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Community > Expert Q & A > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Scared by Side Effects
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Scared by Side Effects

Q: After reading the pharmacy sheets listing side effects of the medications I take for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I can't help but wonder if the "cure" is worse than the disease. Is it possible I'd be better off skipping the medications and taking my chances with the RA?

A: For those with arthritis, side effects of medication are an understandable worry. But I would hate to see fear cause you to give up medications completely. True, no medication is completely safe, and the potential risk of side effects can be frightening. Anytime you interfere with one bodily process you may interfere with others – sometimes in undesirable ways. But the dangers of untreated RA, in most cases, far outweigh the risks of the drugs used to treat it. Each day, medications ease pain, prevent joint destruction and improve the lives of countless people with arthritis and related conditions. In some cases, medications can literally save lives.

The pharmacy sheets are provided as a service to make you aware of side effects that can occur with a certain medication. Keep in mind that the key word here is "can." You shouldn't assume that the listed side effects will necessarily occur in you. Even if you do experience one or more side effects, you may be able to reverse or halt them by stopping or changing medications. In most cases, no action is needed; the side effects resolve on their own.

Many factors can influence how your body reacts to a drug. Some are largely controllable – such as when and how you take your medicine. Factors that can't be changed, such as your age and other health problems, may be compensated for with choice of medication or a dosage adjustment. Life is full of risks. Sometimes we have to risk experiencing a side effect to gain a medication's benefits. The key is weighing risks against potential gain. Your doctor can help you weigh those risks and choose the drugs that provide the most help and do the least possible harm.

There are also several things you can do to reduce your risk of drug side effects. Here are a few:

Let your doctor know about any other medications you are taking – even over-the-counter (OTC) ones – because some can add to the side effects of others. For example, taking aspirin along with a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can increase your risk of stomach ulcers and other side effects.

Don't underestimate the power of nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements, too, can affect the way a drug works. In some cases – such as taking folic acid along with methotrexate – vitamin supplements can reduce the risk of certain side effects. In other cases, taking nutritional supplements or herbs in addition to prescribed medications can interfere with the action of the medication or even enhance its potential side effects.

Find out if there are certain foods you should eat or avoid while taking a medication. Most drugs, including NSAIDs, should be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset. For others – such as minocycline, an antibiotic that is being used increasingly to treat RA – taking with food can decrease the drug's absorption.

