Needing To Switch Medications, Which Biologic Mediction Offers The Most Improvment With The Least Side Effects?
Needing To Switch Medications, Which Biologic Mediction Offers The Most Improvment With The Least Side Effects?
I have been taking plaquinil and meloxicam for three years. occasionally adding sulfazine and steroids as needed... my rheumatologist wants me to consider taking methotrexate or starting a biologic, I don't know much about any of these, I have done my research, but honestly think the best research I can do is asking all of you and gaining your perspectives. and whats the difference in taking the methotrexate by pill form or injection?
Good for you. I just think methotrexate long term can be damaging to major organs whereas biologics are not as hard on them. Prednisone is another that should not be used long term. I went straight to biologics and my liver and kidney function numbers are great. Just start on smaller dose of biologic. Just something to think about?
I use Humira for a biologic and would switch for anything. I can honestly tell if I have to go off it like when I had knee surgery. The pain became immense again. Humira really does help and for me NO side effects which was awesome.
i started on the pills and my stomach was so upset til almost time to take again. I starting taking by injection and no stomach upset!
I still.think you should reach out to them. If you have commercial insurance and your copay is something like less than 2500 they write it off. It doesn't hurt
Yes I agree methotrexate is a dangerous drug especially if taken long term or high doses. I took it very short time along with remicade and the mouth sores were horrible. There is an alternative to metotrxate it's called Arava (leflonomide). I half a 20 mg pill d a only but now I have stopped because the price went from about $20 to $200. So far only thing I noticed is more fatigue without it. My Dr doesn't know yet. I go on Sept 10 and we will discuss. I will refuse methotrexate and just pray there is a program to help with cost. Hugs to all my RA sisters!!!
