Need help with Medicine decision

BonnieM94

I have been diagnosed with Early rheumatoid arthritis and I have been taking sulfasalazine but the specialist thinks I need to change medication and is suggesting methotrexate or leflunomide and I have read up about the side effects and the words 'cancer treatment' are scaring the hell out of me. 'Hair loss' 'can cause birth defects' are the main concerns. I may not be actively trying for a baby but I am 31 and I have an 11 year old, I have been with my partner a long time (over 10 years) and now we are starting to talk about potentially having a baby. I feel if I start any of these, my body clock is just going to run out and I will not have any luck. And losing my hair is something I never want to happen. Very superficial I know but my hair is like my security blanket so I am finding it really difficult. Please help me and let me know how "common" hair loss is. And the common side effects people have experienced.. And also the success rate of conception after the medication.

Ellen

Hi @BonnieM94 welcome to the online community. I see you are concerned about possible side effects of Methotrexate and Leflunomide. Many of our members are on one or other of these medications so hopefully you will get some replies.

This might be of interest on the subject of hair loss and Methotrexate (MTX):

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/january/new-research-profiles-side-effects-linked-to-methotrexate/

All side effects really and quotes 9% with hair loss I think, but do read it yourself. I do not think at all that not wanting to lose your hair is superficial. Our hair is part of our identity.

This mentions pregnancy another potential consideration for you:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/march/common-questions-about-taking-methotrexate/

Some informtion about Leflunomide is here:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/leflunomide/

Finally I did a search for threads on the subject of pregnancy and DMARDs:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?domain=all_content&query=pregnancy%20on%20dmards&scope=site&source=community

Hopefully someone will be along soon to share their experience on either of your potential choices.

Best wishes

Ellen.