Question
I have had As for 6 years and recently have been in terrible pain after a car accident jerked my neck and back which has aggravated condition further. I have asked about anti- tnf medication after reading reports of remarkable results in AS. My rheumatologist has only ever given me nsaids because he said other drugs do not work on the spine. Anti-tnf seems to work on spine! However I have now been offered pamidronate infusions do you have any feedback from anyone who has tried this medication, and if it was effective! They have told me it is run into vein for one hour but the info I have says it should be given slowly over 4-6 hours. I would appreciate any advice you can give as I have first infusion wed 23rd june. From my research anti- tnf sound more effective – but I am prepared to give this a try as long as it is appropriate!
Answer
There is some evidence that bisphosphonates (Palmidronate) may be effective in AS. However, I agree with you that there is much more published information on the benefits of anti-TNF agents in AS. Furthermore, the TNF inhibitor, etanercept (Enbrel) is FDA approved for the treatment of AS. Palmidronate is not.
