Next step after Methotrexate?
Hi,
So after 10 weeks, methotrexate is not bringing me any relief from my widespread joint pain, and I got intolerable neuropathy after my last dose increase despite taking folic acid. I think my Dr. will want to add a biologic next, and will probably have her own recommendation as to which one, but I'm curious what people's experiences are with effectiveness and side effects. I'm especially worried about GI side effects which I always seem to get if listed as a common side effect, or more worsening neuropathy. Has anyone tried Otezla? Thanks for any info.
Katie
Hi Doglady6807,
Sorry to hear that the methotrexate alone isn't bringing you any relief. I don't have personal experience with Otezla.
Best of luck for when you next see your doctor, I hope you are able to work something out and get some relief. Please keep us updated with how it goes. We will be thinking of you!
- CathyD
I was diagnosed withPsa on my lunch hour about 6 yrs ago. My Dr. talked to me about medication options and so I asked if it were him, what would he take. He replied a Biologic. There was no hesitation. It is my understanding it is maybe a more aggressive approach, however he felt I may have had this for a while and it was the type of medication to halt, or slowdown any more joint damage. I think some physicians take a more conservative approach to see if it works. I started with Humaira and a few years later switched to Enebral when it seemed Humaira was not working as well any longer.
I may have just been going thru the winter doldrums at the time but both helped tremendously with no side effects I am aware of.I also found Arnica gel by Hylands is wonderful for pain. Before I was diagnosed, I had horrible foot and toe pain and swelling. One night I was sitting on my bathtub bemoaning my feet when I saw a tube of Arnica gel I had purchased and never used. I rubbed it on my feet massaging well,each toe and the next morning it was almost like a miracle. My feet did not hurt. Once I started Humaira my feet swelling went down a lot. I still have a funny looking toe or two, but nothing like I had initially.
Hope this helps!
That is so fantastic that the Arnica gel is helping!!! Where can you find that? I think I may have seen it at Whole Foods?
I have tried Otzela. If you are particularly concerned about GI side effects...I would hesitate to take Otzela. It has lots of GI warnings. I suffered them all. Plus it just didn't work for me. It isn't actually a biologic either. It has a depression warning on it as well. THAT WAS NOT AN ISSUE FOR ME THOUGH.
Hi! First i wanna say whatever meds you are on currently, i hope it works! I was not a canadidate for methotrexate due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. My rheumy started me on plaquenil, then added sulfasalizine and then we added humira. This combo has gotten my CRP level from about 15 down to about 5. I feel good most days and i dont have many side effects....the only one i can think of is the day after my injection i need a nap, i dont know if this is something that happens to others, but it certainly happens to me lol. I use the humira pens with no issues, in fact, my humira ambassador says im her easiest patient. They have managed to make the pen just about impossible to screw up. And they offer sharps disposals & travel bags for free.
If humira is something that you think will work for you, check out their website, there is alot of good information on there. Plus the sulfa & plaquenil have been around for a long time and most rheumys are familiar with them.
Im not familiar with any other biologics, but i know there are alot of great resources available. It looks like you already have a good start, by using this fantastic website!
Best of luck & stay strong!
