Conditions > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment > Side Effects of RA Medications

Side Effects of RA Medications

All medications – even ones you buy without a prescription – have the potential for side effects. Arthritis medications are....

Silogan Chinappa

10 May 2012, 09:34

Hi

I live in South Africa and have arthritis for about 15 years plus. I am currently on Biologic medication, Humira 2 X 40 mg vials subcutaneously injected per month, fortnightly. I am in great health, gym every morning and eat healthily so enjoying a very high quality of life

What I have recently noticed is that on occasion, I have difficulty in swallowing food where it gets stuck in my throat

Could you all please let me know if I am alone with this problem, OR IS THIS ONE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE MEDICATION HUMIRA / or the Disease????

Faye Kornegay

10 Mar 2012, 10:29

I have RA. I take ORENCIA infusions. I have started having red splochs on my forearms and now it seems to be spreading to other places. Nurse at dr's office said it called LACING, caused from the RA messing with my circultory system. Has anyone had this problem? Thanks.

Lora Kemper

23 Nov 2011, 01:33

Hi!!! Question I was put on Methotrexate 3 weeks ago with a 10mg dosage, today I really took a good look at myself in the mirror and noticed that I look ver very puffy in the face, is this normal for some people? I messaged my rheumy and asked if lasix would help with this puffiness any suggestions? I am never hungry and it is horrible to not be able to put on your clothes and them not fit because you are retaining fluids! I am very discouraged at this point so any suggestions, personal stuff that worked for you, a different drug in the same class for the R.A., I am just at my wits end. HELP!!!! Lora Kemper

Gayle George

28 Jul 2011, 13:24

Are persons with fibromyalgia more likely to get RA?

Marilynn

18 Apr 2011, 11:29

Hi,
I was diagnosed with RA in 1985, yep, 26 years ago. Did Methotrexate and many other drugs. Currently, I am taking Orencia and experiencing less pain and inflammation without so many horrendous side effects. However, I have found that diet, exercise and level of activity is huge. I feel much better when I stick with a diet of whole grains, fresh steamed or raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and only limited fruits. I have substituted Stevia or Truvia for sugar. Do not use artificial sweeteners. Eliminate soda, alcohol, and all processed foods. White flour and sugar are considered the "white death". The only thing white we should put in our mouths is cauliflower. Eating corn or corn-fed animals is very counter productive. Eat free-range chicken and grass-fed, red meats. Fish, especially salmon, should be a main protein along with beans and lentils.

As far as exercise, start very slowly. I found a great series of exercises for RA patients on the website webmd.com. Mostly stretching and isometric type exercises. I cut and pasted them onto a word doc. and typed in the instructions for each exercise. I printed them off, cut them out, and glued them to a poster board so that I have something to follow. At first I was sore and could do very little. Now I feel stronger and have noticed I have more stamina and energy. I use an elliptical machine for the walking and aerobic part. I can only do 5 minutes but it gets the blood pumping very well. Do this for yourself and get your family on board for their health as well.

PATTY

01 Apr 2011, 05:50

I have been to my ra doctor several times, never to get a straight answer from him, I feel like I am his ginny pig, He prescribes me all these me for severe Ra. Not that any of them work and when I run out of the pain meds He takes his sweet old time filling them. My hands are swollen all the time and my knees, Know it has moved to my feet. Does any one know of a good RA Doctor in Jacksonville, Florida?

Claudia

28 Mar 2011, 00:20

I was diagnosed with RA 7 yrs ago, knew I had it 10 yrs ago as it killed my mother. RA is a killer, don't screw around with it...I take 20mg methrotrexate and when I had bad flare ups predinsone for 10 days, when I started them I was at the point of crawling to the bathroom my husband sometimes had to dress me and brush my hair and the pain I would sit on the side of my bed and cry for hours. When I finally went to Dr. and started meds my God what a difference, then the flare ups started more often and I was again depending more and more on my husband for care. My Dr. suggested Enbrel and helped with patient participation (I had no insurance) program, and what a difference again, I have been on it for 4 yrs now only needed predinsone once, tried to go off methotrexate once within days the pain was more than I could bare. I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS. I'm 55 now and it is quality not quantity.

Holly

19 Mar 2011, 17:52

I am currently on Enbrel and Meloxicam (NSAID). The Meloxicam makes me bruise easily. My legs make me look like a battered woman. I get a large puffy, red, itchy patch at the injection site for the Enbrel..swelling goes down just in time for the next injection. These patches have been leaving bruises too, so my thighs are covered with the remains of these injection site patches.

These drugs seem to be working okay for now so I'd rather put up with the side effects than the joint pain. I just won't be wearing shorts this summer.

