Methotrexate is known to be effective as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), but several studies in recent years have shown that a methotrexate combination with another drug makes it even more effective.
Arava. In a study of 263 patients, those taking both methotrexate and Arava (leflunomide) were more than twice as likely to experience improvements in joint problems, pain and ability to function than those taking methotrexate with placebo.
Enbrel. In a study of 682 people with rheumatoid arthritis, a combination of methotrexate and Enbrel (etanercept) provided a better response than either drug alone. After 52 weeks, 85 percent of patients on the combo had achieved at least a 20-percent improvement compared to 76 percent with Enbrel alone and 75 percent with methotrexate alone.
Humira. Of 60 RA patients who were not responding well to methotrexate, 40 of 45 patients taking both Humira (adalimumab) and methotrexate achieved at least a 20-percent improvement within four weeks; some within 24 hours. Only four patients receiving methotrexate and placebo improved in that time.
Kineret. In a study of 419 people, 46 percent of patients taking Kineret (anakinra) with methotrexate showed at least a 20-percent improvement in joint counts, pain, function and erythrocyte sedimentation rate; only 19 percent of those taking methotrexate with placebo improved.
Orencia. A study of 638 patients in whom rheumatoid arthritis was not well controlled by methotrexate showed that methotrexate plus Orencia (abatacept) was more effective at easing RA symptoms than was methotrexate alone. At 12 months, 29 percent of those given the combination had achieved at least a 70-percent reduction in pain and stiffness compared to six percent of those given methotrexate only. Two additional studies showed the methotrexate/Orencia combo also reduced structural damage.
Remicade. A study of 1,049 people with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis showed that a methotrexate combination with Remicade (infliximab) was superior to methotrexate alone in preventing progression of joint destruction, reducing disability and increasing clinical improvement. Six months into the trial, patients treated with only methotrexate already had significantly more joint damage than was evident in X-rays of people taking both methotrexate and Remicade.
Rituxan. In a study of 517 patients with active RA, 51 percent of those given Rituxan (rituximab) with methotrexate had achieved at least a 20-percent reduction in pain and stiffness within six months of starting treatment, compared to 18 percent of those receiving methotrexate alone. Twelve percent had achieved a 70-percent reduction, compared to only one percent of those receiving methotrexate alone.
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Methotrexate Combos: When Two Drugs are Better Than One
By Mary Anne Dunkin
Have you tried modifying your diet? That HELPS a lot....you have no idea. Start by eliminating all red meats and wheat. Then start with a journal writting down everything you eat (even a piece of candy) and how you feel the next day. That way you'll find out that some days you may feel better or worse than others....that it's related with your diet. With that journal you'll be able to find out with foods react with your RA.
I started a year ago modifying my diet and I'm pain free.....it'a challenge, but trust me is worth it!
Hople this helps :)
Lu
Advil and Excedren helped me get through some tough days. i will tell you me story. It my help but this is what I went through. I know this can be hell. It is easier looking back. My RA is getting worse so the medication is changing. I will pray for you to get to a solution.
I am a male 66 years young. I started getting RA around 45. It started in my shoulders. It was so painful i was hoping it was a torn rotaterculp. It took about 12 to 16 months to find the problem. I went on Plaquenil, Folic Acid and another drug I cannot remember. It was helpful but i still had some pain. Then came methotrexate. I started on three a week with Plaquenil and Folic Acid. I used to supplement that with Naprosen. Eventially, my methotrexate increased to 8 per week but I stopped taking Plaquenil. In a month I will start Rituxan.I can't wait. I had a blood test in February and my Liver function increased. We cut my methotrexate to 4 a week. I have not recovered so this is a blessing
fibromyalgia
and
spondylosis cervex
as im trying to see which one i have
my neck aches all the time, and lower back ive just had cat scan and doc says yes i have wear and tear of neck and lower back, if i walk far im totally worn out like ive had a run, its just not me thanks
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