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Faith
02 Feb 2012, 20:43
I have RA and ostioarthritis in my knees i am 59 i have been on plaquenil fr 5 years and now they added me the folic acid and Methodrexate for about a year have very bad flare up my hands are so swollen it hurts to use a tooth brush or do anything with them cant even bend the fingers so now the dr. wants to put me on cimzia I would love to try it but I am so afraid of the side effects if any one has ever taken it it please let me know I go for my first injection next week.
thank you
Faith
Carol Sinnard
30 Jan 2012, 18:09
I am 54 and was diagnosed with moderate RA 3 years ago. Obviously I had for longer than that but my blood tests always came back negative. My X-rays tell a completely different story. My problem is I tried the usual stuff like celebrex and others and while they controlled pain and stiffness, my liver functions were always sky high when I would get my monthly blood tests. So the logical step then was to go to the biologics. I failed Enbrel and Humira and started Orencia. Now I have swollen lymph glands, my asthma is back, I have gained 25 pounds and am beyond miserable. Oh, the Orencia did nothing to control the pain and swelling. Where can I go from here? My rheumatologist gave up and told me to get a second opinion.
cassie
29 Dec 2011, 14:28
I am a 35yr old woman just recently diagnosed with RA. I am just about to start the medication plaquenil(sp?) I am completely uncertain as to the long term effects on RA not only on my body, but lifestyle and career well being.
I have very early onset RA, and have considered it fortunate to have had it diagnosed at this stage.I am essentially looking for advice for other people with RA who have been living with the disease longer than myself- in particular to lifestyle modification and treatment expectations.
Thankyou!
denise erwin
27 Oct 2011, 11:00
I was diagnosed with severe RA 5 yrs ago. Soon after started treatment with methotrexate, prednizone and then Remicade. After 5 infusions of Remicade, my immune system was so depleted that i contracted Legionairs disease and was in a coma for 3 months. While in the hospital I had a pulmonary embelision and M.R.S.A. Which made my stay another 3months in the hospital. Now three years later my doctor wants to try Orencia another bioligic and I am scared to death. He told me that he would no longer write a presciption for Vicadin to relieve my pain because he doesn't treat RA with Vicadin. I am still on methotrexate and predizone. I don't know what to do. I fell like I am being handed a gun with one bullet and spin the chamber just to get out of pain. I try to exercise regularly take vitamin supplements and eat fruits and veggies to try and stay healthy. What do I
do?
Rhonda
05 Oct 2011, 23:39
I'm having a scare right now and unsure of how to handle it. I am still on prednisone, methotrexate, iron, and the other vitamins that go along with but tomorrow I get my second biologic treatment hence my fear in going into urgent care. My extremities just started swelling really bad where they burn from the tightness..and ive been having some mild affects with my breathing for about a week. Almost the affect of I.half.g around camphor. My cycle has been sporadic since the beginning of the prednisone (and may be coming on). How do I remedy the swelling without medicine? Oh and I just started physical therapy last week and had my 4th visit today-wednesday. Help! New at this!!
em
20 Sep 2011, 01:06
--been battling RA for 10 years now--am 60; recently learned methotrexate can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Also, taking nothing for RA (I, too, was scared to take biologics due to side effects) can lead to your body's inflammation damaging your lungs (scarring) and then the heart. I'm in a pulmonary rehab group because of lung scarring--have only 50% lung function now--and have met people who have "methotrexate-induced pulmonary fibrosis" who are on oxygen. Am very angry my RA doctor never told me about these things. My body developed "antibodies" to enbrel, humira, orencia, and cimzia; had horrible allergic reaction to remicade, and am now beginning simponi--even on these drugs, have had knee replaced, back surgeries, and hips are now deteriorating. On the plus side--pain meds help a lot!
Tia
08 Jul 2011, 03:37
