Wow- I'm freaked out by these types of medications. They often, in the long run, cause more problems than they cure. That's only my observation, however. I too would like to know what kind of medications are out there that real people have had real experiences with. this precludes, by the nature of the question, pharmaceutical industry profiteers and any other persons affiliated with, or profiting from, the Pharmaceutical Industry.

I have tried quite a few medications, and what works for me is prednisone (steroid). My doctor wants me to go on Humira and or Enbrel but I am afraid to. I have heard that not only is it to new to the market but there are too many side effects that cause some serious health concerns in the long run.

I personally chose not to go on them, but at the same time, I have heard a few good stories about them as well. Which are that they do help tremendously with pain and flare ups and fortunately no side affects, just yet.

I think it just depends on the person, because everyone's experience with these meds will not be the same. :-(

well, i currently take Hunira every other week, and have had a whopping 3 injections this far.

I have had ZERO side effects...

I have not gained weight, I have not lost any hair, I have not experienced any chest pains, nor had any breathing problems.....I feel so far no different than before I was on it.

This far, basically a few days over a month I have no real relief from my AS either...My doctor stated it can take up to 3 mos to feel the effects if any are to be rendered. Although there are many side effects with Humira and they are very vocally and commercially noted....there are side effects with every other med we take, we just chose not to read the fine prints of our medications.

I know a few people on Humira and Enbrel.....I also called the hotline and spoke with nurses at Humira and got a lot of facts and statistics....then I had a sit down with my doc....for me it was a no brainer......so i am hoping it works....I felt comfortable taking it....

I had more issues with sulfasalazine after being on it for 1 mos than with Humira...we all work differently....

Besides Humira I only take tylenol and tramadol for the pain as needed....it takes the edge off.....

Get the facts as it pertains to you and your condition....I am very lucky that AS is my only condition needed attention....other than this I am quite healthy....THANK YOU GOD !!!

I hope this helps a little.....

oopps......forgot something...

It is my understanding that since AS is an auto immune arthiris like condition, HUmira and the other biologis work in the way that it surpresses your own immune symstem. So you turn your own system off so it cannot harm you any more.....By doing this you can halt and possible put the AS in remission before any further damage is done.

You Just need to wash hands a lot, use caution around ppl who are sick and at the first glimpdse of a sickness of any kind...contact your physician....

I agree with Deb1941 in that each person is different. What works for one won't necessarily work for the other. When the AS becomes worse than any feared side effects the med causes, people chose the medicine! I am on several AS support group websites and so far I have not met anyone that has had a really bad side effect from the anti-TNFs, like Humira or Embrel. I personally don't think I will ever be able to take them because I have an Immunity Disorder in addition to AS. But, we shall see!
I take Sulfasalazine and have had to side effects, however, my "blood work" is off. Don't know if that's a side effect of the med or not. Guess I'll find out when I see the Hematologist.

I just wanted to thanks everyone for adding their info. and experience. Right now, I am not taking anything additional to what I am already on which is 78 mcg Fentanyl patch, 10 mg Vicodin (3x's daily) and 100 mg. Gabapentin (3 x's daily), along with Tramadol, zanaflex, and clonazepam. Oh and Cymbalta. The pain flares as it does for all of us, but since I already take so much meds., I am trying Biofreeze, which I got from my Chiropractor. Thanks again!