Plaquenil vs Methotroxate????

[thescaredest]

My Rheumy doctor has narrowed it down for me to 2 DMARDS......Plaquenil and Metho and he is leaning more towards the Metho......
Can anyone give me tips, past experiances, current experiances, advice, or any information to share on either DMARDS? Thanks I have been doing research but would love to hear from folks first hand rather than medical lingo. I am nervouse about being on DMARDS but my RA has gotten really bad.
Hope to hear from anyone

[Ladywolfe]

Hi there - and welcome

I was going to reply to your post on the Methotrexate subject - but saw that you had started a new thread - so I'll answer here.

The methotrexate made me nauseous (sp?) only the first time I took it. The label says to take it two hours before a meal - on an empty stomach. When I told my DR about the nausea/stomach ache - he told me to try taking it with milk and/or some crackers. The milk is supposed to stop the nausea.

I have taken it with milk ever since then, and had no stomach problems. BUT - each of us are different. And, sometimes -if you THINK a med is going to affect you a certain way - it will.

My DR wants me to stay on the Meth, at the low dose I am on -for as long as it is working. He said that if/when the dose I am on is no longer stopping the pain in my joints - then he would like to try adding Plaquenil, instead of upping my dose of methotrexate. He said that the meds work very well together.

I don't think - personally - that it makes a difference which of the two he starts you on - as long as you get started on something soon. The sooner you get on a DMARD (one that you can tolerate) the better you will feel.

I just had my 4th liver panel bloodwork done today, and everything is fine. Nothing is too high, nor too low - all of the numbers are right where they need to be.

You are the only one who can make a medication decision for you - I would take the advice of my doctor. If what he prescribes you doesn't help you, but makes you sicker - then ask him to switch you to something else.
Remember - any time you start a new med, you can experience short-term side effects until your body gets used to it.
I talked to my dr a lot about my fears of methotrexate. He gave me a lot of literature, plus suggested I research it on the web first. He said that I would more than likely find horror stories that would make me NOT want to be on it - but that it helped a whole lot more people than it hurt.

I hope this helped. Please write back and let us know how things are going for you.

HUGS

[Kris7]

Ultimately it's your decision but when I was diagnosed with RA I looked my Rheumy in the eye and asked her what she would do if she was diagnosed with this. At that point I did what she suggested. I started the MTX fearing the worst and have had only stomache upset with it but found taking a snack with it helps some. I started taking it during the day but found that impossible to deal with so started taking it 1-2 hours before bedtime. That way I slept through most of the nausea and feel fairly good in the morning.

[thescaredest]

Thanks for the replies. The Rh. doc said after reading the results of a real definitive blood test that I have the aggressive type of RA. So he started me on Pred until the Metho can kick in. He also has me on Biaxtra....let's just say I am in tough shape. Last night was one of the worst nights I have had.....
So tomorrow we will see how it goes, otherwise he said maybe try injections of the metho if it hurts my stomach. I am trying to think of it in a positive manner and all the great things these drugs can do. Not just focus in on the bad things....I have to be able to function.
It is nice to hear postive, honest replies. Thank you all and I hope you guys are doing well too

[mere]

I understand your concern. I am on Plaquenil and Prednisone, but am not being stabilized by this combination. I am in a huge flare now. This weekend I am starting Methotrexate. I certainly hope it works. Just can't stand much more of this.

Mere --