I have found that my body can't handle taking anything for the pain. I take supplements to minimize the inflammation but I tried taking other drugs that were meant to block pain signals and found that if I stopped taking them even for one day the pain comes back 10 times worse. It takes so long to build up what little pain tolerance I have and even natural supplements I have tried to take do the same thing I feel like the increased pain is a direct effect of not having to feel the pain for a while and getting too used to it. Not quite sure what to do about that? I don't wanna have to take drugs every day for the rest of my life. On occasion I have taken diclofenac which helps enough to take the edge off but I'm scared to take pain pills I hear so many bad things.
Jean
17 Jun 2011, 18:25
Has anyone ever heard of arthritis as a SIDE EFFECT of a medication? My doc prescribed Diclofenac for a flare-up of bursitis in my left hip. (I was on no other prescription meds.)Within two weeks of starting Diclofenac (50 mg 3 x daily), I had sudden, severe symptoms of osteoarthritis -- burning, painful joints in both shoulders, hips and knees, pain in shins and thighs, one episode of diarrhea (12 x in one night).Some days could hardly walk. I weaned myself off the Diclofenac and the prevacid prescribed for stomach protection. All blood work, including sed rate & test for multiple myeloma were neg., thank goodness. This all began 3 mos. ago and I still have quite a bit of pain; manage it as best I can with aquatherapy, icy hot patches,and doc's recommendation: 3 coated 325 mg aspirin 3 x daily, plus 1-2 Hydrocodone (5 mg) per day for pain when aspirin isn't enough. Back to my original question: Could these problems be a reaction to the Diclofenac, even tho' no such symptoms are listed as side effects?
Rene
23 May 2011, 20:55
I was diagnosed with RA in 2008. I've been taking prednisone & sullfazine. It has been working well except for the last few months. My doctor is telling me it is not working for me now and has just ordered Methotrexate. I have been researching the drug and it really scares me with all the side effects. I don't know if I want to take it, I don't want to get cancer or lymphoma. I would love to hear your thoughts on this drug and if you feel the risk are worth it. At this point I truly don't know what to do for my RA or if you others drugs that work well without the side effects. I look forward to hearing from anyone that can help.
Nicole
15 Apr 2011, 21:37
Hi my name is nicole I was diagnosed with rhuematoid arthritis in 2004 i am now 30.I take vicoden and gabapentin, diclofenac sodium and somas and enbrel 50 ml injected once a week plus like 8mlgs a day of prednisone i just recently started haveing my heart hurt and just wana know if anyone else has ever expieirenced this pain?It scares me there doing a referral for me to see a cardiologist.and i gotta get apporved for reclast has anyone ever took that its for osteoperosis.
Victoria
24 Mar 2011, 00:35
Can certain type's of arthritis lead to death?? Thank you.
Lisa
17 Feb 2011, 09:24
Good article Arthritis Today. I have seropositive RA with the clinical markers for aggressive disease. I was diagnosed in April 2010. I'm on injectable MTX and Humira as my base treatment. I was fortunate to be diagnosed early and started the Methotrexate immediately then followed with Humira 2.5 months later. I was also fortunate to have good response to the Humira.
A warning to those of you debating holistic cures vs modern medicine: The faster you get RA in to a controlled mode the better your chances for a more normal life, even drug induced remission. The time you waste trying non medical unproven cures may change your life forever. If you were diagnosed with an aggressive cancer would you hold off on treatment and try not drinking milk for 6 months to see if your tumor shrank? If you broke your arm would you shun doctors and try a homemade wrap and poultice to mend it? Come on people, this is a very real, very dangerous disease. Do your research! Spontaneous non drug induced remission is very VERY rare. If you have been diagnosed and are only affected in a few joints take that as an awesome head start, please don't throw it away by shunning modern medicine.
Jen
16 Jan 2011, 14:51
Hi , I am 51 but extremely active. I was diagnose RA in June last year, and I am getting humira and metrotexate injectable, along with prednisone. It started in my neck and it reached the point were I could not move. I am happy to say that medication is working, but is also giving me nausea. The latest is that I am loosing my hair, and the metrotexate dosage cannot be reduced until the humira (just started) works.
At the beggining I was angry and afraid, then when I was able to move again, and even play tennis, I thought I had won. Wrong, now I m losing my hair, and it is not noticible to others yet, but I know it. Is there anything that I can do to stop this? When I asked my doctor he told me that the dosage used in RA does not create hair lost. Today, between the horrible nauseas and the hair lost I am very depressed.

