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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How Many People Who Started Taking A Biologic/Biosimilar Medication Are Still Taking Methotrexate With Their Biologic Medication?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Toronto, ON

I missed a couple doses of Methotrexate and I don't have more RA pain.
Awhile ago the pain in my hands increased, while taking Methotrexate, eventually I was prescribed Erelzi, which is working, my dose of Methotrexate was kept the same.
I am basically asking if Rheumatologists generally keep patients on Methotrexate when the patient is started on a Biologic/Biosimilar medication??
Thanking the myRAteam members, in advance for their informative/supportive thoughts.

October 20, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences about continuing methotrexate alongside biologics, with most reporting their doctors kept them on both... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences about continuing methotrexate alongside biologics, with most reporting their doctors kept them on both medications because they target different points in the disease process and often work better together. Several members described trying to reduce or stop methotrexate once their biologic was working, only to experience increased pain and fatigue that led them back to the combination therapy. A recurring theme was the challenge of finding the right medication balance, with some members needing to stay on both drugs long-term while others were gradually weaned off methotrexate as their condition stabilized.

A myRAteam Member

Biologics can take a while to start working, usually 3 months. Once the biologics start working & your RA is under control, your doctor will probably start tapering you off methotrexate.

October 22, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I am on both Orencia and Methotrexate for about 6 years, but have been on Methotrexate for many years.

October 21, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I was on methotrexate for years then I started having fevers, which really left me on the side line and my rheumatologist changed it to Lefluetimide and I was on that for about 6 or 7 years then the current rheumatologist said that we should try Xeljanz without it and boy was I surprised to feel so much worse so rapidly. Needless to say I am back on it as that is what he told me to do if this were to happen.

October 21, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I am on methotrexate and Enbrel. It takes time for blood levels to build up and these drugs to take effect. You may miss a dose or two and not notice any change in your condition because it takes a month or more after you stop taking them to feel any effects.

October 30, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I've been on methotrexate for about 4 years but it wasn't working on its own so I now inject Simponi once a month as well and since doing that they seem to work perfectly together and I wouldn't be without it now.

October 25, 2019

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