Before you fill a prescription or pop a single pill, be sure to use this drug lookup to do some research first. You'll find essential information about arthritis medications, including generic and brand names, common dosages, special instructions, possible side effects, interactions and important cautions.
Click on the type of drug here for a detailed chart filled with information:
Sjögren's Syndrome Medications
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Bernadette Carter
21 Jul 2010, 11:28
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| I've just been dianosed with seronegative r/a, as you can tell i dont know a thing my doctor is putting me on mtx 2.5 mg also folic acid.what do you think,here's a little background. i've been going through this for at least 20 years i'm always in pain in one place or another. the pain used to last for maybe 2 weeks now the pain last for a month or more, nothing i take helps. all of a sudden my hands decided to go up on me and wont let go, i think my legs are going up next.can you help |
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Kimberly Simmons
08 Jul 2010, 09:01
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| I have had fibromyagla for 13 years now and it get worse with each passing year. I have been on oxycotin for over 2 years for the pain its the only thing that helps me get through the days. I have to set my alarm clock one hour ahead of time to get up and take my meds. just so I can get up out of bed. My pain is so bad most days that I wish I would just die!! I sit and cry all the time because I hurt so much all over my body. I have had injections tried all medications everything there is for my condition and all that helps is pain medication. I am now addicted to it but I have to take it in order to get through the day and work. I can't afford not to work and my meds cost me around $1,000.00 a month.I am now in looking for a pain clinic to take me because I have no insurance and can't afford that eighter.Will the pain ever stop and will I make it through another day? |
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Carley
22 Jun 2010, 14:40
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| I was just diagnosed with RA about a month ago. I started getting symptoms when I was a senior in high school, just 17. I had pain in my right big toe, feet, and my left index finger. 3 years later at 20, my rheumatoid factor was positive along inflammation in my blood, and everything hurts. I have slight erosions on a few joints, but nothing terrible. My neck started up a couple weeks ago, which really scared me. My rheumatologist put me on methotrexate and I just took my first dose yesterday. He never told me I had to wait to take the folic acid the morning after, nor do the directions on the pill bottle. I took it along with the methotrexate, but now I'm reading you're not supposed to take it the day of. I was wondering if this is true, or if it matters, or what. If someone could let me know how they were told to take it, that would be great! |
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Fernando
20 Jun 2010, 14:03
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| can ANYONE tell me their experience w/ Anakinra ( Kineret)? |
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MARTY
18 Jun 2010, 19:34
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| i want some info on ropinirole |
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ba
04 Jun 2010, 17:09
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| My daughter got RA at 23. I research the antibiotic therapy for her, and begged the doctor to give it to her for months. She was finally put on minocin, and she was free of pain within 2 years. She is still going strong. Check it out, especially for the newly diagnoised cases. |
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Karen
03 Jun 2010, 17:17
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| I'm on my first month of Actemra. Other RA drugs stopped working although Orencia worked well for two years. Take methotrexate, Ultram, azathioprine, Meloxicam, carisoprodol, Ambien AR, metropolol, Folbic, etc., etc. Continue to work full time as a high school teacher so the stress is overwhelming right now. Aleve Arthritis helps. Mornings are difficult, especially since I have to get up so early. Had neck surgery last year and that helped. Two days after the Actemra injection, I had the best sleep in years but I've been in lots of pain since then. I hope the second dose is better. |
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Michele
03 Jun 2010, 15:23
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| Hi Barb! I too have OA in every joint in my body,my elbows and knees being the least painful of the lot. I've had OA for about 10 years now. I'm 50. It started in my hip and now after 10 years I have it everywhere! I've had surgery to replace worn vertebrae in my cervical spine but after 4 years the pain has returned. I can definitley feel your pain! I was on 800 mg of Ibuprophen 3x daily and Vicodin for breakthrough pain. My PCP now discontinued the Ibuprophen (alot of reflux) and started me on Ultram. It seems to have changed how I perceive pain but if I overdue it walking or sitting or standing it has no effect whatsoever. That's when I cry. People, including doctors, have no idea what or how this pain feels unless they have it themselves. It's debilitating, it's depressing, it's disgusting. I do feel your pain, honestly! |
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Brittney Urban
22 May 2010, 15:26
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| I am 17 years old and I have Juvenile Rheumatoid Polyarticular Arthrits. I
was diagnosed when I was 2 years old. I've defintely had my fair share of
flare ups and swelling. I have been on Methotrexate both orally and by
injection. This has defintely been a big help but it was terrible side
effects, mostly causes a nauseous feeling. Any suggestions on how to stop
them?? Brittney Urban |
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barb
10 May 2010, 22:25
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| i was diagnosed with oa about a year ago im allergic to nsaids and almost all antibiotics . my doctor has me taking vicodin 500 mgs twice daily and predisone 5mgs once a day. most days this works but somedays i cry from the pain.i am very active and cant function somedays cause i have oa in every part of my body. has anyone else had systoms like this |
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Jacquie
27 Apr 2010, 14:14
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| For over a year I have been a "mystery patient" horrible joint pain
everywhere in my body, all tests came back negative. Finally went to
Cleveland Clinic and was diagnosed within the hour! pseudogout or RS3PE.
