Control of RA with only Methotrexate

[Guest guest]

I am on methotrexate for the last two years(17.5 mg/week). I keep

reading that RA should be treated aggressively with combinations of

Remicade or Embrel with methotrexate to stop destruction of joints.

My joint pain is increasing in the last two years, though very

slowly. My doctor told me that taking Embrel or Remicade makes me

less immune to other diseases.

So, I would like to know whether anyone has been successful in

controlling RA with only Methotrexate.

I should mention here that I take Prednisone of 5 mg/week(a small

dose?)

Thanks in Advance

Kumar

[Guest guest]

I was not successful with Methotrexate alone and now I am on Remicade and pretty well controlled. Many people who are pretty well controlled are not on a site like this so we have mostly people still trying to gain control. I have been on Remicade for about two years and have not had any other diseases since starting it. I'd be much more concerned about the ability to function, bone loss from taking Prednisone, and permanent joint damage from RA than I would be about diseases because of Remicade or Enbrel. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: kshinde887

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 7:17 AM

Subject: Control of RA with only Methotrexate

I am on methotrexate for the last two years(17.5 mg/week). I keep reading that RA should be treated aggressively with combinations of Remicade or Embrel with methotrexate to stop destruction of joints. My joint pain is increasing in the last two years, though very slowly. My doctor told me that taking Embrel or Remicade makes me less immune to other diseases. So, I would like to know whether anyone has been successful in controlling RA with only Methotrexate.I should mention here that I take Prednisone of 5 mg/week(a small dose?)Thanks in AdvanceKumar

[Guest guest]

Hi Kumar,

I used to be on Sulphasalazine, which made me feel terrible, in fact, I didn't realise how many side effects I was having until I came of it.

My Rheumy put me on methotrexate and I was great for about 4 - 5 years, but this last 18 months I can feel myself getting worse again. Hopefully my new rheumy ( still waiting for appointment though lol) will help.

Lynne