We’d be grateful if you could participate in the foll... - NRAS
We’d be grateful if you could participate in the following anonymous big poll about adherence to medication in RA – tick all that apply
I have PsA
i voted I sometimes forget to take my medication,( which happens once in a blue moon.\) but looking at the chart you have I often forget to take my meds
Me too - I only meant occasionally but it now comes up as often!
I replied that I always take my medication as prescribed, which I do, but I try to avoid the painkillers, not the drugs treating the RA.
I sometimes choose not to take my medication (mtx) for special occasions. My wedding etc.
I voted i always take my medication as prescribed and I take my meds most of the time.
I sometimes forget, not often.
Yes always similar time same day each week
I always remember to take my medication
i take 50% of recommended dose but with rhemy's ok
I only miss my Dmards when I on antibiotics.
Now I take Benepali I am properly compliant, it’s too expensive to waste!
Don
Done
I’m like a walking rattle I suffer from RA & OA & high blood pressure & my kidneys are very bad I have had both my knees replaced
The meds make a huge difference in my life (despite side effects) so for me it’s a no-brain’er; I WANT to take them!
I only reduce the pain killers
I always take medication prescribed unless told to stop by doctor!
Always take medicine as prescribed. I wouldn’t want to mess with the induced remission.
As others say, I try and stay off the pain meds so that if I flare they really do work.
If I am well I cut down on anti inflammatories and painkillers but continue with the DMARDs as prescribed.
I mean vey occasionally, but not ver often ie:once or twice a year
I don’t mess with blood pressure tablets but I take anti acids and painkillers according to how I feel
I’m currently not on any specific RA drugs like DMARDS but take pain relief and anti inflammatory meds as prescribed.
I always take my meds, I have been allergic to several and hoping to find that one that my body tolerates!
I had rumotoied authorities and osterio authorities
PsA on Enbrel
I am on my 3rd DMARD but that is not working feel edgy about going down the biological route 😩 although most who do seem well on them
No comment. I takemethotrexate weekly by injection and folic acid once a week
Although I am always compliant with medication I have often wondered whether or not I am benefiting from the biological drug Enbrel. I have mentioned to Rheumatologist however I am told that my bloods look good so presume the drug must be working. I am reluctant to stop the drug in case I have a flare but I am also mindful of the cost of the drugs and if I should come off the drug would I be offered anything in its place or put back on it if coming off it was a mistake.
I takemethotrexate byinjection once a week. Folic acid once a week. Paracetamol when required. Ibuprofen occasionally. Warfarin daily
No comment
Take my meds as prescribed even though I don't like side effects, cause I'm in pain and arthritis doesn't care what U want.
I always take my weekly Methotrexate but if I'm going out for the evening or a few days holiday I will delay taking it either until the next day (night out) or for a few days (on a short break). I then take my next dose 7 days later.
I take my meds as prescribed! Sometimes I remember my injections of Chemzia in the middle of the night-i get up, and inject. I take painkillers, but if I don’t need more,I don’t take more.
I always take my methotrexate and folic acid as prescribed
I miss a methotrexate injection if i have a cold or long-standing cough, as suggested by a rheumatology nurse
Looks like I'm one of the rebellious patients. I struggle with the side effects of mtx, sometimes (about once every 2 months) I miss a dose. I just need to take a break from it, my PsA is controlled so I feel its worth the risk for my mental health and having a break from not being ill for 1. 5 days every week!
This does not show true picture.1 I do not have RA my Late Father had & Late Mother polmyalgisa rheumatica & severe MID multi infarct dementia.
Most of medications are preventative & so many since MI 14 urs ago .So have a dosset box delivered weekly now monthly since if antibiotic changes can get excrutiating spinal pain relieved with uti antibiotic& & NOT instantly acquired .From family of pharmacists .The diuretics have to be taken when up to it as low thyroid too as well as incomntinence so don't take if anyone else around or visiting.
Sometimes reduce or give myself but only with Drs knowledge .If not attending to me as an emergency & p/t I add ibuprophen/paracetamol or what may be needed eg' re liquid stools since my 20's appts cut off , angina spasms daily ignored since angioplasty use a combination of ranitidine & GTN when acute .Use also the homeopathic that other patients recommend sometimes if worried as not being treated appropriately as Cut back hospital appts yet microbiology telling admin not to submit the samples of 65" yr old women or do cerrvical smears when red flags or plan according to NHS constitution.
Have chronic utis acute 3 weekly if not cultured appropriately cause classic heart failure symptons or migrate to CFS / fiberomyalgia area. such as spinal .There is also dysponea /PH found when alarm went off on Reveal device not by Lung practitioners not overseen by Specialist .
The poll is specifically about taking medications for RA, so may not be relevant to you at all.
