1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pain killers??

Posted , 7 users are following.

linda17563
linda17563

My sister has had RA 2 years, and has been on Sulphalazine (spelling?) since October....she hasn`t had much improvement as regards pain....is anyone else on this and taking a pinkiller alongside this drug....she says Paracetamol dosen`t do much either.  She has tried Methotrexate....with dreadful side affects....thank you for any suggestions!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • andrew71851
    andrew71851 linda17563

    Posted

    I have been on sulphalazine for 4 years. Improvements in the last 6 months have fallen back. I find naproxen assists.
    • linda17563
      linda17563 andrew71851

      Posted

      Thanks for that, will tell my sister... guess the tolerance level in the body changes and gets used to the drugs....good luck!
  • gemma83759
    gemma83759 linda17563

    Posted

    Hi Linda, I was on sulfasalazine after stopping methotrexate. On maximum dose it helped my pain and symptoms eventually but then stopped working and made me physically sick so rheumatologist stopped that too. When on sulfasalazine I was taking maximum paracetamol and long acting dihydracodeine as well as ibprofen 600 mg. Keep us posted. G.
    • linda17563
      linda17563 gemma83759

      Posted

      Thank you....think my sister is on highest dose will check and suggest what you have said...good luck!
  • carol57369
    carol57369 linda17563

    Posted

    i took  Sulphalazine   for 8 months but was taken off rhem because i had a chest infection that seemed to last it never went away i think this lowerd your immune systemm i am now on prednisolone  
  • barbara58180
    barbara58180 linda17563

    Posted

    Hi Linda, '

    It's very hard to find the right medication. Sulfasalazine is not a particularly strong anti-Rheumatic drug. I have been on it for a few years arter stopping Orencia due to infections. But it's not enough and I am also on the maximum dose of methotrexate (MTX) . Here's the thing about MTX-- it takes time to adjust to it. I quit a job I had due to the fatigue--but eventually that went a way. Everythime I increased my dose during that first year, it was very hard, but I got used to it. I am on the maximum does--and it still isnt' enough medicine for my disease.

    Pain medications are never the answer--but sometimes needed. They don't do anything to the activity of the disease. She needs to get on a stronger DMARD (disease modifying anti-Rheumatic Drug). Methotrexate is the standard--what were her reations?

    Also, to get onto other drugs, she must show that she failed MTX--or that it didn't control her disease.

    Again, pain meds don't control the distruction of joints, the just help with pain. I use Tramadol for pain. But, that usually means something else is not being addressed.

    Take care. Be strong. Get on stronger DMARDs and maybe, consider trying MTX again.

    Best wihse,

    Barbara

    • linda17563
      linda17563 barbara58180

      Posted

      Thanks for that info....my sister had very severe liver readings on methotrexate...they rung her at home and said stop immediately...so no chance of going on it again...she is too frightened to now......The only relief she has had is with steroid injecctions...but alas they don`t last. 

      She went in hospital for gall-bladder removal last September and aquired an infection (as you do!) 4 lots of anti-biotics...but became pain free!  doctors couldn`t explain it ...rheumy didn`t want to know....but she felt a different person....anyone had this experience??  Makes you wonder dosen`t it.....

      Thanks again and good luck..

      Linda

    • barbara58180
      barbara58180 linda17563

      Posted

      Wow. . that deffinately means no methotrexate! Has she tried any of the biologicts? Not that they are a dream come true. . . but they help some people?

      Best of Luck. For pain. . maybe she needs some Norco--but something must treat her RA!

      Best , bBarbara

    • linda17563
      linda17563 barbara58180

      Posted

      I think biologics may be the next step...never heard of Norco,...maybe theres another name for it.  She must get something to help, she is practically housebound, because walking is just too painful!.. Will look that up with my friend google!  Thanks again...
  • frances85589
    frances85589 linda17563

    Posted

    Yes Linda I am on sulfasalazine. Along side this am on prednisolone, amytripyline and pregabalin. I also tried methotrexate and I was great til it affected my liver. Tried 3 biologics but didn't help. consultant just says ooo and ahhh and says my pain not good but not offering me anything else.Ask about what I am on and try to hopefully help you
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.