Dmards, nsaids, and a biologic...why so much medicine?
I take SSZ 8 pills/day, Plaquenil 400mg/day, Celebrex 200mg/ day and Humira 40mg Yeow...Does anyone else take this much medicine?
After everything I've read, I haven't found any evidence of someone on this combination.
Hello Jdubb187,
Sounds like you have quite a few medications to take! Have you asked your doctor or even your pharmacist about why they prescribed that particular combination? In my opinion and experience, it sounds like your doctor is waging a war against your PsA on a variety of fronts.
The best way I understand it from my research is to break them down into types. The Celebrex in an NSAID that works to decrease inflammation and pain. It works quicker and in a little different way than the DMARD's.
The others, the SSZ, and Plaquenil work together as DMARD's to stop the attack of the immune system on the joints. Oftentimes, with drugs like Humira , your body can develop antibodies to the medication making it less effective. The SSZ and Plaquenil are there to lessen the chances of your body making antibodies, therefore making the Humira more effective for a longer period. Once your body develops antibodies to a medication, you can no longer take that medicine. So basically, you take the SSZ and Plaquenil to decrease inflammation and to extend the efficacy and longevity of the Humira.
I know, it is overwhelming, complicated, and you probably feel like I do, that you spend most of your life scheduling and taking your medicine. Sometimes I feel like I singlehandedly keep the pharmaceutical companies in business. I terms of your particular combination of meds, maybe have a chat with your doctor about. It is kind of like trying to solve a never-ending puzzle. Trying to figure out which medications work best together, for you, for as long as possible.
I take Arava (same family as your SSZ/Plaquenil), Diclofenac (a NSAID), and Simponi Aria (infusion). I've tried different combinations of different types of medication, but I'm still hoping to find the right combination of things to start winning my battle. I hope that you find the right combination for you that can provide you some relief.
Please remember, I am not a doctor, this is just what I've gathered from living with this disease and how I make sense of my medications. If you have any doubts or questions about what medications you are prescribed, please be sure to make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your doctor, he/she may be able to help put your mind at ease and paint a clearer picture of they plan they have for you.
Please take care and come back and let me know if you find any other answers.
-Leanne, Community Moderator
I take Cosentyx, tramadol, folic acid, methotrexate for PsA and pain and lisinopril for blood pressure. Centrum Silver, 4000 units of D3, B12, and 2000 units of turmeric. Seems like a lot of pills to me. Pain is always there except for 5 minutes when I first wake up. I try to stay active and engaged in my community. I have 3 things that I do every day: give someone a compliment, see or hear something that makes me smile, and talk to someone. Doesn't have to be someone you know. Can be a checker at market, barista at coffee shop, another dog walker. Just make contact and give or get as many hugs as you can.
Love your daily "checklist",
. I am going to steal this!
-Victoria, Community Moderator
Thanks Leanne, sounds like you really know your stuff! I appreciate your respones and i will definately keep you posted on the situation. Thanks again & best of luck to you. I hope you have success with your combination of meds soon!
I'm on 11 different meds. Some for the psa and others for the co morbiditit's. Blood pressure, cholesterol and anti depression meds. Hang in there! Amy
Adding in Trexall today. Not too excited about it since it will put me up to about 30 pills/day certain days....and my shot too. Hoping this combo works and gets me back to “tolerable”.
