Hi MikeJE,
I'm not sure how it works in the UK & hopefully someone else will come along with more knowledge on this, but here in the US the usual protocol for many insurances used to be that you had to fail on 3 different DMARDs before you moved on to biologics. I have noticed now that many people are starting the TNFs sooner without having to go through the other meds. In my own case, I went through just about every NSAID on the market & every DMARD before I got on the biologics. And even now, it takes a combination of all 3 to even remotely control my disease.
Were you taking the enteric-coated form of Sulfasalazine? It is associated with many less side effects. I am a bit surprised that the nurse suggested you take the NSAIDs as needed. I always thought they had to build up in your system over time to get the full effect, but maybe I'm wrong.
In any case, welcome to the forum & good luck in your treatment. At your 3 month check-up if the biologics aren't suggested to you, I would ask what criteria you need to meet to get on them in the UK.
