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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Essex United Kingdom

What is peoples opinion on these ? Which one do i go for ??

November 19, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal experiences comparing methotrexate and sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis, with responses ranging from... Read more

Members shared deeply personal experiences comparing methotrexate and sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis, with responses ranging from difficult side effects on methotrexate (including nausea, fatigue, and in one severe case, dangerously low red blood cell production) to finding it highly effective, especially when combined with folic acid and other medications like Plaquenil or biologics. Several members emphasized that medication response is highly individual, with some thriving on methotrexate while others needed sulfasalazine or entirely different treatments like Humira, Enbrel, or Leflunomide to find relief. A recurring theme was the trial-and-error nature of finding the right treatment, the importance of early diagnosis and understanding your specific type of RA, and the value of asking your doctor about your disease markers and joint damage to guide medication choices.

A myRAteam Member

Hi! Consider asking what type you have and what the preferred course of treatment is for that type. Also consider asking for an estimate of your joint damage and how long since the disease started becoming active. What I learned was that the earlier the diagnosis, the better chance of remission. Also, there are more than 100 types of RA! Although your type can change over time, knowing its characteristics will help you defeat it. My understanding is that the type also drives the medications. RF positive or negative? CCP positive or negative? Sed rate normal or outside normal parameters? Just a few thoughts. Hope it helps.

November 19, 2018 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

I started on methotrexate about 10 years ago and still taking it. After about 3 years they added Embral. Then last year they also added sulfasalazine. So I take all 3. They all help to some extent, but still get flare ups.

November 24, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I cant do methotrexate

November 19, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I was on methotrexate, but it did nothing for me except make me sick, then Enbrel, Now on Plaquenil and weekly shot of humira. I have never tried sulfasalazine. Methotrexate works well for a lot of people. I just wasn't one of them. Hugs.

November 19, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I have been on methotrexate for a year and a half.. Works somewhat, but definitely needs supplementation from other meds (at least for me). Tried sulfasalazine as an add-on, didn't really do anything.

November 19, 2018

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