I have taken both. Methotrexate seemed to help me but It caused my liver enzymes to elevate higher and higher. I had to quit taking it for that reason. Been on Hydroxychloroquine for a long time 10+ years. I felt better and it seemed to help. In fact I am still taking the Hydroxychloroqune. I will be 55 soon, getting to the point that medicine doesn't help my pain. I push through and often find myself sitting down and taking frequent breaks. I have even had to take one day at a time. If I had to do it all over I would still try anything to make me feel better. Just remember everyone reacts differently. I have had been on many different medicines. Every one of them did help for a time before side effects.

I don't remember it was after 2011. I had Liver issues in 2010 and knew it might be a possible problem. I wanted to try it, they where having a lot of problems finding something to help my pain. If my memory recall is right they tested my blood the day they recommended trying it. My liver levels had been going up and down. I had to have blood drawn every 2 months, while taking it.

HI :) I am 53 and just diagnosed with RA a couple of months ago. They have me taking meloxicam and hydroxychloroquine. I've gained a LOT of weight this year :( I guess due to inactivity from the exhaustion. This year every single month, it was like something else on my body was hurting but nothing was getting better and each month it was something else to add to the list. . . .luckily I have a dr who listens and he did X-rays, MRIs, and then tested for RA and sure enough, that's what it is so I went to Rheumatologist. After being on the hydroxychloroquine for about 6 weeks, I am just now beginning to think it may be ??? starting to help. No huge improvements yet in swelling of hand/finger joints and feet. . . .but I don't feel the extreme exhaustion everyday now like I was dealing with. Good luck!! And yes this is overwhelming and shocking! But like you, I was thankful to be diagnosed so at least we know for sure what is wrong.

Losing a lot of hair with methotrexate

SM10 Thank you! My next RA appointment is January 20th. I started back on the methotrexate yesterday. I was only off of it for two weekly doses. I am noticing increased pains in my hands, periodic pain in my knees and increased morning stiffness. I have decided I don't want to live in pain anymore and I don’t want to fear the side effects of methotrexate. I am definitely going to ask about Salazopyrin. I am leaning towards asking to go off the Methotrexate. I am so afraid it’s going to mess with my lungs. Thank you for your recommendation! ❤️😊