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I have had RA for a year. Was started on Methatrexate, Enbrel which worked for a year. Due to severe nausea, I had to stop both. My doctor put me on Arava. The loading dose of 100mg a day worked, but when I went on the maintance dose of 20 mg day, the pain is so severe that life is almost imbearable any suggestions for medications to try. Cannot see rheumatogist for months, and my medical doctor is managaing my RA. He says if I will let him know what to do, he will order. any suggestions?
Mary testerman
Posts: 1 | Location: virginia | Registered: 07-14-2007
You could try another TNF Inhibitor (like Enbrel), Humira a self-injection, or Remicade an infusion given at the rheumatologist's office, or occasionally at a hospital outpatient center.
Then there's the newer drugs, Orencia (which I'm on now) an infusion, and Rituxan also and infusion. Unlike the TNF Inhibitors, Orencia and Rituxan both target different parts of the immune system. Orencia stops T-cell activation and Rituxan stops B-cells.
If your RA isn't aggressive and you don't like the idea of shots/infusions, or their very high cost (Orencia is $1400 a month, Remicade $1000) you could try one of the older DMARDs - Plaquenil, Imuran, Minocycline, etc. (all pills)
All the meds I've mentioned have their own web sites, you can check them out for more info, usually it's just www. whatever the name of the drug is and .com
That's terrible you can't see your rheumy for so long!! How come?
i take steroids in addition to all my meds. i cant function without them yet. it's not a long term fix but it will help until i find a med that works. also at my dr's office people donate embrel ect to patients that can't afford it and there is a program for people who can not afford remicade or there ins wont cover it. call the ra office tell them you need help if they offer any asst programs or if they need people for a test group of an ra drug then they will give it to you for free. also call your ins co tell them you need help maybe they can help. also call the drug company direct alot of times they will donate the drug to you for free. ask everyone yell it off the mountain tops don't give up don't give up DON'T GIVE UP. you probly think i'm crazy but i was told i had ra 2006 feb. by august 2006 last summer i was unable to walk.drive hook my bra change my 2 year olds diaper. i thought i was dying. three doctors later i got help i got my life back. when i went to the ra dr i had no ins i paid cash for the first visit and told them i had no money or ins. they gave me tons of free samples of anti inflamatories. i commend your dr for helping you but you need a specialist. call them tell them if you cant pay ask them to bill you and pay it off. dont be ashamed you will be surprised at how many people can and are willing to help you.
Posts: 2 | Location: long island ny | Registered: 08-03-2007
Advice? YES! Do not look to drugs for your answers. They all have terrible side-effects, lead to loss of nutrients and disfigurement. I have had RA all my adult life, let the "specialists" work their evil magic, then did my own research. Stop eating animal protein. Countries other than America, where the drug countries brainwash our doctors, have decades of experience and research showing the importance of vegetarian diets in inflammatory diseases. We know meat (and poultry)encourage inflammation, which has been implicated in not only RA but heart disease and cancer. Why would you want to do this to yourself? Then take toxic drugs to counteract what is self-inflicted?? No, you are too smart for that.
JUDY- I want to know more about this vegetarian diet. I hate taking drugs, I'm 22 and when I hear all the side effects it just makes me so angry! I want a natural way to control my inflammation. I take glucosamine and fish oil pills every day. I have started walking every day some days are harder than others but I want to be active again. I want to play sports and run and play with our puppy without rubbing my wrists because they are so swollen. Do you have any ideas about swelling and how to make that goa way. My hands and wrists swell badly and I haven't been able to make them go down! Anyway, I want to know more, send me websites, information, whatever you have. I've only had RA a year and I need more help than what a specialist will suggest!
There is so much info available if you go online, about the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. One good one is pcrm.org//health/prevmed/arthritis.html. There is some really new research from Sweden testing vegan, gluten-free diet. I found Scandinavia does the most research on prevention - in our country only surgery and drug studies are supported. Do this! Good luck!
(Orencia is $1400 a month, Remicade $1000) you could try one of the older DMARDs - Plaquenil, Imuran, Minocycline, etc. (all pills) 
That's terrible you can't see your rheumy for so long!! How come?
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