Leflunomide or Methotrexate

applerose
applerose Member Posts: 3,621
edited 15. Mar 2012, 05:26 in Living with Arthritis archive
My rheumie has asked me to think about using one of these. He said he would choose the meth as, if it didn't agree with me, it would open up a whole new avenue (wouldn't say what though). I'm not happy with the possible side effects. How have you got on with each of them?
Christine

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I tried tablet meth and that gave me a rash. I was then put onto tablet lef and that gave me cracking headaches. I am now on injected meth (DIY jabs) and that is OK. I know that Julie47 is on both lef and meth (tablet form) and she has no trouble with either of them. Everyone is different, and you won't know what suits you 'til you try. Any new med feels like a huge step into the unknown but if one of them helps then that is what matters. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • debsmartin
    debsmartin Member Posts: 209
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I suppose you get good and bad with both, I was really ill on Leflunomide but have coped very well with Methotrexate, luckily for me when I failed on the Leflunomide it opened up the door for me to add Etanercept (enbrel) which has really given me my life back, I actually managed a 3 mile walk this weekend which I would have had no chance of before the meth/etan combination.
    Hope everything goes well for you

    debs
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi apple rose

    I have just replied on your going without meds thread about meth and leflunomide.

    So i will keep this short :) I am on both and they work well for me :)

    Love Juliepf x
  • DebraKelly
    DebraKelly Member Posts: 398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Its different for every person.

    I was on Meth tablets but have recently switched to Meth by injection, the injections work much better than the tablets.

    The only real side effect I have had is my hair thining and feeling sick, but the sickness does go away eventually.

    I also got a steriod injection into my knee which I have to say worked wonders and would highly recommend this.
  • phoenixoxo
    phoenixoxo Member Posts: 625
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi applerose,

    Well, I've tried Meth tablets and injections. The tabs gave me chronic nausea and migraines and the injections landed me with chronic diarrhoea. I've never got on well with DMARDs, for some reason – my body seems intent on rejecting them! But lots of people do very well indeed.

    No one's ever recommended Leflunomide, perhaps due to my reaction to Meth and Sulf (also diarrhoea). Nowadays I'm on etanercept plus low-dose prednisolone, but with a review due next month as my rheum'ist wants me to come off the steroids and try a different DMARD. Not looking forward to that.

    It's possible that the 'whole new avenue' might lead to anti-TNF treatment...

    Good luck!
    Phoebe
    PsA (psoriatic arthritis) and other things since 1990. Happy to help when I can :-)
  • applerose
    applerose Member Posts: 3,621
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your replies. yes, it seems everyone reacts differently to each drug. I am now thinking of trying the Meth injection. A bit unsure about injecting myself but lots of people do it, even children, so I'm sure I can manage.
    Well done on your walk Debs.
    Christine
  • muffy
    muffy Member Posts: 72
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I did take Methotrexate but had to stop when it caused Liver damage I am now on Leflunomide, have been on it for 4 weeks, so far no improvement, my hands and fingers are still swollen and I am fed up to the back teeth with being in pain all the time. I know everyone says it takes time too kick in I just wish it would get on with it. As far as I know I haven't had any side effects from it, I see the Rheumie tomorrow.
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