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Subject: Re: inflammatory arthirtis
Hi, I have rhumatoid arthritis and was initially put on sulfazalazine and couldn't tolerate it although many people are fine on it. Probably medical reason for me as I can't tolerate "sulfa" drugs. I then went on hydroxychloroquine but was taken off that due to vision issues (which turned out to be the arthritis rather than the drugs!) and am now on methotrexate, initially tablets and now injections. There are side effects but they are settling down and I can feel the benefit. Is there a reason they have only offered sulfasalazine? Maybe medical reasons (eg vision issues and hydroxychloroquine) or interaction with other medication? Mathotrexate comes in self injectable form (if you don't like tablets, they are so easy to do, just pop it in your tummy once a week) and they can start you off on a low dose and build it up. Can you book in to have a good chat with your nurse about the options, what is and isn't suitable and why etc... and get their advice on taking the drugs (as they will have come across lots of patients on it). None of the drugs are particularly nice but it's a long run thing, trying to prevent damage being caused (also from it occuring in other areas) and help with your pain. Everyone reacts differently to different drugs so it's a bit of a balancing act. Depending on any side effects, there may be additional ways of helping them. I take other drugs to help me with my side effects and, for me, this far outweighs not taking them and suffering the consequences. I hope you get it sorted and get some relief soon.
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