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What medication is good for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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patricia73863
patricia73863

Wondering what medication can I take for Rheumatoid Arthritis ? My specialist took me off of methotrexate after one year as it was giving me bad side affects and not helping me. Cant take leflumomide , sulfasalazine, plaqueil, .What do I do ? My arthritis is getting worse daily and really scare. I have osterarthritis in my knees  too. thanks.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • timothy11402
    timothy11402 patricia73863

    Posted

    I have been on methotrate, MTX, for 12 years and so far so good. But I have to be monitored via blood tests. So my goal has been to reduce the number of pills I take each week. I started with 12 pills (!) per week. I have been able to reduce it down to 4 pills per week. And in my next weekly pill box I allocated only 3 pills per week.

    How? I did some research on alternative remedies and saw that a lot of serious research has been done on using things like turmeric and ginger, among others.

    So I have been taking 2 grams of turmeric daily for two plus years and found I could drastically lower my MTX intake and not even miss it.

    And lately I have been following medical sites that said pineapple juice and black cherry juice have been shown to eliminate RA pain and inflammation. When I started using these, I was surprised to find that I did not need any pain medications.

    Now, you may find that your body chemistry is different. But, do not be afraid to take charge of your body and try some alternate and natural therapies. A diet of vegetarian, colorful foods may be our salvation. It cannot harm.

    I know of a few people who cannot tolerate "drugs" as prescribed. Many of them have tried some alternate therapies and benefited.

    Good luck to you! And claim your power to find what works.

    • 1_hand_works
      1_hand_works timothy11402

      Posted

      Hi, well done on your research! I was on MTX tablets and eventually went onto the metoject as I couldn't tolerate it. MTX did nothing for me for for two years, I am now taking azathioprine, but I am seriously considering going down the alternative / modified diet route as nothing I have been prescribed by my consultant has really made much difference in 4 years apart from prednisolone. I know some people are fine on their medication, and I am pleased that it works for them, but I got really frustrated as I have now lost my job to ill health and struggle to get through the day sometimes without taking alot of painkillers. Bit poor as I am not even 50 yet. I tried the diet thing once but made the mistake of changing too much at once, so I am going to go with pineapple juice / fresh pineapple for a month or so and see how it goes. I have heard about the turmeric, but going to go with one thing at a time. Thanks for the tips though and best of luck!
  • mr_todd
    mr_todd patricia73863

    Posted

    Patricia. Wow. I am sorry to hear you’re scared! The discomfort and pain of arthritis I can Empathize with it's a bummer. I do not have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have Psoriatic Arthritis and osteoarthritis, and Psoriasis on skin and fingernails. I am also a very active person. I take 20 mg of mtx once a week i works with side effects of some mild brain fog and nausea the following day. i am one of the few lucky ones side effects not bad. i take folic acid to quell some side effects as well. i ocasionally take A (1 as prescribed) mild pain opioid medication when really needed. i was takeing up to 2400 mg of ibuprophen a day. my Rhumatologist almost had a stroke! Thus a 5-325 Norco. i break them in half sometimes. my symptoms are not completely alleviated, but it’s a world different (better) than originally. I told my Rheumatologist i wish to keep it that way. i will not take any higher dose (MTX). i will not take any new meds. i know doctors are co$tly. Second opinions can be useful. I pray for your answer to be found.
  • wingnut22
    wingnut22 patricia73863

    Posted

    Hi, I took tumeric pills,  they really helped the inflamation in  my elbows and hips. 
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