I've had RA for 35 years. My advice? Trust your doctor. Try the medicines! The side effects are rare and the right drug will help you get your life back. Good luck.

I have taken methotrexate a couple times probably in total about 3 to 4 years and have been on Hydrochloriquine for years. Since your RA is aggressive they are probably trying to get you into remission as quickly as possible with both things. And then probably considering taken you off something one or the other eventually. I would do whatever it takes to feel better.

Hi when I was diagnosed 7 yrs ago....it was so scary. My dr put me on methotrexate.......i noticed it made my hair fall out. Then my dr put me on a biologic,,Embrel...i felt great....and learned ho w give myself a shot twice monthly..it wasnt a big deal..I did not wannt to go back o methotrexate. it scares me.
I can tell yo though it is important to treat it aggressively..especially in the beginning. Otherwise it will try and take over...and once damage is done to a joint...there is no going back.
I dont want to scare you...but this what I did...and in the long run its better...
Also a good medditerainian diet is good...exercise...yoga...
keep in touch !

I have not been on either of those meds, but I can relate to feeling overwhelmed by the new diagnosis experience and the very possible serious side effects of many of the meds used to treat RA. I found this book very helpful in understanding my diagnosis and my treatment options: Arthritis Without Pain: The Miracle of TNF Blockers by Zashin and Hesser. It is specifically about biologics, but it has a good overview of the many options for treatment. If nothing else, I needed a solid vocab lesson and I definitely got it. It was about $10 on Amazon, and so worth it.

When I was diagnosed we were also trying for a baby, so that took methotrexate off the table. I am currently on a biologic, pregnant, and doing well, fyi.

Methotrexate is considered the gold standard of RA care. Often prescribed with other meds. Plaquenil has helped me a lot over many years. Remember drug side effects sound scary but mostly don't happen and finding the right drug can give you back your life..