Guest guest Posted August 24, 2005 Report Share Posted August 24, 2005 ----- Original Message ----- From: Sam Rocci Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 8:39 AM Subject: Drug Review Just wanted make sure I have my drugs straight as far as what each one is doing... a little review now and then is good right? 1.Humira/Enbrel/Remicade: stops the progression, Are they all the same class of drugs (TNF blocker)? Yes, same class but each works a little differently. 2.MTX: DMARD??????, Does it stop progression? It's a DMARD and it slows progression. I'm not sure it can actually stop the progression but if it is slowed enough that's a great start. 3.Prednisone: Lowers inflammation, thus helping in pain relief, in theory. Yes, and almost always in practice also. 4. Folic Acid: necessary why? Will an increase perhaps help with fatigue? Folic Acid helps reduce the side effects of Methotrexate and it is also part of the B Complex of vitamins that your body needs. I don't think it usually does anything for fatigue. 5. Vicoprofen and other pain meds: Help with immediate pain (Can we build up resistance? One tablet used to work really well, now at night I lay there with throbbing hands.... perhaps something new is required?) I'm not sure about that specific medicine but I think we can build up a resistance to any medicine. Some part of our immune system is trying to destroy our joints and if a medication blocks it, the immune system tries to change so that it is no longer affected by the medication. A different medication might work for a while, and then going back to the original medication might work if you try it several years later. 6.Lexapro: Anti-depressant to help with the fact that I am 36 years old, in chronic pain, and take more meds than my 96 year old Grampa! I think so but I'm not sure. 7. Lotensin: high blood pressure med... because the prednisone can raise blood pressure??? I think so but I'm not sure. As usual thanks for the insight... Sam I'm not a doctor so you need to check these answers with your doctor to make sure. God bless. Harold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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