Rheumatoid Arthritus - Question

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm new to this group. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis in my hands

about 7 weeks ago. I was prescribed sulfasalazine 6 weeks ago and it didn't do

anything for my pain and inflammation.

The Rhematologist wants me to continue on the sulfasalazine and he added

Methotrexate 2.5 mgs. 3 tabs in the a.m. and 3 tabs in the p.m.,,and also take

folic acid 1mg daily. I'm really nervous about taking the Methotrexate,,the

doctor said its a chemotherapy drug and I just don't like anything that

suppresses your immune system. Does anyone else take this drug and if so what

how does it work for them and what do they think about it?

Cloverskies

[Guest guest]

Cloverskies,

I'm been taking Methotrexate for a few years now. I find it helpful had to

gradually increase it every few weeks but it work great once it was in my

system. but I of course don't like the side effect of it either. I did not

have any side effect. One side effect is the hair loss. I do have very thin

hair but it's run in my family. Some people find it helpful and others don't.

I wouldn't worry about the side effect I mean if it's that bad tell your Dr and

he will wean you off it and put you on something else. I hope this work for

you. Any more questions please feel free to E-mail me.

loveyouhun

Cloverskies wrote:

I'm new to this group. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis in my hands

about 7 weeks ago.

I'm really nervous about taking the Methotrexate,,the doctor said its a

chemotherapy drug and I just don't like anything that suppresses your immune

system. Does anyone else take this drug and if so what how does it work for them

and what do they think about it?

[Guest guest]

Hello!

I took both for moderate arthritis...didn't help much. I also

didn't have too much in the way of side effects except some nausea.

I still take the sulfasalizine, have tried Humira and now on Remicade.

It has worked the best for me, but everyone's different. I wish

you the best of luck and hope you don't have to go further. I worried with

Methotrexate, but I worried more with Humira and now more with Remicade.All the

potential side effects are unpleasant,but I guess it's a matter of pick your

poison!

Welcome,

Debie

[Guest guest]

It took me about 6 weeks before the Sulfasalzine helped my back. I too have RA

affecting many parts of my body. They put me on Enbrel and that has helped more

than anything. Gwen

[Guest guest]

Since rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, the immune system has to be

depressed to prevent the damage RA does to the joints.

That's why those type of medications are used.

Jennette

Cloverskies wrote:

>I'm new to this group. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis in my hands

about 7 weeks ago.I'm really nervous about taking the Methotrexate,,the doctor

said its a chemotherapy drug and I just don't like anything that suppresses your

immune system.