Hi All -

My cousin has Lupus and I have RA (ironically, both diagnosed this past year). Anyway, she has not been responding well to Plaquenil or Methotrexate for her Lupus. Currently, she has no organ involvment, just terrible joint pain and fatigue.

She went to see a specialist at John's Hopkins last week. She is going to do a 3 day intravenous drug treatment, with hopes of getting this into remission. I have not talked to her myself and I am very curious if anyone knows what this is called or anything else about it. Supposedly, it provides a decent success rate.

If I find out more, I'll post. I will see her over Thanksgiving.

Thanks for any info!

Don't know anything about it. I would sure be interested if you would report back. Is it used for RA too?

Thanks, Ann

Hi Ann -

I'm not sure if it's used to treat RA. I know she saw a Lupus specialist and this is what he recommended. I will see my cousin next week and will find out the details. I'll be sure to post back. I don't think this is considered a "radical" treatment, but I think it is something "newer." Luckily, my RA has been quiet since being on just Plaquenil and Celebrex and I hope it stays that way!!! :)

I just wanted to post a follow up to my original post. Apparently, my cousin will be undergoing an intravenous steroid treatment over a 3 day period or so. He Lupus is currently only affecting her joints and fatigue. She has no organ involvement, but has not had any relief from Plaquenil or Methotrexate. She also currently takes Bextra and Prednisone. I'll reply if this is a success for her. Maybe it will help someone else.

Thanks!