New drugs

resusjan

Hi everyone,

I have had an appointment with the rheumatologist today and she has advised changing my drugs from:
Methotrexate
Sulfasalazine
Planequil and
FOlic acid to

Methotrexate
Leflunomide (half dose only)
Planequil and
Folic acid

Is anyone else on this combination? I'm a bit worried because she said about the liver side effects of the meth and the Leflunomide together and thats why I could only take a half dose of one of them. She's also increased my methotrexate to 25 mg from 20.

She said my RA was grumbling away in the back ground and was affecting more joints that the last time I saw her. I'm also starting a new job on monday and she pulled a face when I mentioned this because its quite a physical job I'm doing.

I'm just concerned about changing drugs - I thought the sulfasalazine was working well with the methotrexate, but she thinks differently. She also said there were other drugs to try if these don't work and that I must go back to see her in six months.

Oooh, I think I'm scared. They had a big poster on the wall with audit results stating that over 50% of people weren't working within 5 years of RA diagnosis - I've got 20 years left on my mortgage - thats really freaked me out!

Aaahhhhhhhhh!!!!
Jan xx

stickywicket

I think changing meds is always a bit daunting, especially so if you feel the combo you're on is working OK. However, it's only really swapping the sulph for the lef. I've not done that combination but I have done 22.5 of meth with a double dose of Plaquenil with no problems. Suck it and see is, I suspect, all you can do, Jan, but, in your place, I might attempt to go TT for a while just until I could be sure the bloods' ALT levels were clearly staying OK.

As for the mortgage, remember there are 'Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics'. 50% aren't working after 5 yrs = 50% are. Think positive

resusjan

Thank you so much sticky. You are so right - 50% are still working.

Positive Mental Attitude. Thats what I need.

Now ---- do they sell it on ebay ?

I will try the new drugs, as you said, its worth a go and, if they make me feel ill, then I'll just have to let the rheumy know.

ruby2

Aw good luck Jan hope it all goes well...I am just about to do similar! x

resusjan

Thanks Ruby,

Hope it goes well for you too

Jan xx

dreamdaisy

It's tough isn't it? We think we are doing OK but possibly don't realise that perhaps things could be better. I have not taken meth and lef together but you never know, it could be the combo that works for you. The monitoring is important - I know it's a nuisance but I know from experience it's worth it. I wish you well. DD

julie47

Hi Jan

I am on methotrexate, Leflunomide, Hydroxy,Celebrex,and Folic acid and have been on this combination for a good few years.

I can honestly say I am pleased with this combination.
Meth on its own and leflunomide on its own didn't work but combined it has suited me.


I hope that the combination is good for you too

Love Juliepf x

resusjan

Thanks Julie,

The rheumatologist has written to my gp saying what drugs she wants me to change to but I cant get an appointment for 3 weeks so the change will wait till then. FIngers crossed it works