Arcoxia

jennand
jennand Member Posts: 131
edited 2. Oct 2017, 14:55 in Living with Arthritis archive
I take Hydroxy & Leflunomide, occ steroids ( had 2 courses this year plus 2 injections) but I’ve been struggling with day to day pain in fingers & feet that paracetamol is not controlling. Last week I finally spoke to GP about it & he suggested trying Arcoxia because I’m not keen on Ibuprofen because of long term implications. He stressed that I can’t take this on a daily basis which I’m familiar with ( retired nurse) but I wanted to try it. Well, this week, I’ve felt marvellous. I’ve had no discomfort and because of that I’ve also felt really upbeat and cheerful. But that brings me to my dilemma. Will I slip back because I have to stop it this week & just take it occasionally. How do others use it?

Comments

  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I tried it prescribed by rheumy, sadly it triggered frequent migraines so I didn't stick with it for long.

    Deb x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have PsA plus OA, as I understand matters arcoxia is an NSAID and, as with any medication, may cause harm if taken long-term. I found oral steroids very good so weaned myself off them for that reason. Take something that helped me feel better? What was I thinking? :roll:

    Due to my combination of humira and methotrexate I no longer need to take an NSAID but I do have some diclofenac in reserve for when the OA plays up. I am making them last as I will not be prescribed any more due to the potential of something nasty happening (in my view it already is) but they do little to ease pain. For pain relief I make do with four 30/500 cocodamol per day, they dull things sufficiently for me to get on with stuff. We face difficult choices, don't we? DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • jennand
    jennand Member Posts: 131
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Difficult choices indeed. Do we take meds’ that help symptoms and risk the side effects, or put up with pain & mobility/ dexterity problems. Sometimes I think I have reached a happy(???) medium, then I have a flare up and spiral down again. I’m reluctant to rely too much on steroids for obvious reasons. My GP has already referred me for a dexa scan as it is.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I take the meds to control the disease but they have not halted its progress or the degeneration of my joints, only slowed it. Side-effects are not guaranteed and we are monitored closely enough to spot trouble if it occurs. I had a major issue with Enbrel but was blissfully unaware - it was the regular blood tests that revealed what was happening. I have forgotten what pain-free feels like, understand it is not achievable and that makes life a deal easier to manage. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
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