Methotrexate or Hydrox??

Taratemperance

Hi all,

I was given Sulfasalazine as my first Dmard in Sep but the horrendous side effects made me stop them after 8 days. Now I have another appt with Rheumatologist Nurse on 19th Oct & been sent info on Methotrexate & Hydroxy.

Can anyone share with me which would have least likely side effects please? I do appreciate that we all respond to meds differently but I'm new to this and all info greatly received.

Many thanks x

stickywicket

Probably hydroxy because it's probably the mildest of the DMARDS but that means the methotrexate is more likely to help the arthritis. I take both (no side effects). Hydroxy is more often than not prescribed alongside others. I've had no problems with either. Good luck

Taratemperance

Thank you Stickywicket, have you ever tried Sulfasalazine? Can you recall roughly how long it took the dmards to give you some respite from pain?

Many thanks

stickywicket

I've never done sulf. Unfortunately, I've been on meth and hydroxy for so many years now I can't remember how long it took but, even if I could, that would be of no help to you as we're all different and meds take different times to work with different people. We're always asked, with DMARDS, to allow 3 months.

Evie

Taratemperance wrote:

Hi all,

I was given Sulfasalazine as my first Dmard in Sep but the horrendous side effects made me stop them after 8 days. Now I have another appt with Rheumatologist Nurse on 19th Oct & been sent info on Methotrexate & Hydroxy.

Can anyone share with me which would have least likely side effects please? I do appreciate that we all respond to meds differently but I'm new to this and all info greatly received.

Many thanks x

Hi Tara

I have tried sulfasalazine but had an allergic reaction within a week and had to come off it - I am very reactive to medication so probably not the best person to advise now tried methotrexate, leflunomide and azathioprine so far - if you try 2 or more then you would probably be offered one of the biologics? It seems to be a very personal thing - Good luck - important to get your inflammation markers down before joints become damaged

Evie xx

dreamdaisy

Sulph was my first DMARD and it did very little for the arthritis whereas a friend of mine (who, like me, has psoriatic arthritis) is wonderfully controlled and pain-free on six tablets per day. I began the meds five years too late for them to make a noticeable difference, the arthritis had a real hold by then and the damage was done. I am sure that the quicker the diagnosis and starting the meds the better and more comfortable the outcome can be. The meds are very much a matter of trial and error but I can say that side-effects-wise I've had very little trouble. DD

dibdab

I began on hydroxyl, then added in sulphasalazine and later methotrexate! I think as SW said the hydroxyl is mildest and has no side effects for me. Sulph gives me intermittent tummy troubles and an occasional sore mouth, but both recede if I miss a few doses :?
I don't get on too well with meth, it's effective but leaves me wiped out for 24/48 hours after. I've tried gold injections (failed) and currently take a combination of hydroxyl, sulph and leflunomide-so far so good !

We do all indeed react differently to meds, I read some evidence from USA to suggest that a cocktail of DMARD's is more effective than a single drug, but I'm sure many of us have taken a while to find the right combination for us as individuals. I hope your next rheumy appointment goes well and moves you forward.

Deb x