What RA medications are options when Orencia stops working, especially with heart failure and diabetes?
It sounds like it's time to talk with your rheumatologist about switching medications since Orencia isn't controlling your RA anymore. The good news is there are several options that may work better for you.
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What RA medications are options when Orencia stops working, especially with heart failure and diabetes?
It sounds like it's time to talk with your rheumatologist about switching medications since Orencia isn't controlling your RA anymore. The good news is there are several options that may work better for you.
Some RA medications that members have found helpful include:
* Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate, sulfasalazine, or leflunomide
* Other biologic medications such as Humira (adalimumab)
* Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which has been shown to help control inflammation and may even lower the chances of diabetes complications
For managing flares while you transition to a new medication, your doctor might recommend:
* NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for short-term relief
* Corticosteroids to quickly reduce inflammation, though these should be used cautiously with diabetes as they can affect blood sugar levels
It's especially important to discuss your heart failure and diabetes with your rheumatologist when choosing a new medication. Some DMARDs like methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine may actually have protective effects for the heart, while certain medications need closer monitoring with your conditions.
A myRAteam member shared that finding the right medication sometimes takes trying different options, so don't get discouraged if the first switch doesn't work perfectly.
March 4