I was thinking of mentioning the poll is for those with RD only. I do hope they've not voted, it does clearly state who it's aimed at.
I take mine as prescribed unless I’m ill. The drugs are too expensive to waste
Done
I believe that the professionals know best and I respect their knowledge in the belief that they will keep me as well as I can be!!!
I avoid taking any other meds unless the flare is really bad or lasting a long time.
I always take my meds only because my husband makes my tabs up into a container for everyday convenience, and asks every day if I have taken them .. as I am very forgetful these days xx
I take my medication as prescribed but have a 3 monthly IM Depo-Medrone injection which has in the past been cancelled at short notice. Perhaps the question should be asked, ‘do we get the treatment we need?’
I occasionally forget to take one med due to it needing to be taken with food usually if I am eating out
I am very glad to see that the vast majority takes their medication regularly.
Hermes123 I always take medications as prescribed by my GP. But recently I had to see a consultant who is a specialist in prescription medication. straight away he stop two of medications, saying I have no business taking them as they were given an adverse infect. He said this was due to the thinking on the kind of drugs i was taking had change. I have felt much better since. So are GPs updated soon enough to changes.
I voted i always take my medication but if truth be told....... The pain I'm in i need to take the cheapest of the cheap drug Amitriptyline!! I have RA, Raunauds Disease SLE Lupus & I've had SLE For 24 years but the medical professionals in Glasgow Scotland they don't know a lot about Lupus & don't even check your Medical file to see if certain drugs make it worse or Not..... Even the Rheumatologist i see every 6 months. I personally have never been listened to & that actually frustrates me so much so that i think just don't open your mouth as I've been getting test after test to find out why out the Blue 2 yes ago my breathing has been terrible & the minimalist of chores kills me & the Constant Sweating that i can't even put heating on & while it's maybe Minus 3 outside & everyone is freezing i don't feel it & I am soaking wet from morning to night every day in life!!! As i said in my opinion they don't give a Dam as to what you tell them!! Oh I'm now attending Oral Medicine !!
I also answered that I sometimes forget to take my medication yet, on your chart, it comes up as always. This doesn't strike me as a particularly well run or useful survey.
Very rarely forget meds...never mtx or humira....
Never forget mtx or humira...
I am not happy with the quality of the drugs. They seem to create more side issues. Been prescribed two so far in two months to disastrous effects ending up at A&E. Had a steroid shot in my knee which has caused knee joint damage.
I get remade infusions every 7 weeks which is so helpful! The doctors are mad that I don't take my methotrexate as I should. (to ward off the body developing antibodies to the remicade) The brain fog has always been a problem for me.. they say I can take a low dose, but I don't....
I have RA,OA,and High blood pressure. I take my tablets as prescribed, but sometimes forget. My pain killers,I take according to the extent of my pain on the day.
I have RA, OA and high blood pressure. I always take my tablets as prescribed,but sometimes I forget. I take my pain killers sometimes- depending on the severity of my pain.
I am not sure what the objective is of the poll, if just fun or for use? Ideally there should be an option 'Don't know/not sure' and 'Various' - or permit multiple responses. Plus it would be useful to include a time frame on the question - such as over the past 12 months or 3 months. As the responses below suggest it would be useful to clarify if you mean arthritis drugs and/or OTC painkillers. Whatever, it is an interesting poll and throws out some interesting comments. I take control of my methotrexate and hydrochloriquine dose with the support of my rheumy consultant. I get regular blood results in full via my GP and patient access site and can see or feel if inflammation is going up and then increase dose - gradually +2.5mg every 2 weeks. I make sure pharmacy give me the 2.5mg pills and not 10mg methotrexate.
I take a lot of Meds and approved supplements. They work, and I trust the Rheumy team.
I know how bad things were before and could be again. The Humira and now Imaldi (Fingers crossed) are so expensive that it would be terrible not to use them.
I would love to take less and hope to reduce my steroids - I've got down to 5mg, but lower would be great.
If I get side effects I speak to the team and try to get a switch
I do all I can to keep well, sleep and rest when I need to, but stay active, walking, Zumbe and gym. I also have complimentary therapies - Reflexolgy and Shiatsu, which I do find beneficial.
I used to bottle up my fears and emotions about the condition, but I'm more open now - I do get "down" and scared about the future but I don't hide it so much
I only reduce the painkillers
Inearly always take my meds.
I only stop medication when advised by consultant e.g. prior to surgery
I always take methotrexate, but pain killers I take when needed.
I always take methotrexate but limit pain killers
As prescribed I take 7.5 mgs Methotrexate tablets once a week and Folic Acid 5mgs once a week.
I always take my meds, they have improved my life particularly the Cimzia which I have been taking for nearly 7 years.
I voted that i sometimes forget cos there's so much going on in my head i work part-time now due to rheum. thankfully it hasnt affected me badly
