If you read my last post, you know that over the last 2.5 years, I’ve failed a number of different biologics.  TNF blockers were my last option, and as it turns out, I’m allergic to them.  So, it was looking like I was going to go back to Orencia, which was the best of the worst.

All that changed on November 7^th when a new biologic (and the first ever available in pill form) was approved by the FDA.  It’s called Xeljanz.  As of yesterday, my insurance company approved me, so I will be the first patient in my doctor’s practice to start this new treatment.

I’ll admit that I’m more than a little apprehensive about starting a drug that’s brand new to the U.S. market.  However, I’m excited about the prospect of having something new to try, just when it seemed I was out of options – and would be forced to live with the joint damage I’m currently experiencing.

My pills should be here tomorrow, and I’ll be reporting on what happens and how it works as I go.  Wish me luck in the lab!