J
merry
16 Dec 2010, 18:00
Hey guys2 I am 20 years old and my doctor just diagnosed me with inflammatory arthritis in my knees. I got both knees drained and they feel a lot better now that I can bend them. I started methotrexate and folic acid about a month ago and I am concerned with the side affects ands I want to try something else natural. I wish I started with these herbal suppliments first before I started the methotrexate . I know you can't just quit cold turkey so what should I do? Thanks guys.
Pk
09 Oct 2010, 06:57
Just been diagnosed with RA, 50yr male. Physician wants me to see a specialist for drug treatment. My r-foot and ankle have swollen and are painful. My r-leg and hand are now starting to ache. I have been reading some of the comments on the site and it seems that the diet is the strongest solution. Does anyone have suggestions where to start? I need to keep working for at least 15+ years.
Thanks,
Pk
amir darwish
09 Sep 2010, 03:56
Hi there,

I am 31 years old male and i have been suffering from RA (Seronegative Spontylatise) since the age of 16. I am currently taking Biological treatment in the form of Enbrel and I am really worried about the side affects.


I have one question in mind all the time

What the best treatment with least side affects for my illness???


I would be really glad if you answer


Thank you
alfredschrader
28 Aug 2010, 10:24
I know this woman that, if she fed her older dog bread based dog food, it would become so arthritic that it couldn't walk, but the purely meat based dog food had no effect.
So I tried this: I ate no bread, no cake, no biscuits, no crackers, nothing with flours. Sure enough, the arthritis in my neck miraculously improved. Something in wheat causes it. I've wondered why few insects attack wheat, I now I know why, they become crippled with arthritis...Al-
Maureen Lowder
05 Aug 2010, 16:28
I am 59 and diagnosed with RA and osteoarthritis 18 months ago in constant pain hands knees hips shoulders etc am on tramadol,paracetamol,celebrex, simvistatin, omeprazole and amitriptyline. It has been suggested to tryme on methotrexate but a bit worried after reading leaflet. I have profuse sweating even when just sat watching tv and changing clothes twice a day at night iam awake every hour or so because my mouth is so dry drinking 1-11/2 ltrs per night any suggestions?My grandmother was crippled with this sohave been told it is hereditry would love some help!
Tracey
17 Jul 2010, 19:07
I have had RA for 10 years and have only had to take plaquenil and tylenol arthritis to this point. I am now at the point in the disease that I am going to have to start methotrexate. Would anyone share their thoughts and experiences with me?
Jamie
09 Jul 2010, 14:30
My RA factor is 44. Nodes are visible on x-ray. MRI shows excess fluid. Labs good. No pain or stiffness. Taking glucosamine with MSN & Omage 3. Will taking RA medication be beneficial for me????
paula
01 Jun 2010, 14:48
My mom was diagnosed with dermatymyositis and and she had the same problem where she could not walk up stair or get off her seat. It affects the lower trunks of your leg. It is an autoimmune disease - and was put on prednisone and methotrexate and was in remission for 14 years of her life.
Your systems seem very similiar to hers. Speak to your dr about it. Best of luck Paula

Nel11 Apr 2009, 15:48
I have an auto immune disease, but they don't seem to know which kind, since there are over 80 different types..they think maybe polymyalgia Rheumatica. I can't walk up steps and hard to get up from seated possion. And hard to walk very far..
I'm now starting to get stiffness and back ache when I get up in the morning and a couple of fingers are sore..one has a lump on it and they are turned...seems that that would be RA..
I can only take a small amount of tylenol as I have an Atrial Fib. heart..now what!!
Anyone have my problems? thanks..Nel
Diane
04 Mar 2010, 11:31
I have had psoriatic arthritis since August 2008 and started on Methotrexate injections in Setember 2008, then on Remicade infusions in January 2009. I have been so very fortunate that both are working so well for me! I also take Folic Acid and an Iron supplement. I have had NO side effects with the Remicade and Methotrexate and have had fantastic results! No pain and very little stiffness now. My left index finger is the only thing that hasn't gotten back to normal..it is still stiff and curved. But hey, this is so much better than it was when I was first diagnosed with PA.

