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Stopping Pain Meds

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Cheyenne, WY

Would like opinions. As I've stated, excluding my right foot, I've had limited pain so far since the RA diagnosis. My pain usually comes and goes in an area but I can tolerate it. My x-rays shows no joint damage yet. Anyhow, I was thinking about not taking the aleve twice a day no longer. He increased my Methotrexate because of my fatigue and right foot hurting, but as I said the pain is tolerable. I know eventually I'll need to take pain meds but why constantly take aleve when I don't… read more

April 15, 2016 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply divided perspectives on whether to continue taking daily Aleve for rheumatoid arthritis when pain feels tolerable, with... Read more

Members shared deeply divided perspectives on whether to continue taking daily Aleve for rheumatoid arthritis when pain feels tolerable, with some advocating for taking as few medications as possible to protect the liver and kidneys, while others emphasized that NSAIDs like Aleve primarily work to reduce inflammation rather than just pain, meaning stopping them could allow disease progression even when symptoms seem mild. Several members recounted painful personal experiences, including one who didn't realize how much Aleve was helping until forced to stop it for lab work and could barely walk by day two, and another who developed stage three kidney failure after 20 years of NSAID use. A recurring theme was the critical importance of working closely with a rheumatologist rather than making medication changes alone, since RA drugs like methotrexate are designed to prevent irreversible joint and organ damage, not just manage pain, and early aggressive treatment offers the best chance of remission.

A myRAteam Member

You can take up to but no more than 1200mg's day, without harm. Anything over that can cause damage to your liver. I tell my patients to take no more the then 1000, "if" needed.

April 16, 2016
A myRAteam Member

thanks for the tip. sometimes I have to supplement with Tylenol for Arthirits which is 850. Aleve makes
holes in my tummy.

April 16, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I am slowly decreasing the mtrx due to horrible side effects. I also keep a detailed daily journal of any aches, pains, thoughts that I can refer to. I am doing this on my own; doctor does not know. I use the doctor
as a reference if I don't understand something. We don't really see eye to eye so I don't tell her. I seriously doubt if my doctor takes the same meds so she has not idea of the horrible side effects. Everytime I tell her
something she insists it is not possible. Good Luck. My wish grandmother taught me at 5 yrs old...to thine own self be true. !!

June 22, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Ive had a very bad stomach due to meds please be careful

April 20, 2016
A myRAteam Member

The most important thing to remember about Methotrexate, a biologic, or similar medication is the primary purpose they serve is to prevent joint damage. There is even the possibility of them putting you into remission ... some have even experienced this permanently. The success stories come during early diagnosis and treatment. So, yes, there is some help with the pain but never forget the meds are to treat the disease. I would coordinate your meds/treatment under the guidance of your rheumy. Sounds like you have to potential to have what we would all like ... remission. All the best. I hope you are able to escape the clutches of this nasty disease. Hugs. =^^=

April 15, 2016 (edited)

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