biologics or meds

[Quest4Cure]

I am in the mist of deciding on a bio that could open my fingers due to P a. & Dupreytrends contracture. It's on both hands & THR right hand of course the one I use is curled up and frozen a bio drug called Xiaflex is made from a bacteria in soil & from feces. It's a injection in the tendons of the hands that r thick causing the fingers to retract. It will also help the P a. & with a hand splint and PT it could give my hands back .

It's is approved by the FDA and has a lot of side effects. The risk is there as with everything. I am hoping to hear from someone else who has either used it or familiar with it.

It's new and only a few surgeons have had training and experience. I will try it . I would like to be able to use my hands again. I will find a surgeon who has done enough injections using this bacterial bio not simply trained. It's how many they have done and the experience that's important .

From what I have read about the drug it's a toss of the dice if it works. Like I know from experience that doing the research and interview the docs I am hoping to gather enough info
To be confident in my decision to go forword with the injections in four fingers. And stop the Pa from causing any more damage to my joints.

[jiml]

Hi again
I have just read up on your condition and the treatment and if I'm honest I think it would frighten me. But saying that it's really got to be worth a shot to have a chance at straightening your hands again, it could be a long haul it hopefully worth it in the end.
No it doesn't read like a nice drug, but the job it can do I think outweighs any doubts.
My opinion is go for it and hope to avoid the worst of the side effects,
I wish you much luck and hope to hear in your updates how it's progressing
Jim

[Quest4Cure]

Thanks Jim for taking the time to ck into my hands vs bio drug. I can try it on one finger first and see how that goes. It's not recommended to do all the fingers at once. The side effects are very unpleasant and 90% experiences at least half of the side effects.

[jiml]

Thanks Jim for taking the time to ck into my hands vs bio drug. I can try it on one finger first and see how that goes. It's not recommended to do all the fingers at once. The side effects are very unpleasant and 90% experiences at least half of the side effects.

It seems very unpleasant, but the alternative I suspect is even worse which is having to live with it and the pain
Again I wish you all the best and hope for a positive outcome
Jim

[Kat]

I am in the mist of deciding on a bio that could open my fingers due to P a. & Dupreytrends contracture. It's on both hands & THR right hand of course the one I use is curled up and frozen a bio drug called Xiaflex is made from a bacteria in soil & from feces. It's a injection in the tendons of the hands that r thick causing the fingers to retract. It will also help the P a. & with a hand splint and PT it could give my hands back .

It's is approved by the FDA and has a lot of side effects. The risk is there as with everything. I am hoping to hear from someone else who has either used it or familiar with it.

It's new and only a few surgeons have had training and experience. I will try it . I would like to be able to use my hands again. I will find a surgeon who has done enough injections using this bacterial bio not simply trained. It's how many they have done and the experience that's important .

From what I have read about the drug it's a toss of the dice if it works. Like I know from experience that doing the research and interview the docs I am hoping to gather enough info
To be confident in my decision to go forword with the injections in four fingers. And stop the Pa from causing any more damage to my joints.

The fact that you are doing the research will help you make an informed decision. I hope this works for you and that you find an excellent doctor.

[KyPrincess]

Hello and Welcome to the forum.

[Quest4Cure]

Will see a dr who has been trained in this drug injection in a few weeks. He happens to be a plastic surgeon. Most hand surgeons or rhumy's have not heard of XIAFLEX.

I am hoping that as on u tube shows demonstrations for the bio drug or needling the thick outer portion of the tendon to break the barrier. They do not in any way break the tendon itself just the outer layer of tissue that contracts the fingers.

I have also been looking into Etanercept or Enbral injections for three herniated discs in my back. Lots of side effects there to. Yet I would start with only one first. These bio drugs are also used for psoriatic arthritis. Yet used off label for disc disease.

My rhumy wants me to try Apremilast or OTEZLA a bio drug it was recently approved for psoriatic arthritis. Has any one tried it ?

I have psoriatic arthritis in my hands and palmoplanter psoriasis. And Dupuytrens .I generally can keep my hands and feet in remission from palmoplanter p. It's a long process which works for me for many years.

This always starts in the winter months.. Does anyone else experience psoriasis seasonally?

Hi JIM.. HOPE u r well!

GLENDA, I am sorry to read of UR issues to take SIMPONI..I hope u get treatment soon. I have read it has helped . Maybe u can ask about Apremilast. It holds great promise for PSA .
I hope u r better ss on. A lift chair will be a great help. I think maybe a early Xmas gift is a good idea. Also ask UR doc to write a prescription for one your insurance co may cover on.

Get better soon Glenda..

[glenda grant]

Will see a dr who has been trained in this drug injection in a few weeks. He happens to be a plastic surgeon. Most hand surgeons or rhumy's have not heard of XIAFLEX.

I am hoping that as on u tube shows demonstrations for the bio drug or needling the thick outer portion of the tendon to break the barrier. They do not in any way break the tendon itself just the outer layer of tissue that contracts the fingers.

I have also been looking into Etanercept or Enbral injections for three herniated discs in my back. Lots of side effects there to. Yet I would start with only one first. These bio drugs are also used for psoriatic arthritis. Yet used off label for disc disease.

My rhumy wants me to try Apremilast or OTEZLA a bio drug it was recently approved for psoriatic arthritis. Has any one tried it ?

I have psoriatic arthritis in my hands and palmoplanter psoriasis. And Dupuytrens .I generally can keep my hands and feet in remission from palmoplanter p. It's a long process which works for me for many years.

This always starts in the winter months.. Does anyone else experience psoriasis seasonally?

Hi JIM.. HOPE u r well!

GLENDA, I am sorry to read of UR issues to take SIMPONI..I hope u get treatment soon. I have read it has helped . Maybe u can ask about Apremilast. It holds great promise for PSA .
I hope u r better ss on. A lift chair will be a great help. I think maybe a early Xmas gift is a good idea. Also ask UR doc to write a prescription for one your insurance co may cover on.

Get better soon Glenda..

Thanks for the well wishes i will talk with my dr this week ans see what the holdup is all about.They have to help me and soon i can't take much more.i'll let you know as soon as i hear something.

[jiml]

Oh Glenda it's most unfair the way you are being treated.... I really hope for some good news from you soon , my fingers have been crossed for so long I'm getting cramp....

[glenda grant]

Oh Glenda it's most unfair the way you are being treated.... I really hope for some good news from you soon , my fingers have been crossed for so long I'm getting cramp....

Jiml,thank you for the well wishes.I called my rhemmy today they are supposed to call me tomorrow.If they don't i'll call them,i am tired of being nice.I have had enough,i'll keep you posted.