Immunosuppressant

[amandajane76]

My rheumy has mentioned immunosuppressants.imuran was one and methotrexate was the other.could anyone give me an idea of that these are like,side effects and benefits. Have people been taken off steroids before they start these drugs or is it a sliding scale process ? Do you tend to remain on plequnil ?

[Pickzie]

I have been on hydroxychloroquine and NSAIs for 22years but had to stop the NSAIs last year due to gastric irritation. It caused my lupus to go into a big flare and I started methotrexate along with my hydroxychloroquine (and omeprazole to protect my stomach). It made a big difference and while I felt a little unwell for a few weeks (bit nauseous and slight headache a day after taking it), I have since been taking 20mg methotrexate a week with no ill effects. you'll need to have folic acid once a week and regular blood test. I had 6 weekly steroid injections until the methotrexate got up to full effect as it can take up to 20 weeks. the methotrexate has has positive effect on my joint problems in particular and I've ha no increase in infections which I was worried about. You'll need to keep alcohol intake low

[misty14]

Hi Amandajane

Immunosuppressives are taken with the steroids to dampen down the illness and when they start to work , then you can start reducing the steroids gradually. Immunosuppressives can take up to 3 months to work so it's a juggle with the steroids, injections can help as a stop gap too!. The main side effects of both Methotrexate and Imuran are affecting your blood counts which is why when you start one of them you may have fortnightly blood tests and if ok they will change to monthly after a certain period of time. Your Consultant should set out in his letter to your Gp what he wants. The choice of which one he'll put you on is dependent on what your symptoms are . I've taken both over the years and had good benefit . Methotrexate is specially good for the arthritis. Hope I've helped?. Good luckX

[amandajane76 in reply to misty14]

Thankyou

[netty44]

I was on methotrexate for 6 months and after getting past initial nausea problems, I felt marvellous. However, after visiting my daughter who lives in south Florida where it was very sunny and hot, I developed chest pains and a dry cough. The hospital immediately took me off the drug and I am back again feeling terrible. I had forgotten how I felt before taking methotrexate. I would go for it if I was you, If you develop nausea after taking, you can inject which should bypass this. Good luck/1

[amandajane76]

Thankyou all