Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Medication

familytree52

Hello

I have suffered with RA for 3 years, started on Methotrexate, a low dose, now up to 15mg - after my first Astra Zeneca Vaccination, had my first dreadful flare-up, very ill for several months, it caused Anaemia and my CRP level went up to 288 - eventually I was given an Iron Infusion, on and off Prednisolone and continuous Iron Tablets. Fortunately, now CRP level is 23 but apparently still high so now prescribed Hydroxychloroquinee along with all the other medication I am taking although coming off the Prednisolone slowly. Not happy being on Hydroxychloroquine which is an Anti- Malaria Drug and still taking the Iron Tablets - my Rheumatologist does not give me a reason why I am borderline Anaemic. Will now arrange a second opinion as don't want to be on all this medication and the side effects.

stickywicket

I might be able to help a little.

One or two on here - usually fairly recently diagnosed - have had flares post covid vaccine.

Anaemia? It's been a mildly (only mildly, not like yours) recurring feature of my long life with RA. My rheumtologist told me that RA itself could cause it and so could the meds we take.

Hydroxychloroquine is a very mild DMARD. Yes, it was originally brought out as an anti-malarial but, as a dentist once remarked re piriton which my kids occasionally took for hayfever, "It's main use now is for ADHD. They bring these drugs out and then see what they're good for." Cynical but with an element of truth.

I've been on methotrexate and hydroxy for about 20 years with no problems. Side effects are only potential. RA effects, without DMARDS, can be very nasty indeed.

https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/

(Johns Hopkins is one of the most eminent Medical Schools in USA.)

If you want less medication steroids are, long term, the most harmful but only reduce slowly as advised by your doc.