Health Boards
Thu-10-02-2022, 02:28 AM
(Wed-09-02-2022, 15:15 PM)Forest Walker Wrote: I recently had a lab draw the day before my Humira injection to check the levels of Humira in my blood. This would show if I needed to take Humira sooner than every three weeks. Is there a similar test for Simponi? I'm glad your arthritis pain is mostly managed well. It's so nice, also, to have no copays for your health care.
No tests to check levels of biologic medication in the blood. I inquired with the nurse that follows my case from Janssen Bio Advance if it was possible to which she said yes. I then talked to my rheumatologist who verified himself if it was possible and then he changed the prescription
I have private insurance through work also...Janssen pays the rest.
The only biologic for which I had to pay was Humira because Abbvie Determines how much they will cover based on the patient's salary. I had to argue with the lady as they were not considering the complete household finances just to try and get the amount per injection down.
Our healthcare is not perfect but it doesn't cost us an arm, a leg and our first born to get treated or get medication
(Wed-09-02-2022, 22:01 PM)jiml Wrote: Great update KatT. I'm pleased the simponi combined with low dose mtx seems to be keeping things under control
It's a shame that your tests aren't all in yet so you can't be sure you have lupus, it would be nice if you didn't so you could cut the hydroxychloroquine out but if it's needed it's needed
Good luck and thanks for such a full update
According to my rheumatologist, I have lupus. First internist I saw in 2018 said looks like it but rheumatologist is the expert. According to the new internist, 99.9% sure I have lupus but like most cases, will require follow ups with him. At least he did tests and following....unlike the first internist.
What I was confused about was hydroxychloroquine to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis if let's say I don't have lupus....that was news to me!
Agree that if it is needed, I must take it.....flares = ER visit....entertaining but not enough to make it pleasant lol the heart attack itself (NOT the stent procedure) was peanuts compared to a lupus flare.