Question
I have recently been diagnosed with RA after being treated for Polymyalgia for at least a year. My doctor has me on 7.5mg Methotrexate weekly, Plaquenil(GEQ)200mg twice daily,Prednisone 2mg daily and Folic acid 1mg daily. She is now talking about Humira or Enbrel. Can I stay on the oral medications for the long haul(with comparable results) as the new injectables are VERY expensive and I have no insurance?
Answer
There is no general answer to your question. Therapy will differ due to your individual presentation. If you are not doing well, meaning that you continue to have swollen and tender joints, then adding additional medications will likely benefit you in the long run. The TNF agents (Humira, Enbrel and Remicade) are very effective but maximizing combinations of oral medications may also yield good results.
