DMARDS AND NSAID

SharonDerby
SharonDerby Member Posts: 12
edited 14. Apr 2015, 13:49 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all
i have written previously regarding a few issues with a very bad flare.

Doctor gave me some naproxin which has helped slightly but obviously for the long term i need to return to Methatrexate injections (i was on them last year for 8 weeks but had to stop due to breast cancer).
My question is how long do i need to wait before re starting the methatrexate after stopping the naprox? i stopped the naprox 5 days ago and although im in pain its not as bad as it was,

Any help/advice is always appreciated.

Kind regards
Sharon x

Comments

  • LignumVitae
    LignumVitae Member Posts: 1,972
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sharon,

    It sounds like you have had a tough time. I may be wrong but as far as I'm aware you can take the two together because NSAIDs and DMARDs don't interact, they both do different jobs. It may be that if you are on other meds or treatments then they interact with either the meth or the naproxen. If you were on injectably meth I assume you have a contact number/ rheumatology helpline? In your position I would call and ask them to clarify things or get a review appointment with your rheumatologist to decide what to do from here.
    Hey little fighter, things will get brighter
  • theresak
    theresak Member Posts: 1,998
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Like LV, I thought you could take them together, as the naproxen is an anti-inflammatory.
  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there,

    I use methotrexate injections weekly, and have naproxen on repeat prescription from the GP. Maybe it's worth speaking to the pharmacist to check, they can give advise without troubling the GP, or alternatively do you have a rheumatology help line that you could ring?

    Deb x
  • Jaclyncollin
    Jaclyncollin Bots Posts: 36
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sharon,

    Even, I have to agree with others here. I have seen many prescriptions where naproxen and meth has been co-prescribed. However, naproxen may increase the blood levels and your meth associated side effects. If you both take together, there are risks for unexpectedly severe (and sometimes fatal) bone marrow suppression, aplastic anaemia and/or gastrointestinal toxicity. You may need very close supervision and minimal required dose of Meth, when NSAIDs are used concurrently. This is particularly important as both of them are hard on liver. Are using stomach protector? Sorry, I can’t really help on weaning period for naproxen. Naproxen has an elimination half life of 12 to 17 hours. But, overall I think 4-5 days are long enough to make naproxen leave your system.
    It would be worth discussing with your specialist, for this kind of medical advice.

    Jaclyn.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Sharon
    Sorry I cant offer any help,but glad the others have been able to help ,I just want to wish you well on the Methatrexate ...
    Love
    Barbara
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I agree that this can be a confusing matter. NSAIDs and DMARDs are different beasts but, in my experience, they can be used together. There are variations on a theme with both of them so it may take it a little time for you to find what works the best. Currently I do injected humira and injected meth (which helps my PsA) plus the occasional diclofenac (which helps my OA). DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
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