Except for the expense of the Remicade, it is definitely a wonder drug for me. I keep my fingers crossed (yes I can do that now) that it will keep working well with no side effects. I know I am lucky!
sue
11 Feb 2010, 04:44
My 13 years old daughter just been diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, we did not notice any propblen until two years ago where she started to experience hand stifness and straight after we notice lumps in her two wrists and then in her two unkles we operated one assuming that it was ganglion and we were about to go through the rest of surgeries, when we had to see reuhmatologist after a long investigation and tests he told us about the diagnosis we should start the methoxate next week and I am scare to death from all what I read about the side effects. So far my daughter does not complain of anything except after her exercise she gets a stiff hands and arms when she gets tired. I am not sure if we really need to go through the medication which is not more promising except its side effect or seed a second opinion before we start the long road of the medication. so far she is active and doing very well it is only the lumps on her two wrists and the two ankles and the stifness when she exercise or walking for two long. Anyone can help me ?
char
02 Feb 2010, 09:38
I was just diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I am on remicade infusions and methotrexate.
I am having extreme pains at night in my hips, legs,and hands. My left ankle is very swollen and hurts.
Is this all normal. The meds make me tired and achy for a couple of days after treatments. Can anyone tell me if they are experiencing the same symptoms. This stuff is scary!!
thank you.
Lee Hartland
10 Dec 2009, 11:55
I have been taking melexicam for over a year now. My Dr wants me to get off of it because he is concerned about the side effects. It works wonderfully for me as it almost takes care of all of my aches and pains probably about 9 out of 10 on the pain scale. I always eat first, take it at night and take prilosec. He prescribed salsalate which I took for over a month and all the pain came back and it does zero for me as far as I can tell. I have tried to find something besides celebrex or melexicam that does the job but have not found anything so far. I guess I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Char
17 Oct 2009, 12:09
I meant to include: have the usual stiffness that doesn't go away, fingers beginning to curl... stilted walking because the feet do not always move or respond right and always remind Drs of the stiffness problems...do they not care until you develop the nocules? My genetic history does not look promising on this path.