I'll know more at my followup in4 weeks, but wanted to mention that the
Specialist put me on COLCHICINE and within days I am feeling better! its
amazing and no side affects. good luck all |
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Tish
20 Apr 2010, 10:51
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| Follow up on my comment of May 19 2009. Now nearly a year later. The generic doxycycline brand I was taking decided to reformulate and again my joints started aching and the Rheumatoid Arthritis started to attack every joint in my body. I quickly switched to the BRAND Vibramycin, doubling the dose to two 100 mg per day capsules, and within two months things were getting back under control. After two months I started alternating months between a generic minocycline - one 100 mg capsule per day, and the Vibramycin - one 100 mg capsule per day. Every week I could see improvements, and finally a week ago I noticed that the last hold-outs, my weak wrists, had regained their former strength. I have virtually no symptoms of RA at all. NONE. I can make two fists, (ok...the index finger in my left hand has the tiniest vestige of some stiffness when I curl it up), I have zero joint pains anywhere, I have plenty of energy, can sleep soundly with no pains. Life is good. I know that the demon is lurking inside me just waiting for me to take the wrong pill (should the manufacturer do a reformulation or my pharmacy switch generic brands), but at least I know to look for the symptoms and quickly switch to the BRAND while fining another generic. The reason I switch is this: Minocycline is the drug of choice. It is better able to get deep into the joints. But it can turn your teeth a little greyish after years of constant use. So I minimize those side effects by alternating with it's half-sister drug, Doxycycline (I use the brand, Vibramycin). No side effects, but since I have to buy the Brand product, the price is very high (my health insurance will not cover much of anything when it comes to prescriptions, so I am lucky these work). I feel wonderfully fortunate to have found out about this antibiotic treatment as soon as I was diagnosed, and also lucky to have a Rheumatologist who is willing to prescribe it, as long as it works. When I read about the hazardous possible side effects of other treatments, I just shudder. |
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Billie
20 Apr 2010, 09:43
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| This is my first visit to this site. In October 2009 I was diagnosed with lower lumbar degenerative disease. Since then I have also been diagnosed with OA, restless leg syndrome and ocular roscea, and in the care of a primary physician and a rheumatologist. Currently my meds for OA include: Hydrocodone and Meloxicam 15mg - both as needed. I cannot take Celebrex as it is a sulfur-based drug and I'm allergic to that type of drug [tightness in the chest and severe indigestion]. Has anyone had experience with taking Meloxicam for OA? It would be most helpful to hear from you. |
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Jane
19 Apr 2010, 14:21
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| Anyone out there with good/bad experience with Celebrex? Thanks. |
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Brenda
11 Apr 2010, 19:31
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| I was diagnosed with RA last Nov. I am nearly 68 so feel fortunate it waited this long to appear. I am currently taking methotrexate, 15mg a week. I have had a few very painful "flare-ups". I find that a little marijuana is the most effective drug with, the fewest side effects, that helps me feel like getting up and moving. |
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Teresa
09 Apr 2010, 09:17
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| I have platued out on everything,I will be starting a new drug in 30 days
ACTEMRA.Don't know if I can go that long - terrible pain all day, every
day, I have to work to keep health ins. I do everything I can to stay
mobile.I am scared. Teresa Fusco |
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Mari
09 Apr 2010, 07:45
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| Hello: I feel very sad while I'm reading all these stories. I have been
diagnosed with RA since 2008 (30 years old)and the whole year was horrible
because of the lot of pain I was feeling all the time. Now I'm a littler
better because of med (methrotexate 15 mg/weekly inj)but every single day
I'm in pain. I feel tired all the time and my mood changes a lot. I was using relafen, prednisone, ibuprofen, folic acid.My Dr want to try another treatment with Rituximab but I don't becuase I want to have a baby soon, so I decide that I just going to stop any medication at all. |
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Jane
01 Apr 2010, 08:21
