Help with how I’m feeling

[Laceygreen]

I have Ra I was on methotrexate but after a few years I started feeling sick so was put on Hydroxychioroquine andsalazopyrin I’ve only been on these tablets for a few weeks but in so much pain and can’t go to work at the moment I all so need a knee replacement soon I just feel so down having to ask my husband to help me with most things ; is any one else on these meds and how long does it take to work?

[whisperit]

Hello Laceygreen

Sorry to hear you are having a pretty miserable time. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is very commonly prescribed in systemic auto-immine disease[ probably most people on the forum are taking it, or have taken it in the past! It does take at least 6-12 weeks before the effects take hold. The first few weeks can be difficult, especially as quite a lot of people seem to feel nauseous or have gastric discomfort at first (but it usually gets better).

I don't know anything about salazopyrin, but according to the netdoctor.co website, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and is used in both ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid athritis. It also says it takes 6 weeks for it to take full effect.

I do hope you get some relief soon x

[RachelD1972]

Hi, I’m on xathioprine, hydroxychloroquine and Abatacept injections (biologic) for RA. Having had to ditch mtx and various others. I’ve always been told to allow 12 weeks for a new drug to start working. If you’re struggling could you ask your rheumy for a depo steroid jab in the meantime? I usually ring my consultants secretary and she books me in with my rheumy nurse. The first few weeks are always hard. Have they mentioned a biologic med? Just a thought, some people don’t like to take regular pain relief but taking regularly is important to try and get ahead of pain. Good luck x