Why Methotrexate with Anti-TNF?

kellis

I was taken off Methotrexate in Feb because it wasn't doing it's job and switched to Leflunomide (Arava).

Following my hospital appt on Monday I have been taken off Leflunomide, because that did nothing at all for me, and put back on Methotrexate and will be starting Anti-TNF treatment tomorrow.

Anybody know why, if Anti-TNF is the new wonder drug (?!?!) I'm being put back on something I was taken off because it didn't work?

:? :?

mistywillow

kellis wrote:

I was taken off Methotrexate in Feb because it wasn't doing it's job and switched to Leflunomide (Arava).

Following my hospital appt on Monday I have been taken off Leflunomide, because that did nothing at all for me, and put back on Methotrexate and will be starting Anti-TNF treatment tomorrow.

Anybody know why, if Anti-TNF is the new wonder drug (?!?!) I'm being put back on something I was taken off because it didn't work?

:? :?

Hi Kellis
Anti TNF and methotrexate do slightly different jobs although can help each other. Mxt works on trying to reduce the number of immune cells that are contributing to joint damage, where as anti TNF blocks the substance that the cells actually produce and it is believed that this cytokine, (to give it its proper name) is the means by which these cells create their havoc.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your treatment. Keep us posted
Gillx

anniek

Methotrexate stopped working for me but I also take it along with enbrel ,Anne

ktl297

Hi,
I was told that especially with infliximab the MTX stops your body reacting to the drug, it also helps the anti-tnf to work - my Dr describes it as a "support" for the anti-tnf.
KT