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| I have RA for 4 years unresponsive to other meds. I just started on ACTEMRA. So far no reaction except for a salty taste which I am not sure is connected or not.Does anyone have any experience with this med? |
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Maria
24 Mar 2010, 23:15
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| Just diagnosed with Osteoarthritis (erosive) and the rheumatologist has prescribed Methotrexate 5 mg once a week and Folic Acid; why not first try less powerful med? this drug scares the living daylights out of me with all its possible side effects like headaches, I suffer from migraines already! He ordered chest x ray and hepatic test also and said would not require me to take the med until after those results but he did not give me any choices of meds, I truly feel I may do alright with swimming, diet changes and milder drugs. I have such anxiety since the diagnosis I am thinking of a second opinion as to the treatment drug. |
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MARC
19 Mar 2010, 06:13
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| Hello Again I started taking Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) last night for the first time, only 1 tab though. What can one expect taking this drug, felt a little dizzy sometime after. I am also on Lyrica twice daily, venlor once daily, tripeline once daily, zopivane at night, some quinine based tab once daily, MTX 1ml(25 mg) inter muscular once weekly and tramal or tramcet as require for pain. One hell of a mix, as what to expect with the new tab I do not know. Had RA now (diagnosed properly) since 2005/2006, I missed the two year window though, my fault. At 41 this really gets to you sometimes, been bed ridden on two occations and in hospital twice as well for the RA. I had to change jobs to suit, no longer on the floor but in the engineering office (company helpd out a lot)of a aircraft maintenance organization, large aircraft. By far the RA is worse now than in the begining. Hope new cocktail works. Regards, Marc.O |
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Anne
11 Mar 2010, 00:10
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| I have been takeing 25mg of Methotrexate once a week and 5mg of folic
acid every day for the past 2yrs,for RA When I started I couldnt walk unaided my husband had to lay me down in bed as I was unable. I could not even pull up my doona if I got cold at night.I was seriosly thinking my future was not worth it,but now I am 99% pain free.I do have a slight curve in my left fingers but slowly they are getting straighter.I'm not having any side affects but I always have my monthly bloods done so my doctor can keep a good eye on any changes |
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Gary Clausing
28 Jan 2010, 17:21
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| My doctor just gave me Limbrel to try. A food supplement that's not OTC? Anyone tried this yet? |
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Georjean McKeeman
22 Jan 2010, 15:12
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| I liked it better when you printed the drug guide in the magazine - it was easier to compare the analgesics and the NSAIDs. Because of reduced kidney function, I have been taken off any NSAIDs and put on Tylenol, which does not fully take away my pain many days. |
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Betsy Beck
17 Jan 2010, 18:27
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| Is anyone taking Limbrel? Can you tell me if it is working and if it has any side effects? |
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bonnie
15 Jan 2010, 23:22
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| was diagnosed w/ ra when i was 16 or 17.now 32 married and mother of 3 energetic and brave little men..9yr and 5yr old twins.it has been getting very hard for me to do simple things that iwas able to do before.ihad my first hip replacement in 2002 very thing was fine fora couple of years till 2008 when i was having trouble walking.i saw a dr where i live and needed to get a hip revision because my hip socket was dislocating.in feb 2009 i had my surgery it was the worst 7wks of my life.i was away from mykids because of complicaions.now still suffering but hopeful with all your stories ineed to try to be openmindedand rely on the dr to give me what i need to be here and watch my children grow.i will be starting on remicaide therapy next week and i am scared to death.i am on 7 mg prednisone and that is pretty all that iam taking for my ra.i thank everyone for your comments i hope i helped.this website has been a good vent for me its a blessing from god that there is so many of us and that we are not alone.please everyone keep up with your hopes and pray to any faith that you belive which gotten me through so much |
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DonnaMarie
15 Jan 2010, 22:53
