DMARDs for Arthritis Q & A

I am 77-years-old and was diagnosed with RA 7 months ago in August. I was treated with medrol alone for 5 months. (8 mg down to 6 mg). Every time the Medrol was cut, I had a flare. In January, injectible MTX was added at 10 mg. Medrol tapered over time to 4 mg. Shortly after reaching 4 mg dose, I had a flare. MTX dosage will be increased to 12.5 mg., medrol back up to 8 mg. My rheumatologist seems reluctant to try Enbrel or some other biologic. Wants to wait 6 mos. (which will be 1 yr after diagnosis). The medrol has raised my blood pressure, caused fluid retention, bruising and severe muscle weakness. My GP does not want me on chronic steroid treatment and is having trouble controling my bp. Rheumatologist believes that is unreasonable to belive that I can do without steriods. I have a number of other health issues: high blood pressure, stomach problems, asthma (for which I don’t take inhalers) history of TIAs. I want to get off the steroid. It is killing my stomach. Actonel causes great stomach distress. I am concerned about bone loss from the steroid. Forteo has been suggested, but I am frightened of the possible side effects. Am I not a good candidate for Enbrel or some other biolgic agent? Is it prudent to wait another 6 mos. before trying a biologic? All that I read says that MTX and a biologic together are better than either alone.

Can enbrel cause you to miss periods?

I have used Enbrel for over a year. The injection sight went away but now is back along with thick patches of red itchy skin on my arms. Can stress be causing this for the last 6 months?

I have RA, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Anemic and high blood pressure. I am taking Arthrotec, MTX, Prednisone, Coversyl, and Tiazac XC. I am waiting to see a Rheumatologist for biological medications. I am still having alot of pain even when I increase the Prednisone. I have tried exercise, rest, phyical therepists, hot and cold. I have even tried to trick my brain into beleaving that I don’t have pain. Is there any thnig that I can do to help with the pain that does not include more drugs or something that I have not tried.

I have behcets disease which affects my joints, digestive system , skin and eyes, I have tried azothiaprin but was found to have a gene that means I was unable to break it down and became ill, I have since tried infliximab/methotrexate combination but found that my symptoms were being controlled for less time with each administration. I also started to become very breathless, both these drugs were stopped and I was given fortnightly injections of humira, the effects of which are not lasting above a week methotrexate was re-introduced and the breathlessness returned within days, I am still on the humira and am to be put on to another drug in combination with it in place of the methotrexate, I do not know what yet. I have been on 25mg of prednisolone also for approx 2 yrs now reducing am down to 13mg daily. Can you tell me what alternatives there are to the methotrexate to be used in combination with humira, and also if you think that the reduction in steroids is contributing to dramatic return of symptoms.

I am a woman (56) suffering from rheumatoid arthritis my doctor has suggested regular & prolong use of a mdecine called Aviva. Could you please let me know whether this drug has any known side effects and Would you advise it’s prolong use for rheumatoid arthritis.