I wa diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 10 years ago. Started with methotrexate and hydrochloquin and celebrex. Absolutely no change in swelling of joints after 6 months and itchy skin and dry eyes all the time. Doctor switched me to pre-filled Orencia syringes. Self administered every week. When I turned 65, Medicare refused to py for the syringes even though I had really great relief and labs were showing no side effects to the Orencia. Medicare okayed a monthly infusion for the Orencia once a month in the hospital. Thankfully I have great insurance! Medicare was billed $12,500 the first month and cost continued to increase every month for the next 10 years. With my supplement, I paid nothing.
I turned turned 72 in January. The doctor changed my med fro Orencia infusion to Xelljanz XR . I have been on it just two month. I just got my labs done last Thursday and am now diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis. This is listed as a side effect to the Xelljanz XR. I have no idea what my future holds at this time.