I received an R.A. diagnosis 2 years ago. X-rays of the hands and feet taken at that time showed no erosions. I have been taking 17.5/mg. of methotrexate since that time, and have been feeling quite well. A month ago, I had new X-rays taken. The rheumatologist called with the results. She said there was an erosion in a toe. She commented that the radiologist reported other things, but she said they often “overread” the films. I asked for a copy of the report, and was dismayed to read that the radiologist detected “erosions throughout the hands.” Yesterday I made an appointment to meet with my doctor to discuss the possibility of going on a biological med. Even if the radiologist erred, wouldn’t the erosion in the toe be enough to suggest that the methotrexate alone might not be doing the job? The toe erosion happened silently–no redness, swelling, or pain. I should add that I had a strong positive CCP test result, so I know I’m at risk for more erosions. My questions: Based on the above description, do you think a biological med would be a good choice? Do radiologists frequently overread X-rays? What should a patient do when a rheumatologist and radiologist disagree? Do you have suggestions on how to best communicate with my doctor about trying a biological medicine?

I am on Methotrexate, Arthrotec, and Coversyl(ACE inhibator for high blood pressure) Recently I have developed a dry non-productive cough. Could the cough be from the Methotrexate, RA itself, Coversyl, or a cold? But I have no other signs of a cold. I read that a cough is one of the side effects of both the Methotrexate and Coversyl. Can you please help me sort through this.

I didn’t notice answers to this, so i wanted to check with you. I have a few questions I hope you can answer that new RA people also might need to know: 1) I was wondering what the “best” medicine was that held the least side effects? I am worried about long term side effects. 2) How long can you be on 5mg of Predisone before you need to be off due to problems? And if 5mg daily works, do you need other drugs? 3) Are there natural things that can actually help with inflamation? Rigth now, the Prednisone actually keeps all inflamation away (right now on 10mg and going down to 5 in 2 days), i have some bone pain in knees, but pain killers could help that, was wondering if there were natural ways of taking non-prescription items that could help instead of Prednisone. 4) Do you have new drugs in the testing field by chance with less side effects we might see in 10 – 15 years? Thank you for your time.

I understand this has just been approved by the FDA for RA. Just wondering if you have prescribed it yet and if so how have your patients done? Also, does it have the “MS like symptoms” as a side effects like enbrel, humira and remicade? Any other thoughts on this new medication??

Does taking methotrexate increase the risk of developing heart disease? If it interfers with folic acid will a person’s homocystein levels be affected adversely?

I have been on enbrel for three months my artthritis is well-controlled but I want to get pregnant , question is how soon can I get pregnant after I discontinue enbrel???