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Can anyone share results from being on triple therapy?( methoxytrexate, plaquenil and sulfasalazine).

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Orangeville, ON

This is the last treatment option I have to try before trying a biological. Unfortunately, it has to be done that way to get drug insurance to cover. Just wondering if anyone else uses this cocktail? So far the plaquenil is making me pretty nauseous, but I am only 5 days in.

April 23, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with triple therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, with some finding relief from the methotrexate, Plaquenil, and... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with triple therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, with some finding relief from the methotrexate, Plaquenil, and sulfasalazine combination while others experienced significant nausea, dizziness, and other side effects that led them to switch to biologics or alternative approaches. Several members described serious complications, including one member who developed hemolytic anemia causing dangerous shortness of breath and racing heart, requiring her to stop all medications and start over with a new treatment plan. A recurring theme was the frustration of having to try multiple medications before insurance will cover biologics, with members encouraging each other to stay strong through the process and sharing hope that biologics or personalized diet and supplement approaches eventually provided better relief.

A myRAteam Member

I am currently having the same with shortness of breath and heart racing. I had a stress test done came up with nothing. My RA did not think it was the meds so did not make any changes

April 28, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I have taken all tese meds with minimal side effects. I now am on Humira and Merhotrexate. My RA is under control and i have very limited bad days. I too had to go through the process of these meds to get coverage for the Humira. Hope it all works out for you!

June 26, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I have been on the triple therapy for over six months. We thought it was starting to work, but then I was having shortness of breath. Continuing to get worse I couldn’t climb a flight of stairs without stopping to rest, my heart was racing. My RA Dr. didn’t feel the meds had anything to do with it so sent me to my local pc. More tests for chest and heart showed nothing. Finally was sent to a hematologist. After loads of blood work found I had hemolytic anemia. My body was killing off my red blood cells! My Hemoglobin was an 8, should be at 12. I was then taken off all RA drugs and put back on prednisone. I’ve been dealing with this for over 2 months, numbers are finally climbing back up. Now I have to start all over with my RA Dr with a new plan! It was pretty scary, at times I thought I was having a heart attack. Had panic attacks and had to start on meds for that! Anyone else have this problem?

April 28, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I am currently on all three and also taking predisone and folic acid. It has been a few months now and still see no changes.

April 26, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Clint Paddison program plus taking sulphur crystal supplements...look them up online..all the best

April 25, 2018

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