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| Hello everyone! Last year I was experiencing some very bad pain in my back and body.. I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue. I was put on Tramadol, and Lyica from one dr.. Then i was refered to a different dr and was told i have sever arthritis in back back and hips so then was also put on lodine and plaqunil. so four different pain pills some days they help but some days they don't. Does anyone have any advise on what steps to take next? oh yes I am also only working pt and started working out. So sick of being in pain and stiff all the time. One dr said next step may be medical marijauna, not sure if I want to take that step or not. Iam also have applied for SSI and have been denied. Any help would be greatly appereicated. Thank You, DonnaMarie aka always in pain |
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Peter Mason
14 Dec 2009, 06:26
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| I have RA in my kneck, shoulder and wrists, I have had a knee replacement which is great, I have joined a Gym for gentle exercise and to reduce my weight. I am on Tramadol and paracetamol four times a day which give me bearable relief, I also have PMR which I take prendicalone, and it was amazing the results in six hours were fantastic, except you have to live with the side-effects. Does anyone know if vegetable and fruit juices help, I have tried cider vinegar and the Hayes Diet, not much good, although to be fair the Hayes diet is not easy when you live on your own. |
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Curt
04 Dec 2009, 08:38
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| OOOPS!!! Sorry, I mis spelled the meds, "OXAPROZIN". |
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Curt
04 Dec 2009, 08:35
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| OOps! Sorry I forgot to mention that I've been taken the meds for over 6 months/ sence May 2009. I have a good dr. and he knows that I lost my job for this and he has helped me get through this. |
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Curt
04 Dec 2009, 08:01
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| I currently take "OXYAPROZIN" the generic of "DAYPRO" and I am conserned about the side affects, so far the only ones that's noticeable to me at this point is that I am gasy!!! I have noticed no other side affect. This really does help with my arthitis, when I get up in the morning, I feel fine, I can walk again. I was told that I have "ORTHOARTHRITIS" and it is in my right-left ankles, left knee, right hip, right shoulder. I am only 45 yrs old and I'm still trying to get a hold onthe fact that my body is giving out on me, this "SUX". I don't know what is going on inside my body, but I am waiting to see if anything else is going to happen, me and my body have a pretty good relationship. |
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Sunnie Joy
20 Nov 2009, 12:00
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| I have been on Plaquenil 400mg daily since RA diagnoses 1yr ago.The results
have been pretty good,until recent "flare" alot of pain in feet
bones,ankles,hands,etc.the recurrent episodes of pain are hard to deal with
.I dont care for the pain meds & cant take NSAIDS with Zollinger_Ellisons
Syndrome.What else would help get thru these episodes. Warm water swimming at a local high school $2 a day three times a week has been a Godsend.But not during this... Anyone have any suggestions ? |
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linda j
27 Oct 2009, 18:34
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| I have been diagnosed with accute RA, Fibro and osteoAR. I have been on prednisone 4 mg bid since 04/09. It was like a miracle drug for me. I was actually able to hold a spoon a mug of coffee with only one hand. I have recently gone thru a divorce and I think the stress has caused a really bad flareup. My Rheumatologist has just prescribed methotrexate. After reading the internet blogs, the patient blogs and the medical info brochure... I am scared to death! I am only 57 yrs old, active and am afraid to take a drug used to also treat cancer patients? Please send any advise. I am looking into antibiotic alternatives and will let you know about that. |
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Natural
16 Oct 2009, 09:11
