Looking for Experiences with Adalimumab (Humira or Biosimilar): Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy
I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences with adalimumab, especially as:
Monotherapy
In combination with methotrexate
Background:
Diagnosis Unclear: My rheumatologist hasn’t confirmed PsA or RA, but my GP leans toward PsA due to symptoms and blood markers. Only CRP has been elevated (since January); no RF or anti-CCP.
Symptoms: Chronic synovitis in one knee for 14 months, spreading to the other knee recently. Minimal joint damage on MRI/CT/ultrasound (5 months ago), but stiffness and a calcified nodule on the first swollen knee. Lifelong body pain, possibly enthesitis in lower extremities.
Treatment History:
Sulfasalazine: Stopped due to mouth ulcers and GI issues.
Methotrexate (20mg injections): No relief after 3.5 months.
Leflunomide (7 weeks): GI issues persisted even after stopping.
Cortisone/Prednisone: Minimal and short-lived relief.
Current Treatment:
Started Adalimumab (40mg): First dose 1 week ago; slight softening of knee fluid observed.
Plan to Add Methotrexate (15mg weekly): Rheumatologist recommends combining it with adalimumab. I’ve delayed methotrexate for now to monitor adalimumab’s initial side effects.
Questions:
Monotherapy: Has anyone had long-term success with adalimumab alone?
Combination Therapy: Did adding methotrexate improve adalimumab’s efficacy for you?
Weaning Off Methotrexate: Has anyone started with adalimumab + methotrexate and successfully transitioned to adalimumab alone while remaining stable?
I’m not seeking medical advice—just personal experiences. I know everyone’s symptoms and medication responses are different.