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Methotrexate vs sulfasalazine??

Posted , 17 users are following.

samantha21778
samantha21778

Hi, new to this. I was officially diagnosed with RA today and they doctor recommended these two for treatment (methotrexate and sulfasalazine). She suggested methotrexate as it seems to be the best. But I am terrified, and I mean TERRIFIED, of the side effects of both. I have a huge phobia of throwing up and would rather not take medication than taking it and getting sick. The doctor says the injections of methotrexate should help with the sickness but I read a lot of reviews on it and it seems people still get sick. Sulfasalazine seems to be the same but not as severe. The side effects of both just seem so awful. I have no idea what to do and am so scared. Any advice and shared experiences will be appreciated.

0 likes, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • steelctygirl
    steelctygirl samantha21778

    Posted

    Dear Samatha, I know your fear. I too was recently diagnosed this past May. Swallowing my first dose of Methotrexate was quite scary however it was preceded by so much pain, I felt I had no choice. Except for two flare ups of RA, it has been working. I have not had any vomiting from Methotrexate. I have had a little tingling & some queasiness but that's it. Hope & pray that all goes well with you!

  • Jayne7831
    Jayne7831 samantha21778

    Posted

    Love taking my injections...no side effects..and I feel that it is saving me so much joint damage.  
  • theodore_1914
    theodore_1914 samantha21778

    Posted

    Ask your doctor to put you on EMBREL 50'mg every two weeks and stop in 6 months with some brake it will reverse better than those old medications I use all HUMIRA EMBREL AND THE REST ANKYLOSIS SPONDYLITIS LOVELY DISORDER SINCE MY 24 years of age start there is risks your immune DOES not know how to stop so as my own , do those tests CRP CRS LFT HLAB27 If positive , EMBREL WORKS WELL , sparingly please give it a shot

  • cqrolyn38725
    cqrolyn38725 samantha21778

    Posted

    Im in the exact same boat right now!!! What did you decide?? I'm so scared!! And I see my doctor at 8:30 in the morning sad

  • david00972
    david00972 samantha21778

    Posted

    Samantha,  I took my first pile of Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine pills along with a Folic pill with a fair amount of trepidation last night, I think because here in Canada we have been terrified by TV adverts for drugs which during the lengthy disclaimer suggest that they can kill you,  but I know I'm being looked after by the Doc so I will just do what I'm told.    I didn't take any pain medicine last night so I woke up with real pain in all my joints, however 2 Naproxan and 2 hours into this morning I feel fine with no side effects.     Good luck to you Samatha.

  • elle09679
    elle09679 samantha21778

    Posted

    Hi. I too have a phobia of being sick and am always absolutely petrified about starting new drugs. Mtx did make me a bit nauseous but not to the point of throwing up. If I feel sick, I find eating something like toast is helpful. My gp understands and prescribes prochlorperazine as an antiemetic but I don't take it anymore because my body is almost used to it. I have also found that if I feel a bit queasy, I can reduce the dose a bit and then after a few weeks, go up again. I really do understand but I would go for it (ask your gp for some antisickness pills if it will give you peace of mind).

    • theodore_1914
      theodore_1914 elle09679

      Posted

      Phobia ox been sick we inherit death and ageing process from our parents why the phobia ? Phobias need fluoxetine or alprazolam , but if a person have blood disorder or gene who immune attack the body , we try all with cost and risk , there are no magic pills so far all drugs cause issues , the phobia could be have COD issues but also we are made in a way to take nothing anxiety is good in some way but prolong cases damage the body Etc ,if you Have cancer you need operation no phobia there , but phobias in general are psychological disorders of a harmuful

      Subconscious mind , unless come elsewhere

  • Merdie
    Merdie samantha21778

    Posted

    I am taking both and also have that same phobia and was just as you are now, I'm probably the biggest panicker around when it comes to taking new medications and tomorrow I am being started on the biological benepali and I am petrified but when I was starting sulfasalazine and again when starting methotrexate my doctor prescribed me with anti sickness tablets which I take before I do my injection & maybe one for the next 2 to 3 days and I've been absolutely fine, after a week on sulfasalazine I stopped the anti sickness tablets altogether and I have had no sickness at all, hopefully this will be the same with the bio medication, fingers crossed.

    you are not alone, talk to your GP and see if they can prescribe you some, stay positive x

  • theodore_1914
    theodore_1914 samantha21778

    Posted

    Try your best there is no magic pill around , first examine what is the cause of the no feel well , what cause it , if you feel unwell after drink Coca Cola for example stop drinking that , medications are operate in the same way , what ever work on you use it , sometimes the body have a way to tell us something he try to make us alert of those issues , then we try the best way as possible, and we keep living take care yourself, 
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