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| I have been on every drug in the book for RA. I have never been given antibiotics. I will certainely ask my doctor. I haven't had the pleasure of being pain free since being diagnoised with RA in 1997. I have had 2 knee replacements. 2 being twice on both knees. Big mistake because the pain and swelling are more intense. I currently take prednisone 10 mg BID, Sulfasalizine BID, plaqenil, Methotrexate, Remicade Infusion. I am taking myself off the Methotrexate because I am losing my hair. Also I am on the cancer drug Imuran. I'm sorry I only have a temporary fix with the Remicade I get every 8 weeks. I was in the middle of a career in entertainment and it hit me. My mother suffered with it for 20 years and because of several combination of medications, they destroyed her liver. Going by statistics that RA usually affect the youngest and oldest, which neither I am, but when I was told I had it, I went into depression and some times now feel I still am. I recently had surgery to repair my right wrist. Now my left ankle and foot is bothering me. It stayed swollen for months. I got a cortison injection and it went down but my weight went up. I've been dealing with my weight for years because of the Prednisone and the steroid injections. I am happy that I came to this site because I have learned a lot from the comments here and will continue to read and give my testimony. Anyone wishing to share can send me an email personally at bettyeb@clayton.k12.ga.us I am getting married next year and need to lose 35 pounds. I will make sure to stay heart healthy. These insurance companies are terrible with paying bills, yet I continue to move forward with faith that one day I will be pain free before I leave this earth. Dreaming...Right? Take care! |
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Leslie
22 Sep 2009, 12:31
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| Hi I'm 29 and diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis. My sed rate and CPR were very high and I was sent to a Rheumatologist who prescribed Indomethacin and Plaquenil.I've been on those meds for over a month now and I don't see a difference. I still feel a lot of pain in my feet (heels) and I got the sausage toes. I had an MRI done because my neck was getting stiff and had lower back pain. Those results came back saying I have bulging disks in my neck and back. Does any one have any advice? |
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Pam
09 Sep 2009, 13:37
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| Janet--I had gastric bypass surgery so medication for me is tricky. I
either have to take Tylenol (which is not that strong of course) or a
narcodic (not productive at work nor do I wish to become addicted). I am
having success with Tramadol HCL. 50 mg will take enough of the edge off
to allow me to function at work, drive, etc and 100 mg will take my pain
away but will make me tired. Might ask your doctor his/her opinion of
Tramadol. Pam |
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Julie
07 Sep 2009, 12:28
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| I am 37 yrs old and recently had a child in December 2008 by February of 2009 I started swelling in my hands and feet. Tests have been run many times to try to figure out what was the problem. All tests come back with signs of RA then I was sent to a rheumatolagist for more tests. I was given Prednisone 5mg taking 1 tablet a day, Methotrexate 2.5mg once a week 8 tablets 4 in the morning 4 in the evenings. The doctor is trying to take me completely off of the prednisone. But then she seems to think that I need to go to the next level by taken other medications with injections like embrel,etc... I really do not want to do more injections since I have been a diabetic since I was 12. I am on an insulin pump for that these sticks are bad enough I dont need more...Can anyone help or give me any suggestions on this please ?????????? |
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jesse swann
20 Aug 2009, 22:07
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| this message is for tish if your reading any of these postings im very interested in what you have to say my husband just got diagnosed with RA a couple months ago and they wanted to put him on methotrexate he is 29 years old and in pain everyday i want to help him in any way i can i dont want him to take this medication do you think the minocin will help him. |
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greg klinker
20 Jul 2009, 20:24
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| I have had type 2 diabetes for the last 6 years. I am taking metformin [1000mg daily]actos [45 mg daily] simvastatin [20 mg daily]. Recently diagnosed with arthrirtis. What prescription/over the dounter meds can and should I take. aleve works well but according to the label 10 days max. What is best? |
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janet
17 Jul 2009, 15:32
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| I have just been diagnosed with moderate osteo arthritis in the knee and i am difficulty coping with the pain, i take co-codamol and ibrufen, any suggestions please fo alternative pain relief. |
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Yazmin
15 Jul 2009, 20:00
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| I'm 29 years old and was recently diagnosed with RA. RA factor came back
at 1000....extremely high. Doc prescribed Methotrexate and
Prednisone....he told me about harmful side effects to liver, lungs and
