Benlysta - or what?
There are so many drugs out there, but my symptoms are mild (from what I've been reading). I'm on the (standard) hydroxychloroquine (aka Plaquenil) for a year now. My MD wants me to consider using Benlysta (a biologic)- which seems like a huge leap (considering it's self-injectable/infusions plus some serious side-effects). Isn't there a step in-between? I'm new to lupus - just diagnosed 1 yr ago- and I hemmed & hawed about taking HCQ because of its potential side-effects. (Luckily, so far, I've had none.) There are steroids and immunosuppressives, but the latter seems to be for worse symptoms than I have.
I have hand swelling (now a trigger-finger), joint aches but not too bad now. My right TMJ is hurting - that's new. I haven't dealt with that yet. Strange things are starting to happen to me so I wanted to hear from other people about their prescription medicines - good and bad.
Hello. I just joined this forum. I’m also taking plaquenil since 2016. My rheumatologist seems to also upgrade my treatment plan. I have a nerve damaged spinal injury too so I take 3 mg prednisone/such a low dose. Which bothers him but at age 65 I’m ok with. Bones can creak and crack. For me if I had major organ involvement then yes. I’d go bigger.
it can be so hard to decide which treatment will be the most effective and work the best with your body. The side effects can be really scary but so can the issues that lupus can bring without proper treatment. When I was first diagnosed I really say down with my doctor and went over the numbers and possibilities. I am on Benlysta and although it was a tough decision it works for my body. For me weighing out the pros and cons was important. The hardest part was making the decision with the fear of the side effects. Good luck it can be so frustrating and scary. ~Racquel~ lupus.net team member
