Celecoxib, Methotrexate, Help!

Ajagpd

Hi all,

I have been diagnosed with "possible" inflammatory arthritis (hopefully I'll eventually get a solid diagnosis soon but i have only had 2 rheum appointments so far lol) but was prescribed celecoxib 100mg twice a day. I've been taking it every day and it does seem to reduce the pain. On good days it's extremely noticeable, on bad days it takes the edge of a little.

I'm supposed to have another rheum appointment in sept/ Oct time and I want to let them know it's helping but on bad days, which are still more than the good, I'm still in a lot of pain (i havent had what i'd call a full flare while taking the tablets), I know the dosage can be upped to a max of 4 tablets a day from googling.

I'm aware celecoxib can have side effects, i thankfully havent had any yet (i was previously prescribed naproxen and it was horrendous!) I wonder with a higher dose would this help further without the need for something like methotrexate (I've heard horror stories of some having intense side effects).

I obviously want to reduce my pain as much as possible and prevent and further damage being caused but it's hard to find information about when you might need to be prescribed something only what it's used for and what effect (good and bad) it can have.

I'll chat this through with the rheumatologist of course but it's helpful to feel in control and know what might help and what to raise with them because I always feel like I should just be getting on with things (I'm 31) and others must be worse off, and i think sometimes downplay the pain and fatigue because of that to the docotor, but it does impact every aspect of my life!

So I'm hoping some of you lovely lot will help me to understand more about how medicine similar to those mentioned above impact you and how it helps to manage your pain and keep you mobile and how much pain is too much pain and when do you need to tell the nurse/rheumatologist. I know no case will be exactly the same and things impact people differently but it still helps to hear about it!

claudsl

Hi @Ajagpd

It's great to hear the medication is helping and that you aren't experiencing negative side effects. It may be a good idea to suggest increasing the dose of this medication before introducing a new one. From my own personal experience, Methotrexate is a good drug for pain, however for me the bad outweighed the good, as I was always so sick for a couple of days every week after taking it. That's why I feel it would be good to stick to the one you are on but speaking to your rheumatologist about increasing the dose first to see if that works.

Hope this is helpful and take care

Claudia

stickywicket

Hi,

I've been on methotrexate ànd hydroxychloroquine (both Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs aka DMARDS) for over twenty years for my RA and I dread to think how those years would have been without them. Before that, I was on anti—inflammatories (NSAIDS) for years and, although they controlled the pain to a limited extent, thèy did nothing to hold back the progress of the disease ànd they very much messed up my stomach though the newer ones, such as celecoxib, are promoted as not doing that.

I'd say just be guided by your rheumatologist. Yes, all DMARDS are powerful drugs but an inflammatory arthritis is a powerful disease. You'll be well-monitored by your regular bloods while taking them.

There will alwaye be others worse off than us but we still have to take care of ourselves. Do what you càn, do your exercises, eat sensibly, don't smoke and, when the fatigUe hits, give in to it as it'll always win anyway.(and migHt be an indication that the meds aren't working.)

claudsl

Hopefully this advice will be helpful for you @Ajagpd :)

Gadgetgirl

Hi

I was on MTX, Prednisolne and Naproxen but had to come of the steroid due to bad side effects. I was on MTX topped up with Naproxen but still having stomach issues. So I was given 200mg twice a day celecoxib instead of 500mg Naproxen. Unfortunately for me the Celecoxib just doesn’t work and I understand why the consultant wanted me off Naproxen as it is harsher on the stomach, but it got rid of the pain much quicker and for longer. I have definitely found that having hot saunas and cold plunges really helping when I am in pain and have been doing that now as well as weights for several months. I have also been recommended a joint supplement that I want to try alongside MTX as I hate taking too many drugs, called Glucosamine Chondroitin MSN. I am waiting to hear from my RA consultant if I can take it. Worth exploring all the different routes. Good luck