira (and I hope to one day) will my T cells revert back to normal or will they be compromised in some way forever?
I don't know if anyone has the answer to this but I was curious. I plan to ask my rheumatologist this question but I don't see her until July.
Great question!! I'm not sure, but have been using biologics for over 15 years.
Thank you,
Diane
I had a solid tumor cancer (esophageal) and was told to go off Humira because of increased chance of cancer recurrence due to lower immine response from Humira. I found these two studies that show no greater chance of recurrence just because of going back on a biologic. Hope this helps someone else. I have had my life back now for a year after suffering needlessly for 4 months. Here they are:
http://blog.arthritis.org/rheumatoid-arthritis/biologics-safety-cancer/
https://www.rheumatology.org/About-Us/Newsroom/Press-Releases/ID/859/Biologics-Do-Not-Increase-the-Risk-of-Second-Malignancy-in-Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Patients
