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Controlling RA

Posted , 3 users are following.

md82441
md82441

I had been successfully controlling my RA with Methotrexate for the last 8 years. When one liver enzyme became elevated, my dr took me off mtx and put me on plaquenil and prednisone. Once I stopped the prednisone, the pain in my feet and hands began almost immediately. He now wants me to go on Cimzia along with the plaquenil, but I have read that there is a moderate chance of nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy with this combination. I do not know what to do, but I know I have to get this inflammation back under control. Has anyone else taken Cimzia with plaquenil?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mary76396
    mary76396 md82441

    Posted

    Hi, I was also taken off MTX recently for liver problems and I'm on Plaquenil same as you and now on Cimzia injections. I've not heard of nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy so I will be following replies too. I've been on Cimzia for seven weeks and I'm having lots of pain at the moment which I hope is going to settle down soon.

    • md82441
      md82441 mary76396

      Posted

      Thank you for sharing your experience. I was really hoping to see some relief from the Cimzia faster than what you are experiencing. Does it normally take  that long to produce results? Also I asked my pharmacist about Cimzia and plaquenil and he said many go to a lower dose of plaquenil when on Cimzia to avoid the nerve damage.
    • mary76396
      mary76396 md82441

      Posted

      I was hoping it would kick in earlier than this too but my Husband said he heard Margaret my Rheumy said it can take three months to fully take effect. I have been using two syringes of Cimzia for the first three fort nights and am now two days off my second one injection. I take two 200mg of Plaquenil a day. My wrists are really painful and so are my ankles. I have tingling sensations in my head, legs and face but this was before the meds, I've been to a neurologist who found nothing wrong but maybe it's the RA and not the meds? I will ask Margaret next time I see her. I would talk to your Rheumatoid specialist before the pharmacist as they will have more knowledge. They once queried how much predisnolone I was on telling me I needed a lower dose when in fact a lower dose could have caused blindness!  Good luck with your decision.

  • lynn15111
    lynn15111 md82441

    Posted

    I'd say ask about Humera a TNF inhibitor, proven to work.  I think it worked better than anything else.

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