kidneys. Is there any other medications which I can take...that are not as
harmful on organs??? Maybe something natural? Please help |
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Yazmin
15 Jul 2009, 19:56
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| I'm 29 years old and was recently diagnosed with RA. RA factor came at 1000...extremely high. Doc placed me on Methotrexate and Prednisone....side effects seem very harmful. Is there any other medication that I can take, that is not is not as harmful??? Maybe something natural instead? Help |
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Marie
13 Jul 2009, 13:29
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| I have Fibro & OA. I tried everything on both subjects, and nothing seem to work. My doc put me on Armix and so far so good. I was Savella for a week and started to get bad stomach pains. I am taking Lyricia, Cymbalta, flexeril, Skeletain. Nothing seem to help me except Marijuana. It helps my muscles to relax, and I feel comfort with it. It lift me up, where I can do my chores, like vacuming not so painful. Alot, people do not understand this is a natural drug, and helps alot of people with all kind of chronic pain..They use it for cancer patients. Why not Fibro Patient? |
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vickie
07 Jul 2009, 09:38
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| ok i had a stint put in for my heart in january sence then my right leg has bothered me bad at times and some times my left now i have to go to another doctor this doctor is saying i may need a stent in my leg meanwhile my doctor has given metramadolfor my other aches and pains i know i have arthritis but is this a good drug and does any one know why all of a suddenly mylegs are aching he said poor circulation butwhy they didnt before thanks vickie |
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Kamary
25 Jun 2009, 09:58
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| I am a 25 y/o and very active. I have apparently had RA for years and was finally diagnosed in early 2009. Multiple procedures done for years; trigger finger surgeries, cortisone shots in fingers. I started mtx, plaquenil, clinoril, remicade infusions, and predisone. The dr. tells me i am atypical due to the severe affects on my lungs, pleurisy. Still no pain relief. Just trying to figure out a baseline at this point. |
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Joyce Lancaster
23 Jun 2009, 21:09
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| I Have Cerebral Palsy and take Naproxen it's good you print the side effects Some Dr's over prescribe meds. |
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Debbie
21 Jun 2009, 18:29
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| I too am interested in the supplement that Carla is talking about, but seems to be omited from her 5/9 post. Could you please let me know what it is. Anything is worth a look at when it comes to RA. |
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tammy
17 Jun 2009, 15:18
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| I have been dianosed with arthritis about 4 years ago and DRS. said I had rhemotoid but since then been ruled out, when I first started having symtoms I was having pain everywhere , DRS. put me on prednizone and plaqunil the medicine has helped me get back to my life but still dont know what kind of arthritis I have test after test.Does anyone else have this problem? |
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Catheirne
13 Jun 2009, 13:49
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| Has anyone had an experiences with Simponi or know where I could find some patient reviews? |
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Lois Ciaburri
11 Jun 2009, 19:54
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| Can anyone tell me if they have taken rituxin and what there experience was with it and also arava i have read about people who have taken it losing hair and teeth and internal bleeding can anyone tell me about this |
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Lynn Olive
06 Jun 2009, 14:48
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| I was diagnosed with RA in 86. I am now almost 62. I was on a pill form of gold for 10 years before I went out of remission. Since then I have been taking plaqunel. I am now experiencing pain and swelling in the balls of my feet and my first finger joints. I also have a new Rheumagologist. He suggests methotrexate. I also have congestive heart valve, my second mitral replacement was 9 years ago, and a pacemaker/defibrillator. Too top that off I was diagnosed with Celiac disease two years ago. The side affects of the methotrexate scare the heck out of me. I am trying to see what other options I may have. |
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Linnell Naughton
01 Jun 2009, 18:38
