I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) over 10 years ago & It’s steadily getting worse

I had an appointment with my Rheumatologist today to asses my progress & he suggested that I look into the option of biological therapy for AS

I’ll be off to see the specialist nurses soon, but I’d like to gather as much info as possible before this so that I can be well prepared

I know there are quite a few medical folks on here & I’m guessing a few folks who may also suffer with Arthritis (quite a middle aged bunch aren’t we!)

So I’m just wondering if anyone on here got any 1st hand experience of biological therapy & it’s effects on the body?

Google doesn’t throw much up with respect to the long term effects of this treatment, so it’s over to you!

Biologics (particularly “anti-TNF’s”) work by neutralizing signalling chemicals that are ramping up your immune system. They damp this response down. WebMD will have a good review that’s worth a read.

Another source that is always good for information, and one I always turn to in the day job, is the US prescribing information. Humira’s is here. Since the mechanisms of action are the same for enbrel, humira, remicade, simponi and cimzia, you won’t be surprised to find that the side effects (infections) are broadly similar.

The worst side effects confer what’s called a Black Box Warning. The warnings for humira are listed at the front of this information. For anti-TNF’s in general they list serious infection and malignancy (cancers due to reduction in immune surveillance). Efficacy in clinical trials of humira in AS is listed in section 14.4.

If you have any questions, you should ask your rheumatologist. I’m not a physician, but do Clinical Pharmacology research into biologicals and rheumatoid arthritis as my day job.

I’m also an AS sufferer, luckily for me its only mild. It mainly effects my back and hips.
On my Rheumatologist’s advice I take daily anti-inflamitories (ketoprofin SR). I’m supposed to stretch daily (which does happen semi-regularly, I did stretch daily for a couple of years). One thing which makes a big difference for me is exersise, especially climbing. I haven’t been outdoor climbing for about 6 years, but I go indoors every week. It really helps with core strength and flexibility (although I am one of the most inflexible climbers I’ve ever seen).

The anti-TNF’s are hard to get onto here in Aus and I’m reluctant (and don’t see any need) to go that route given my AS is well controlled at present.

Cheers