Many thanks to everyone that answered our Feature Survey asking for your experience with two of the newest arthritis drugs, Kineret and Humira.

We had fourteen Humira users and six Kineret users (which includes one person who has tried them both). I think you'll find the information they've provided to be very helpful.

If you haven't heard of these drugs or need to refresh your memory as to how they work - click the links to the right and read the information for each in our Drug Index. Today we're going to see how everyone answered the question:

Did you research this drug at all before you started taking it? Did you discuss it with your doc? Did you just take his/her word for it and jump right in?

I researched it somewhat, but I have tons of faith in my RD. I had anaphalatic reactions to remicade and enbrel, so I had to go with the opinion of my RD. - Susan/Humira

Researched it, Disussed it with Doc - Jennifer/Kineret

I knew about kineret, and in particular KJ's success with it, through this site. My rheumy is participating in the trial (he is a researcher as well as a consultant) and suggested I should enter the trial as I was running out of other options (I had little or no success and/or problems with mtx, arava, salazopyrine and cyclosporin). He discussed the drug fully with me before the trial began. - Gill/Kineret

I did research on the medication as well as discussing the pros and cons will several of my doctors. I was concerned about the interaction with the other medications I take. With the research I did, I was still concerned about take the drug, considering all of the possible side effects. I discussed those concerns with the doctors and we agreed that we should still give it a try since I have not found relief with anything else. - Pam/Humira

I researched it on this site & also a few other sites. I also discussed it with my doctor. - Gloria/Humira

I NEVER just take my md's word for it. Not that I dont trust him. Knowledge is power like we say and I like to read up on anything I put into my bod! I had been through a number of other DMARDS and OTC plus the Enbrel so the side effects are few and I had every thing to gain. - Babcia/Humira

Discussed with doc - read all literature from hospital pack - Elaine/Humira

I did not research the drugs before taking them. My doctor informed me of all the side effects. - Angela/Kineret & Humira

I read some literature and discussed it with my RD after trying MTX, Arava and Enbrel -- allergic reactions to Arave and Enbrel - Barb/Humira

I had a long discussion with my Dr. Then I did some research of my own about 1 1/2 months later I started taking Humira - Thomas/Humira

I researched it, but I also respect his opinion a great deal. He came to me highly recommended by the practice that I worked for, as well as physicians that I am in a study with at Duke. I've seen him now for almost 2 years, and I feel very comfortable with him, as if we have a mutual respect. - Norma/Humira

I was on remicade and my was ins stopped paying for it, so switched to humira. I was increased to every week, from once a week. I find it works as good as the remicade. - Barb/Humira

I was in the study for three months. I did so well in the study, I continued with the Humira. I didn't do any research. I have been seeing my rheumatologist for 22 years and when he explained the study and the drug, I decided to go for it. I was in a terrible flair and would have tried just about anything. - Anne/Humira

I went on line and read about it.read thematerial the doctor gave me. I went to my insurance company advisor and talked to her, both side effects and coverage. - Faith/Humira

I did a lot of research - I realized that my choices were down to Humira and Kineret. I had read enough about them to realize that Humira worked on the same principle as Remicade and Enbrel, and that Kineret worked on something different. For that reason we decided together for me to try Kineret. - Beth/Kineret

Yes, I thoroughly researched kineret and spoke to my doctor at length. - Christie/Kineret

My rheumy gave me info to read a month before taking it. Abbott labs sent me a video tape to view as well. - Roberta/Humira

No. I was at the end of my rope when Kineret was suggested. I told my Dr I would eat whole toads if he thought that would help! - Chloe's1/Kineret