Erin Toole

15 Mar 2011, 20:42

Im Erin, I am 20 years old. I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 2 years old. I have been on methotrexate and prednisone since I was an infant. I have 28 plus swollen joints and have not had any luck on any of my treatments. I have been on every one of them it seems like.. I just started aravea infusion. I got jaw injections last week and the doctors had no luck. 9 needle punctures on one side and twelve on the other. I have been experiencing horrible depression and insomnia, dilusions, neck pain, facial and mouth tingling. I am extremely paranoid as to what is going on concidering i have all of the side affects that are caused by a brain edema. I am scared! I am glad to hear ur stories, and successes because I am losing hope at 20 years old :(

Mary

01 Mar 2011, 12:24

I was diagnosed with RA in 2005. Started CURVES and had pain in my hands. After blood test was told I had RA. Have been on may meds, Humira, Remicade, Methotrexate, Plaq, and meloxican. Now on prednizone, plaqu, and methotrexate. Have been on the internet and decided to start the Mediterranean Diet and I feel great. No processed foods, lots of green leafy veggies, garlic, fresh, fresh, fresh. And OLIVE OIL, Mega 3's (little to none 6's) and I have had no flare ups, swelling or pain. I have not gained weight either. I take the folic acid for hair loss but if that is the extent of methotrexate, I will have to deal with it. So do your homework and God Bless.

Miss Vita M. king

25 Feb 2011, 13:24

some of your storys are to much for words.i have had rh.for some years now.when my daughter and i left ft.hood for germany,my body was already swelling,and had been.as for as my size,you wouldn't know it,i ws always little.at that time i was still going threw the this can't be happen to me.and during that time i was in church sun up to sun down 7 days a week.if my daughter and i wasn't there it had to be a storm.beside our house we were there.my leggs where,swelling,pain everywhere,hands,my neck started shaking,and i couldn't stop it.then my head started falling over,at any given time.i said this can't be happen.i was standing up in church,and my head fall back touching my back.before that my head was shaking.headachs,here and there.one of my leggs started to not look like the other one,really not look like the other one.again i said this can't be happening to me.hands started cramping.i had a milt.doctor,they were very good doctors.and i was in my middle 40s yet.they didn't want to give me the shots to go over seas,but they said i needed them,so i had my shots all of them.with rh.going and all,and my head wasn't shaking that day for some reason.but it did start back to shaking,when it got ready.my then husband didn't know what when or how,this can't be happening,and he had he own,rh,and other med.things going on,the gulf war vet.issues.the pain was when it got ready to,and the meds.were not working.now i am taking some other kind of meds.and i am surpose to start taking another one,i know you know what i mean.i take the meds.for pain,and swelling,my head shaking is still when it gets ready,and my head falls over still when it gets ready.and let me not leave this out,i walk bent over some times,head toward the front,bent over,and yes in pain,somewhere.walking down the street,and the meds worked when they wanted to.if the meds stopped my body from being bent over,then i was almost swinging side to side,unbalanced walking down the street.and sometimes my head started shaking faster.it was on going,the doctors where trying this med that med.now i walk with a cane,when i can,i could go on and on.thats how long it was going on.it was just started happen,when it started and it was on going.then my eye,started doing all kinds of thing,and i already had glasses.and it was only when they want to.i have eye drops,not over the counter.i am 48 years old now,not in the church,and on another coast,and the pain,is still as is.some days are better than other,i know yu know what i mean,i am going to stop,now i could go on and on,thats how the rh,and evrything that go along with it is.and yes i have been in the bed,those days to.and i do know some other people with it,back and forth,in the bed.and they are my age also.there are good days and bad,enjoy yur good days,i have found that is very very very important.and being in love is very good also.the pain doesn't go away,but being in love,with that right person,is a med,with your other meds,smile ,and i still smile and laugh miss Vita M King

12 Feb 2011, 13:33

Got an x-ray of my wrist yesterday after a fall while running. Turns out I have RA -- couldn't believe it. I type for a living and have had no symptoms at all.
Just wondering whether to wait to see a specialist when symptoms start, or see a rheumatologist now - when you know he's gonna give you a pill or 2 to take -- and you don't have pain, swelling, etc. -- yet.

P Gilbert

04 Jan 2011, 12:58

I was diagnosed with RA about 4 years ago. I started out with plaquinil then moved on to Humira and presently I am on Enbrel. I take prednisone when I have bad flare ups and Methotrexate made me dilussional. Luckily I am fortunate that these meds have worked for me.
I am also part of a study group at the Feinstein Institure North Shore LIJ. Every now and then though my joints on my hands swell up and have to take from 600-1200 mg of Ibuprofin. I also feel that Enbrel has made me gain weight. No matter how much i exercise, the weight comes off for a while, once i stop, it all comes back in a few days. Why bother?

