I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 10 years ago at age 62. Rheumatologist started me on methotrexate and hydrochloquine 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 pay 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 to my December 2024 EOB og $16, 570. With my supplement, I paid nothing.
I turned 72 in January. The doctor changed my med from Orencia infusion to Xeljanz XR . I have been on it only two months. I just got my labs done last Thursday and am now diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis. This is listed as a side effect to the Xeljanz XR.
I am considering just walking into Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a complete workup to help sort this out. I am also diabetic and my numbers have increased since January. I have congestive heart disease which has been really going well until this past lab results also. All my meds (there are many) have worked well together until this January when I started Xeljanz XR11
Basically, I have no idea what my future holds at this time.