Rheumatoid Arthritis

I just got diagnosed with RA almost 3 weeks ago. My Rheumatologist wanted to put me on Methotrexate right away, but I didn't feel comfortable with taking any type of drugs before I did some research. Now that I've done the research, I'm as confused as when I started. Methotrexate from what I understand has serious side effects and is used for cancer victims and people who suffer from severe RA. Besides a 2nd opinion which I am currently in the process of getting, I would like to know what folks think the most effective drug is out there without having to worry about serious side effects.

Methotrexate alone was not enough for me and I was taking 6 pills/wk, which is a high dosage. After 3 months, my Rheumatologist added Arava, which really worked. My Rheumatologist described Methotrexate as a "front door" drug but sometimes the disease requires a "back door" drug as well. Similar to A & B antihistamine blockers (if you're familiar). The combo worked. Unfortunatly, the only side effect I'm experiencing right now is hair loss, which is substantial. I was prepared for other side effects but not hair loss and I'm struggling to cope but making progress. I absolutely believe in getting a 2nd opinion but don't allow too much time to slip by and the fear of side effects to prevent you from at least starting some type of regimen. Most of these drugs take several months to take affect so the sooner the better. I was diagnosed only 2 months after showing symptoms and it took me another 4 months to finally get some relief. I subscribed to Arthritis Today and received a drug guide with my subscription. I found this to be very helpful. Now that the symptoms of RA have subsided, I'm working with with my Rheumatologist about other drug alternatives to combat the hair loss. In my Rheumatologist's experience, insurance companies want patients to be on Methotrexate for 6 months before approving more effective treatments. Biologics are the most effective but are expensive so most people need the insurance coverage. It turns out to be a game with the insurance carrier and you have to jump through the right hoops to get to the treatments that have the most benefit.

Hi, i was on that same combination, mtx and arava. My hair was falling out by the brush fulls and i did not feel well and it did nothing for my terrible pain and stiffness. Iam now on enbrel and mtx and have been on this over two years ans iam doing great. I still have a bit of pain at night or when we get alot of rain but nothing like i had i could not even hold a cup of coffeee. Hang in there and hopefully that will work if not there are much better drugs now like enbrel and humeria. Stay in touch. Manga

Hi! My dr made me try Methotrexate before moving on to the "bigger" drugs. Methotrexate never worked for me and I stopped taking it b/c I wanted to conceive and it can bring on a miscarriage (it's even given for people who do not want to be pregnant anymore). The insurance company will make your dr attempt a drug like that before moving on to other ones. After Methotrexate didnt work for me, I used Enbrel and Humira and both have worked wonders! I love Enbrel, it makes me feel like RA isn't even there!

Me too, just diagnosed couple weeks ago - what a life altering experience this is !!! - my rheumatologist wants to start me on plaquenil -- says it is the least toxic which I appreciate but concerned of wasting time if not effective. All these drugs are so toxic!!
Also have a history of breast cancer so am not able to take the biologics (humira, etc). Certainly am not looking forward to losing my hair again - does it grow back once methotrexate is stopped??

Hi! I just posted "It can be OK! Really" on this forum but in case you don't end up reading it I wanted to copy it hear so that you can get a sense of hope and possibility for your future health.

As for Meth specifically, I have not had any real side effects, maybe some tireness, and I am traditionally very sensitive to medicine.

My other posting is below, apologies for the repeat everyone.

I came to this site last night because my RA was flaring up and I was looking for a support group. When I started to read what everyone was writing, I must admit I got more freaked out than I was.

Here's my deal, I was diagnosed about 3 years ago with RA. I have been VERY fortunate to thus far have a very mild case. I'm generally not in chronic pain, although I do have flare ups and I am still completely mobile, although sometimes in pain during the flare up periods. I am on 10MG a wk of meth and 200MG a day of plaqenile.

I write this not to highlight my good fortune BUT rather to let people who know have just been diagnosed with RA that it doesn't have to be THAT bad. That every case is different and to encourage everyone to have their own experience. Being fearful of what MAY come will not serve you on your path to good health. I am not saying be all PollyAnna, I am just saying don't meet trouble half way, it will find you if it wants to.

Finally, my support and encouragement to all those folks with RA who are in chronic pain. My heart goes out to you and all that you are working to overcome. Knowing wellness is possible, can be a large part of of your road to recovery.

Otis and others....Good news! I spoke to my doctor about the Methotrexate/Arava combo and hair loss. He took me off of Arava but added an anti-inflamatory (diclofenac). I've been a little creeky but nothing major. I have to admit, I was a little scared to go off the meds that seemed to put me back together but it everything appears to be ok. Also, I decided to take steps for the hair loss. I found out the hair loss is called telogen. Google it - it will explain what & why the hair loss is happening. I'm now taking 800mcg of folic acid and 1000mcg of biotin a day. I haven't seen an improvement yet in the loss but my stylist said she saw new hair growth at my last appt. The only downside to this good news is the color she said the new growth is...."a beautiful shade of gray". Yikes! Don't worry, its not from RA....its from my mother.

Hello,
I haven't been diagnosed yet, I'm due to see my doctor next week. Lately I've been feeling a lot of pain and some swelling in my hands, my right one especially.
When I get up in the morning I'm stiff as a board and the swelling goes on for over an hour. The pain becomes wide spread and begins to affect my entire body.
Also my neck and shoulders are stiff and my ankles and feet throb at times with a great deal of pain. I find myself tired and fatigued and at any given time my body craves a nap.
I'm 45 years old, a wife and mother of two grown daughters, as well as a beautiful grandson.
Sometimes I feel like one big blob of pain. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
I'd appreciate any info.
Lillie