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I am new to this diagnosis and haven't started meds yet. I feel my RA is not severe. What is the best tolerated starting chronic medication?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
New Braunfels, TX

I am about to go to my follow up with rheumy to establish management. I have been tracking symptoms and I am not that terrible... feet and hands are always stiff and painful but I can take a lot of pain. My handwriting is suffering and I am exhausted.

I won't be able to afford biologics. No insurance. Can't afford premiums.

I can't be on prednisone every day (although I wish I could!)

So what's left is plaquenil, methotrexate, sulfas, avana.

In your experience, which one has the least side… read more

May 24, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members responded to someone newly diagnosed with RA and seeking the best-tolerated starting medication, with most recommending Plaquenil as... Read more

Members responded to someone newly diagnosed with RA and seeking the best-tolerated starting medication, with most recommending Plaquenil as having fewer side effects initially, though several noted that methotrexate (despite causing fatigue, nausea, and hair loss for some) ultimately proved effective, especially when taken by injection to reduce stomach issues. Several members emphasized that biologics should not be ruled out due to cost, sharing that pharmaceutical patient assistance programs and marketplace insurance options can make even expensive treatments surprisingly affordable. A recurring theme was the importance of working with a responsive rheumatologist, tracking symptoms carefully, and being open to adjusting medications as the disease progresses.

A myRAteam Member

Hi, I generally don't do well with medicines (I tend to have more side effects than most), and so my dr. put me on plaquenil. He described it as the one with the least possibility of side effects.

May 24, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Try gold injections good at the beginning. Accupuncture also effective

May 27, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I've had humira, enbrel and now on xeljanz. All have payment assistance! Don't discount the biological because of the cost!talk to your rheumatologist and check out the websites for the meds.

May 26, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I've heard people on here say to phone the drug companies as they can help with the cost.

May 25, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Methotrexate is very cheap and is usually the 1st medicine the Rheumys prescribe for RA. I took the injections instead of the pills in order to bypass my stomach..therefore no nausea or side effects. It stopped working after 2 yrs. Plaquenil didn't do anything for me & it is hard on your eyes if you are on it a long time. I'm allergic to Sulfa so went on Arava. It is working very well for me with no side effects. I hear that Prednisone causes a lot of weight gain.

May 25, 2016

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