Mary Ann Brandys

15 Dec 2010, 09:35

I have had RA since 1995 Took celebrex, later methrotrexate. For some reason my eye sight got much worse, had to wear glasses all the time.
In 2003 I took Enbrel for 6 months. The Dr I saw then told me I did not have Ra, was neg, and my home Dr said he could not believe it . I was negstive for it so was in Remission till a couple months ago. But it di cause more depression .
Mary

Barb

07 Dec 2010, 14:14

I have had RA now for 21 years. I have had surgery on hands, feet. Have taken probably all of the general medications. I now take Humira and I really have slowed down the bad effects of RA. It took along time for me to make the decision to take Humira, along with methotrexate, one shot a week, For me it is my salvation to keep out of the wheelchair. It is expensive but most Plan D programs will cover it if you are on medicare and there are also many grants you can apply for.
Once the joint damage is done.....its done. Surgery is only short term solution. Good Luck to all those out there with RA. Keep positive.........keep fighting.

Doreen

17 Nov 2010, 04:18

Hi
I was diagnosed with RA about a year ago. Had the usual swelling of the joints on my fingers on my right hand. The swelling has now moved on to my left hand. My doctor has just done some blood tests and I have been diagnosed with CREST Syndrome and been put on prednisone and methotrexate. Been told that this is closely related to RA. Does anyone have this syndrome and what are the long term effects?

Judith Gutierrez

21 Sep 2010, 20:47

I was diagnosed RA 21 years ago. My reumatologist started with prednisone 7.5 mgs. a day and metrotexate 5 pills, 2.5 mgs. I wasn't doing well until I found another doctor and 2 years ago, he prescribed Azathriopine 75 mgs. and so far so good, I feel ok.

Becky B

12 Aug 2010, 15:31

I was diagnosed with RA 4 yrs ago. Usual swelling of hands, pain in feet, knees, elbows, wrists and hands. Started with prednizone and 7tabs 2.5 mg @ of methotrexate. Lessened dosage to 5 tablets of methotrexate then to 4. That's when the bottom fell out. Went back up to 5 and now am on 7 again. Was introduced also in June to Arava along with Methotrexate. Finally the swelling and pain are gone. But the side effects to Arava was too much - nausea and loss of appetite painful deep aching in legs at night. Stopped taking Arava after a month and a half. Knock on wood - I am doing so much better and only take Advil in the evening due to "aching legs".

16 Jul 2010, 18:39

Ellie
I have one of the best Dr.s in NY-Paula Rackoff, Assistant Chief Rhuematology at Beth Israel, Philips Ambulatory Div. at Union Square. 212 -844-8101

She frank, straight forward, doesnt coddle, brilliant and compassionate. Good luck..

TonyC

16 Jul 2010, 16:34

Yes, you should be careful - check thousands of adverse reports at http://www.patientsville.com

Jennifer B

04 Jun 2010, 16:31

I have RA, just diagnosed (5months), how do you know if your in remission? I feel great with Simponi, and methotrexate. I exercise ALL the time, and have lots of energy. Am I in remission?

ellie

25 May 2010, 19:06

I was recently diagnosed with RA. Tried methotrexate and it damaged my liver in only 1 month. Doc wants to start Enbrel. In the meantime I'M IN PAIN. She will only give me 7.5mg of percocet 2x day. Does anyone know of a NY doctor that is not afraid to treat pain! thanks

Cindy

05 May 2010, 12:53

To Patty - after reading your post I was compelled to respond because I had a similar reaction but not until my 3rd infusion. My doctor advised that I stop Simponi. I am back on Methotrexate by injection. I have tried 2 other biologics and haven't had much success. I guess I am one of those people in the small percentage that these miracle drugs do not work on. I'm still working with my Rheumatologist to find the right combination of drugs - I have had RA for 5 years and have not yet gone into remission! Good Luck.

Patty

15 Apr 2010, 11:42

I just started Simponi. Two hours after the injection I stated itching all over which lasted 24 hours followed by 2 days of nausea, headache and body aches.Anyone have any experience with Simponi??

bugs gramma

15 Sep 2009, 13:19

Told my GP last visit that my feet have been swelling and very painful. He said RA does not cause that maybe you need to watch your salt intake. Now I read that the nsaid I am taking causes edema (swelling in the feet). Kind of dissapointed in my Dr. Seeing a Rheumatologist today. Hope he reads stuff on this website.

Milan Darda

26 May 2009, 11:48

Hi!!
I am new member in the RA Family. Just few months back i was diagnosed with RA and my first Allopathic Doc started with steroids (preduisolone 10 mg). But my friends suggested me to consult a Rheumy, she started Etoxib 90 mg. Now i m feeling better, but my left shoulder keeps on paining often.
I am 30 and after understanding the (side)effects i am really worried. I tried Ayurved but in Vain, What should i do?? My wrist joints swells too often.

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Side Effects of RA Medications

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