The side effects are not worse than RA that is not true. Because everyone who has RA untreated will suffer and die. Greta I have taken Xeljanz for 11 years and because I have no history of heart problems and I was very active I never developed blood clots. Azanthioprine has the same risks as any RA immunosuppressant. If Orencia is helping you it is an immunosuppressant just like all of them and that may be your treatment of choice. Walking strengthens your lower calf muscles and I walk almost 2 or more miles a day when I first had RA. Everyone is different on here and what works for one does not always work for the other or majority and that does not mean it needs to be written off for everyone

Karen that’s a loaded question! Medication is different for all as we are all different. Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist. Hopefully the good people here can share their experiences but just keep in mind that what’s good for one is not good for others and vice versa

The only real danger is not doing anything about your RA. Because I have seen people who absolutely refuse any type of treatment and they thought smoking marijuana was going to continue to help with the pain. It helps some until your organs start breaking down because of untreated inflammation. This was maybe 4 years ago and very very sad to see.

I took Imuran for about a year. I developed 5 basal cell cancers on my back and one on the top of my right ear. It took a section out on the top of my ear. I was switched to xeljanx which caused me to have blood clots in both legs and both lungs. The side effects of these meds is worse than the RA itself. I presently am taking Orencia infusions. No telling what it’s doing to me.