Sign Up Today!

LMHART · 12-14-2005, 11:18 AM

Hi everyone,
I have Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been taking Plaquenil for one year along with steroids. I am weaning off the steroids right now due to Cushings effects. I started Enbrel for the RA one month ago. My rheumy left the country and I saw his partner last week. He is concerned that the Enbrel can actually produce an antibody and make the Lupus worse. I have already tried Methotrexate injections and Arava pills. So, he wants to start Remicade IV or Imuran - I have to decide by January on which one I want. He said that the Imuran will treat the dual diagnosis. I understand that it is in a pill form. I have had some serious stomach issues from all the NSAIDS and other meds, does Imuran have a reputation for stomach upset? Anything that you guys can share about these drugs would be great. Personal experiences work better for me than what the books say!
Thanks,
Leslie

Ali04 · 12-15-2005, 01:49 PM

your doc is right about remicade producing unwanted anti dsdna antibodies.

as far as the stomach upsets, i take nexium or protonix and deal with it.
i managed to skate by on pred and cellcept and even though my stomach was put through the ringer, i am happy to report that kidney function improved as well as better results on the lupus bloods.

good luck.

LMHART · 12-15-2005, 02:01 PM

Thanks so much!

Jovach51 · 12-16-2005, 05:30 AM

I started Imuran last month and have had no problems or side effects. I also take a lot of other medications so I too am on Aciphex or Nexium to prevent stomach problems.

Take care

Langoley · 02-15-2006, 08:07 PM

I just wanted to see how the cellcept worked for you. I was on Imuran several years ago and had good results. I am on Plaquenil and Pred now and my new rheumy wants to start cellcept. It's so expensive- I'm trying to decide if I should try the Imuran again first and then the cellcept later if I need to.
Any input from you would be great; thanks,
Dee

Sign Up Today!

Join Our Newsletter

Whoops,

Thank You