Tried MTX , Sulpha and now leflun - but no use - what next?

ifeelninety
ifeelninety Member Posts: 57
edited 7. Apr 2009, 18:47 in Living with Arthritis archive
Just got blood tests results back today from 2 weeks ago - white cell count down to 3.2 ( think that is the lowest it has went) I currently take leflunomide. To be honest not really felt any benefit from it and the last few weeks have felt worse than ever. I have been exhausted, and sore every where! :cry:

I was taken off Mtx and sulpha, because of the drop in white cell count too so I gues that is the end of leflunomide too - DH says I shouldnt be too upset as it really has not done me any goos and he is right but I feel as though I have hit a brick wall again. I suppose if they do keep me off it I can have a wee drink to celebrate my 40th in a few weeks ( however old I feel - definately not 39 that is for sure!)

Has anyone else been in the same situation - What will they give me next or should I push for Anti TnF?

Thanks all for reading :(

Comments

  • joytotten
    joytotten Member Posts: 14
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    There is a few other DMARD's you can try. I had problems with the ones you have been on and a few others. I finally settled on Imuran, Hydroxychloroquine and Enbrel has recently been added.
  • ifeelninety
    ifeelninety Member Posts: 57
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for your reply :)

    I should have said I still take hydroxychloroquine - this was the first one that was prescribed to me - so have been taking them in combination with each of the other ( one at a time), so have never had to stop taking them. I wasnt sure what other ones there are - is enbrel the same idea but it is injected?
  • joytotten
    joytotten Member Posts: 14
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes you inject Enbrel - it is one of the anti-tnf drugs. There is also Gold Injections it didn't agree with me either. I have found Imuran to be quite effective.
  • mrsdalloway
    mrsdalloway Member Posts: 161
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I am in your boat Mtx didn't agree made me violently ill, leflunomide was useless and sulpha wasn't enough. Have recently started anti tnf humira (don't have to take mtx with it) and it is absolutely fantastic, wish I knew who had invented it so could send them a big sloppy kiss! You have to push for it as they not so keen on giving it out because of the cost but it is well worth it.
  • ifeelninety
    ifeelninety Member Posts: 57
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks to everyone for getting back to me - gt word back today from Rheumy to stop taking the leflu. ( didnt take it after results) and to get my blood tested this week to make sure it is not still going down.

    Scottish Lass I had never heard of the das score so shall definatley start pushing in that direction - next app is on my birthday - great way to celebrate being 40 eh!! 8)

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