Question
My mother is currently on methotrexate (injections)and prednisone for a combination of RA and OA. Her doctor is trying to get her off prednisone and has put her on Celebrex as a more economical method to control inflammation. We are unable to afford the Enbrel or the Humira methods. Has there been success using Celebrex? Are there other more economical alternatives than Enbrel and Humira that can be tried? She also has stomach problems with many meds, so that is why the celebrex was suggested, it was said that it would be easier on her tummy.
Answer
Your question involves a complex treatment decision and should be discussed with her rheumatologist. In general, I agree with attempts to limit prednisone use by substituting Celebrex, to avoid prednisone side effects. However, Celebrex and prednisone are not disease modifying drugs like methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, Orencia, Rituximab. Unfortunately, all of the biologic agents mentioned above are very expensive if not covered by insurance. Some might add oral medications sulfasalazine or plaquenil (hydroxycholorquine) to methotrexate. You might also consider becoming involved in clinical trials of one of the new biologic agents.