Early symptoms of difficulty with complete/deep breathing-had the lung/heart tests done. Aside from personally increasing my T'ai chi and breathing exerciseson my own, nobody ever seems to care...
Char
17 Oct 2009, 11:53
Have had Fibro and RA for about 10 years or so...Am on Plaquenil. Have great amounts of pain to hand/finger and foot joints, sometimes requiring help with buttons, most necklaces & watches and use a special knife to cut food during flares. Also now have Dx added of spondeloarthropathy in lower spine.
All these seem to just work together to make me more prone to falling and greater pain more of the time. Now under care of Pain specialist- getting some relief at least to pain. My question: Since the swelling to the joints is no longer the prime symptom, and my visits seemed timed to when I am actually functioning, how does the Dr. take me seriously? As an artist and an actress I need my joints functioning together, not just unswollen. Daily.
anne
24 Sep 2009, 21:26
Today I had what me and my eye doctor thought was a cyst over the tear sac - it was basal cell carcinoma. When I "google" that, a risk factor comes up: immuno depressors - it seems more in the context of anti rejection drugs in transplant patients, but it is the only risk factor that matches me and my treatments for RA. It is frightening what we can get ourselves into when we begin our medications. There is no family history and I live in the northwoods and don't have intense exposure to sun, but I'll be wearing sunscreen when I walk the dog in January!
Ellen
12 Sep 2009, 16:53
I was on Orencia having trying many other drugs and it worked wonderful but gave me Lichen Planus which is a skin disease that causes you to break out everywhere and I mean everywhere even in the palm of your hands and feet and once I stopped the Orencia, the Lichen Planus went away. It pisses me off though that in my records it shows I already had Lichen Planus and the Orencia made it worse but thats not it at all. Lichen Planus is a side affect of Orencia. I was recently approved though for a research stuf for Actemra and have had one dose to we will see if this new drug works and hopefully causes no side affects. My advice to anybody is your doctor doesn't always know everything. You need to voice your concerns and make him listen to you.
Hilary
18 Aug 2009, 15:38
I am 28 years old and was recently diagnosed with RA. I have had one major flare up where I could not even dress myself. After that, I just have just had mild pain in my wrists and ankles and stiffness at night. My doctor wants to put me on Methotrexate, however I feel like it is a drastic medication since I am having few flare ups. I exercise for an hour and a half 7 days a week so I still feel like I am very active. Any suggestions on weather I should take the meds or if anybody has any other suggestion? Thanks!!
JA
06 Aug 2009, 12:44
I was just diagnosed with RH this week and was only given the options of biologics and methotrexate. I was told that Methotrexate does not cause inferitility but can cause birth defects. My doctor said you have to stop taking it when planning a family. I am interested in seeing another doctor for a second opinion on treatment. I live in NYC does anyone have someone they can refer me to?
Alexis
28 May 2009, 09:50
Nice news, admin.
Dee
26 May 2009, 03:20
I have ben on METHOTREXATE for 9 years. I also take lansoprazole, celebrex, sulfaazine, paracetamol folic acid. I have RA bad in my feet and wrist have had many ops on my feet and now have metal pins in all my toes... I am about to have an op on my finger but have been told i will need both wrists done within the next few years.I have injections but try to only have one a year. Can you advise would diet help stop the flare ups at all?
Glyn
02 May 2009, 11:02
I was diagnosed at 14 with RA, had the usual drugs, now i only take pain medication; most drugs gave me side-effects of varying degrees, none really helped significantly. I was prescribed methotrexate a few years ago but had severe reaction with my kidneys. Later i found out it is usually only prescribed to those not wanting children or over child bearing age because it could impare fertility! Not something I was told and when I asked about this I was told it wasn't a recognised effect. I was not happy with that response. Anyway, my experience is that alot of the drugs do cause significant side effects for very little result; the drugs are extremely potent. Not enough is known about RA and i feel better in myself on just painkillers. If anyone can get by on the minimal of drugs the better. Whilst being treated I also felt 'ill' and in a strange way 'became' the patient, now i have nothing to do with consultants (and haven't for many years) and treatments etc I feel more normal, just someone who's stiff but gets on with whatever i want. I'm not saying ditch all drugs, but always try to use the minimum, ask yourself if any taken are REALLY doing anything significant; if you are getting breathless Jessie I would seriously consider coming off your drugs if you don't get a clear answer from your doctors, breathlessnes at 27 is not normal! Regardless of you having RA, and if it's from your RA they should be looking into it QUICKLY. I know RA can affect organs so it may be your RA but if it's just come about after starting the drugs you describe I would seriously talk to your doctor and threaten to come off the drugs if you don't get a straight answer or tests to clarify. Hope this helps, let me know what happens :}
Jessie
30 Apr 2009, 09:33
I am 27 years old,was diagnosed with RA summer of 2008.I have been taking methotrexate,prednisone&hydoxychloroquine.I was recently at the Drs for trouble breathing,they said it may be a side effect to meds. or the RA has started attacking my lungs. Has anyone had problems like this? I am very short of breath when walking to far or going up stairs.
gary
29 Apr 2009, 16:26
god bless the uk for are national health service at least we do not have to worrie aboute thecost of the best drugs to take.ive just been diagnosed with ra im 37 and just reading up on it any extra info would be great.............
Kevin
23 Apr 2009, 09:38
I've been diagnosed 8 years now with RA. The first 6 years were filled with the usual cocktail of methotrexate, folic acid plaquinol, sulphasalazine, celebrex and prednisone. I was weened off the pred and celebrex after the first month but took it during the worst of flare ups. 2 years ago, after more frequent flare ups I was introduced to Remicade. In my case this was Heaven sent. I have had no moderate or major flare ups in 2 years. As for the methotrexate, I too wanted to be off it. It has been explained to me however that this medication is key to keeping us in a remissive state once we attain it. So for me, I am staying with it, as my quality of life, with this potentially crippling disease is great.
Elizabeth Morgan
22 Apr 2009, 12:37
I had a severe reaction on my third Remicade infusion. I had muscle and nerve spasms and was unable to stand up or move the lower half of my body. They stopped infursion and gave me injections to stop reactions but it took awhile. I was scared to death and have not gone back on any biologics. A couple of weeks before that I had a skin rash but Dr said it was not related to Remicade. I think it was.