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| why doesn't carla say which..natural supplement helped her so much.It may help others, can she share please? |
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Robert
26 May 2009, 15:43
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| Hey.........I'm 79 and have been the Naid route, then Hydrocodone and now Oxycodone but, 4 - 5 times a day and the side effects!!!! I'm gonna look into the antibiotic route. Thanx ever so much for that testimony. |
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Tish
19 May 2009, 09:52
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| I am very disappointed that this magazine totally ignores the antibiotic approach to treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted over the past four decades with results published in well recognized medical journals showing on the average a 75% very good response to Minocin and to Doxycycline. When I was diagnosed in the fall of 2006, the first three months were spent trying to treat with NSAIDS, which were of absolutely no value. Then, after having done intense online research, after reading dozens of journal articles and a few books on the topic, I asked my Rheumatologist to put me on Minocin. He did...100mg once a day. Within 3 weeks the effects were noticeable. Within 2 months my flares had totally stopped. Within 6 months any evidence of the disease had disappeared. I stayed on Minocin for 6 months, then switched to Doxycycline, using a generic tablet, 100mg once a day. For the next 12 months I was totally symptom free, I had reduced the dosage to three times per week. Then I changed pharmacies and received a different generic brand. After three months, flares started up. Things went spiraling downwards. I finally realized that possibly it was the generic brand change that caused the problem. I was almost ready for a wheelchair...my hands became paws, getting up out of a chair was a tremendous feat of accomplishment. Went back to the original brand, (that was December 2008) and now (May 2009) am again virtually symptom free. (Dosage was upped to 100 mg 2xday). I can turn the key in the ignition with no problem, I only have one finger that is stiff (probably permanently so). The antibiotic treatment will work for many people (I personally know someone who went from a wheelchair to a relatively normal life using minocin, was on it 12 years, has been drug free for the past three years, and is still in complete remission of the disease). This magazine is paid for by the drug companies who do not want you to know that a $15 a month prescription could well do better than your expensive biologic treatments. For that reason, I am cancelling my subscription to this magazine. They do not cover ALL treatments equally!! I encourage them to contact me and my doctor if they have any questions. |
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Deb
10 May 2009, 12:14
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| to Carla regarding her 5/9 post. That is the natural supplement you are on? My dad is 81 and suffering! Thanks! |
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carla
09 May 2009, 20:06
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| I have had RA for over 25 yrs. I have been on every drug available. Some
worked well, others never worked. I was on Prednisone for 18 yrs and
methotrexate for 14 yrs and still didn't feel great. I was finally able to
get off of these 2 drugs as well as acid reflux med and HRT med with a
natural supplement. That was 4 years ago. I got something from this
supplement that NO drug every gave me, HOPE. I feel so blessed to have
found a product that builds up my immune system and reduced the
inflammation in my body. That is just the beginning. Don't discount the great alternative supplements available today. They can really change your life. |
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Tyna
22 Apr 2009, 05:50
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| In the past been told I have arthritis in my spinal column and numerous
other places. I also don't know of to many places that don't have bone
spurs. Vioxx "for me" was the most wonderful drug that was made. I could
take one and sunshine. But as you all know this is no more. I've been given
several of the drugs mentioned in the comments above and just went to a
rheumatologist. He started me on 5mg of prednisone 2x a day that was 2
weeks ago. Seems to be working, swelling going down. Oh I should mention
going to ortho for treatment previous. I went in one time my hand was
swelled around the knuckles about 5x the size it should be and pain. X-ray,
MRI and no answer. Anyway I see my med report areas that are diagnosed with
osteoarthritis but he's going to treat me for rheumatoid. Now he wants me
to take the "malaria drug" can't remember the name either. Said it will
take 3 months to actually work. For only 2 more weeks will he give me
prednisone and cut it to 5mg 1x a day for a week then 2 1/2mg for a week.
