Question
I have RA for about 4 years but the X ray after those years came out normal, so the is no damage on my joints.”so far”, I went to the Doctor cause I was having pain on my whole body, specialy in the mornings and night. I told the doctor I want to get my wife pregnag this year and I do not want to take methotraxate before I’m done with my baby .the doctor put me only on 10 mg of prenidsone and I FELL GREAT!!!! , so can I just be on prenidsone???? thanks!!!!
Answer
Dear Arturo,
Prednisone can suppress the inflammation and the pain very effectively. However it is associated with significant side effects ( high blood sugar, high blood pressure, thinning of the bones to mention just a couple). In addition it has not been proved to decrease the long term impact of the arthritis inflammation on the joints ( joint destruction). Thus the answer is that you cannot just be on prednisone. You will need to be back on methotrexate. You could discuss with your rheumatologist whether you could be on a medication other than methotrexate while you are trying to have a baby. For example a medication called Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is not associated with baby deformities, may allow you to be on a lower dose of prednisone while it wont have any effect on your fertility .
