Anyone's RA symptoms worsen after Ofev for pulmonary fibrosis?

Posted by ead @ead, Jun 18 11:24am

Has anyone found that when Ofev was added to treatment of the fibrosis the RA flared?
I have been on actemra for about 2 years and it has been working well. Recently the pulmonologist put me on Ofev for the ILD. About a month after starting it I had an RA flare. In spite of prednisone giving some relief I never got back to where I was before. As weeks went by i started to see visible changes in my fingers and more pain. My knees began to influence how I walked ( a shuffle, or on better days a limp). The rheumatologist has changed me to Rituxan, 2 infusions 2 weeks apart, then nothing for 6 months.
I have had 1 infusion so far. Data says I won’t notice a difference for 4-8 weeks. So far that’s true. I asked the rheumatologist and was told he had not seen that effect of Ofev with patients who went on it but it could be possible. Said if that was the case he was glad we didn’t wait to change from the Actemra.
Anyone had a similar experience?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 19 8:14am

@ead, I thought you might want to check out these discussions while you wait for others with experience to respond.
-- Anyone have experience with OFEV medication for ILD?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-have-experience-with-ofev-meditation-for-ild/
-- Prescribed Ofev, anyone have experience with this drug?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prescribed-ofev-anyone-have-experience-with-this-drug/

ead | @ead | Jun 20 11:00am

Thank you. I checked out both. Hopefully someone will respond with their experience regarding starting Ofev and RA joint pain.

a43046 | @a43046 | Jun 22 1:51pm

I was Jascayd for few months for IPF then antibody testing showed I have Sjogrens but it took 5 months to get into a Rheumatologist to get the dx. Now I'm off drug and waiting to hear how they want to treat.

ead | @ead | Jul 23 9:24pm

My RA flared up about one month after starting Ofev for pulmonary fibrosis. My doctor says he has not heard of that but anything is possible. After 2 courses of prednisone the RA continues to be very painful. My doctor changed me from actemra thinking after two years I might just need a change. I have had 2 infusions of rituxan and am still waiting for an improvement. I am wondering if anyone else has had an increase of symptoms if they are taking ofev for PF.