DMARDs for Arthritis Q & A

If you get pregnant while taking methotreate, will I abort it?

I have Ankylosing Spondalitis and have had 8 Remicaid infusions so far, at 8 week intervals. The first 6 treatments left me feeling fantastic within a day of the treatment. The last two infusions however, have left me feeling exhausted and nauseated for 5 days before returning to normal. Could this be a sign of toxicity associated with Remicaid? What are the symptoms of toxicity?

Why did injectable MTX suddenly become unavailable a few months ago? Will it be available again? I have lived the RA adventure for 41 years now (diagnosed at age 17), & have lived thru NUMEROUS medications. Was one of the first RA “test” patients on MTX. Had very positive results on injections for approx. 18 years (intestinal system can’t tolerate oral MTX). Body has reacted to lack of MTX w/ extremely severe crisis flare. Will injectable MTX be available again?

I want to know that what should be the minimum level of haemoglobin to start the methotrexate?

After recent consults with the Mayo Clinic, Yale University and Harvard/Brigham Womens Hospital — it has been suggested that I engage in blood pheresis (Prosorba Column) as an alternative to previously failed treatments for my severe and erosive RA. Do you have more current research findings for this experimental therapy and can you provide me with the major pro’s and con’s associated with the process from your own perspective? Iam a 52 year old female who has had the disease for 20 years. I am also a DES-Daughter who had clear cell carcinoma at age 18. My surgeon hailed from Johns Hopkins. The now deceased, Dr. Clyde Randall. Thank you for your help.

My question is regarding TNF medications. Last March while on remicade, I had sever headaches for a month followed by lighheadedness and blurry vision. Went immediately to my optomalogist and he was shocked I could not read past the second line on the chart. He also said I now have nystagmus. At this point I went to my rheumy and told him what is going on and he immediately took me off the remicade for six weeks. I was then put on Humira which is now been seven months. My optomalogist in Dec. sent me to a neurologist because the nystagmus is still there. My MRI and MRA with contrast was unremarkably clean . The neurologist seems to think it is the Humira or TNF meds causing this. Should I be taken off the Humira for a period of time to see if this is what is causing it? If so how long would it take to resolve? Does this mean I am not a canidate for any of the TNF’s? I am going to discuss this with my rheumotologist on Friday but would like some more input on CNS disorders while on TNF meds. Last question: what are the odds of getting MS and RA? What would you recomend at this point. Thank you 44 year old woman RA 3 years, Asthma, migraines Meds: Humira every two weeks, MTX 15mgs once a week, folic acid, frova as needed, prevacid for GERD.