I've never heard of the antibiotic mentioned above but will definately give
him a call in regards to it. All the side effects including nausea,
vomiting, eye problems, the side-effects sound worse than the problem. I
also have COPD, factory work all your life can do that, so some of the
medications I can't take either. Any more info out there on anyone that has
taken the "malaria drug"? I realize not all will be the but did it actually
work at all for anyone. Also I'm told I can't be on the prednisone for to
long to many side-effects. Take Care. |
|
Mary Ann Snow
21 Apr 2009, 14:23
|
| When I was first diagnosed in 1996 I was put on Naprosan. My body didn't respond well, then I got in to a Rheumatologist and he put me on Plaquenil. This did wonders for the inflamation - nothing for the pain. When I told my Dr that when I took antibiotics for sinus infections I felt great, he doubted me. I then found Dr Browns book as well as an article from Tufts Univ advocating the use of minocycline. I was on it for over 2 yrs and did wonderfully. Until my Dr decided I didn't need to take the antibiotics anymore. He put me on Prednisone for 2 yrs, I gained 60 lbs, and went back to the pain. Needless to say - I've since found a new Dr. |
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edie elliott
21 Apr 2009, 11:50
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| My 17yr old son was recently dx with enthesitis related arthrits. was on prednisone,but weaned off. now using methotrexate and enbrel shots-doing very well. his symptoms started with toe and heal pain-was diagnosed by a rheumatologist, after foot x-rays and a bone scan. Any other sufferers of enthesitis?? |
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sue
21 Apr 2009, 07:41
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| I've been diagnosed with RA - majority of discomfort in heels... is this RA or somethning else? medication isn't working for heel pain... not sure what to expect with RA... |
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Paula J. Kintzel
31 Mar 2009, 01:22
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| I was on mxt, it was reduced due to my lab. Then i became short of breath, ankles swelled up and heart rate stayed above 130 for about 3 months. I was taken off mxt. i was diagnosed with asthma, and saw a cardiologist. The symtoms went away on their own after the 3 months. I am still not on anything but meloxicam for my RA and having small flairs. Not sure where to go from here re: meds. |
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Susan Butler
30 Mar 2009, 10:20
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| OOPS!! Forgot some inportant details in my first post. I was diagnosed with RA over 20 years ago. Started out on Voltaren, then was prescribed the "malaria drug" - can't remember name, sorry. Took them for years. Then went to Arava - hair fell out, liver enzymes when up, severe diarreha for over a year (10-12 tiimes a day). At that point was taken off Arava and began drugs in first post. Hair has never come back like it was - very disappointed about that - I know that's silly. Anyway - more info I should have put in first post. Sorry. |
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Susan Butler
30 Mar 2009, 10:14
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| I have been taking Enbrel Injections, Methotrexate, and Prednisone for quite some time. My bruising mainly on my arms and hands has been horrific. I am 60 years old and realize age has much to do with a lot of things, including my aging skin. Was taken off Prednisone gradually late 2008. Scratches remained and were not healing. I play with my dogs and do some yard work. I was prescribed antibiotics and taken off all the rest of my medication for 6 weeks now. Sed rate has gone sky high and sores are healing but not quickly. What are the chances of the bruising coming back once I am back on Enbrel and Methotrexate? Dr. L. seems to think it was all from the Pred. but since I am off everything now and have no significant easy bruising, I'm not sure. |
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Nell
30 Mar 2009, 09:57
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| I am surprised that you have no information on antibiotics, particularily Minocin, which has been very successful in treating RA, with very few side effects. For anyone interested, read "The New Arthritis Breakthrough" by Henry Scammel which highlights the work of Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown who was a pioneer in antiobiotic therapy for RA. |
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khyati
24 Mar 2009, 04:16
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| My grand mother is having a sever knee pain and its not reducing after taking so many drugs.before 3months she had a knee trasplantation operation..but still pain is as it was..can you give drug guide?thank you |
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Erma
19 Mar 2009, 08:26
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| My 73 year old father has rheumatoid arthritis, severe. He's tried methotrexate/humira/prednisone but to no avail. He is being treated at his local VA hospital. Right now, he can hardly walk. The doctor gave him gengraf, 100 mg, twice a day and then one 25mg once a day. Is this more dangerous because of the side effects? Thank you. |
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lee Reid
15 Mar 2009, 12:04
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| My wife has shoulder pain, it has affected her sleep significately. She
was using 80mg Geodon but it has become so expensive to use. We are looking for an alternative form of this drug that we can afford. Lee Reid |
And also suffering of G.B.SYNDROME from Mar 2008.At present My Doctor prescribed the following medicines for R.A.
1.Calcium Tablet 500mg -1/day.
2.Folic Acid.....5mg. -1/day.
3.Misprosto 100mg with
Diclofenac
Sodium 50mg Tablet...-1/day.
4.Sulfasalazine.u.s.p.1gm-Tablet-1/day.
5.Methylprenisosolone.ip.4mg.Tablet-1/day.
6. Physiotherapy 1 Hour/day.
Now i am recovered 70% from R.A.
Please suggest how to recover completely from
R.A.
Regards,
S.RAJAN.