I had preeviously taken Enbrel and had no problems. (other than too expensive when insurance ran out & rached "the donut hole")
Ellen Galo
22 Apr 2009, 08:26
Reply to Nel: I have two sisters (one older, one younger than me) who have Polymyalgia Rheumatica. The standard treatment seems to be Prednisone. One sister had to go up to 15 mg daily to start, and has now cut down to 7.5 - she hopes eventually to stop altogether. The other sister I have less detailed information about, but it has helped both of them immensely. (I have RA myself, and am on Enbrel & Celebrex).
Reply to Charlotte: I tried Remicade and didn't like having to drive 70 miles to the dr.s office, plus I had some side effects. I love Enbrel, I used the vial dose kit (mix it up myself) and I do not find it difficult to give the shots. I was shown how to in the doctor's office. The first one I did at home kind of freaked me out (hard to be the patient and care-giver at the same time) but after that, I mostly look forward to it! I think the quality control has improved too - less trouble mixing it, and sharper needles give less problem. People tell me that the autoinjectors hurt more. I can control how fast or slow I inject the Enbrel. It's not difficult, just takes a little getting used to.
Charlotte
14 Apr 2009, 18:59
Enbrel shots are twice a week, Methotrexate is once a week. Enbrel shots can be very painful if you use pre-mixed. I recommend you to ask for the one that you mix yourself, they are less painful.
Methotrexate injections are ok, you use very small needles.
Nel
11 Apr 2009, 15:51
I meant to add that I also take metrotrexate and folic acid..plus 7 other meds. Some for the heart and Higy Blood P.
Nel
11 Apr 2009, 15:48
I have an auto immune disease, but they don't seem to know which kind, since there are over 80 different types..they think maybe polymyalgia Rheumatica. I can't walk up steps and hard to get up from seated possion. And hard to walk very far..
I'm now starting to get stiffness and back ache when I get up in the morning and a couple of fingers are sore..one has a lump on it and they are turned...seems that that would be RA..
I can only take a small amount of tylenol as I have an Atrial Fib. heart..now what!!
Anyone have my problems? thanks..Nel
mary
04 Apr 2009, 14:05
in my last comment, forgot to mention if it is a side efects, falling my hair, itch all my body and head specially at night only for a moment but is very strong, also my leaps are very dry, I ask my doctor but she said is kind of allergie, but this happen since I take methotrexate, and my foot burning
mary
04 Apr 2009, 13:50
I'm in methotrexate and a folic acid for almost 8 months, since the last 4 months add prednosone, my joints mulformation stops, my pain, I'm doing exercise every day, my doctor tappering me with monthly blood test, also I have osteoporosis (mile) for what i'm taking alendronate, what worries me for how long I'll be able to take all this medication or if I ever have any side effects, thats really scary me. I'm going to move to another state and the cobra it doesn't cover me, I'm still have to take a blood test monthly, what I'm I suposed to do?
thank you
peg
31 Mar 2009, 16:34
Husband diagnosed with LGL; confirmed
when enlarged spleen removed. I need
answers and can find little infor. Can
you help direct me to information?
PAT
31 Mar 2009, 13:58
I AM 52 YEAR OLD FEMALE THAT HAS BEEN TAKING METHOTREXATE WITH FOLIC ACID FOR TWO YEARS.I inject myself every seven days.I would like to get off the medication but I already know the result my right index finger is curve some what.my dr.has said he needs to keep a watch on my hand.also I must do exercises with my hands grasping a rubber ball doing repetitions 25x a day.I hope and pray that this disease won'nt cripple me as it has done to my dad.unfortunately my ra is hereity.
Judi Margolis
30 Mar 2009, 20:02
I have been diagnosed with RA and Osteoarthritis. I also had gastric bypass 7 years ago and am taking methotrexate 25 mg/ml weekly as well as mobic and plaquenil on a daily basis. Is there any research on malabsorption from gastric bypass and effectiveness of these medications?
Charlotte Robinson
30 Mar 2009, 13:52
My doctor wants me to go on shots or Remicaid. Are shots taken weekly or daily and do I have to give them to myself.
Holly Dean
03 Mar 2009, 21:10
I'm at a stage now where my RH specialist is thinking I need to go on Orencia, Remicade or Rituxan. Regardless of which one the medicine will be much more expensive than the weekly Enbrel injections I'm currently taking. Are there any conclusive results that one of the three medicines is more effective than the other?

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