Told that I would not be able to take sulfasalazine any more because of detrimental affects on my blood.

[kenbell007]

Still taking Hydroxychloroquine and Methotrexate so hopeful that I will be ok. Had R.A for about 2 years. A bit low as have been getting pains in various joints and worried that this may continue.

[Hidden]

Hello

Many of the medications we take DMARDS, such as Sulfasalazine are used in the treatment of cancers, they modify the white blood cells and reduce the bodies immune system. RA is slowed because of this. The main problem all this causes is it modifies the white blood count you therefore become more at risk to various infections.

DMARDS are in fact disease modification drugs and were used in the past and sometimes now as a cancer medication.

All the best

BOB

[Hidden]

Once the Sulfa is out of your system [about 3 months] if your RA is not well controlled they may well add another DMARD into the mix. Meanwhile, you could ask for a steroid injection if your joints are flaring.

Cece x

[kenbell007]

Consultant gave me a steroid injection straight away when I said I was in pain.(yesterday afternoon) still don't feel that good.

I suppose I will just have to wait a bit before it takes effect. Feel a bit sorry for myself which probably isn't helping. Need to calm down and carry on. Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[earthwitch]

You still have a lot of treatment options that could be tried in the future: other DMARDs as well as biologics. If they haven't mentioned anti-tnfs (biologics) to you, then you could ask at what point they would consider those for you, and what else you would need to try first.

[kenbell007]

Very grateful for the advice. As things up until now have been going ok I have not looked beyond current treatment plan. Obviously I need to ask some more questions.

[allanah]

Hi Ken, u must be sore if he has given u a steroid, bless you. Mine generally kick in after 24 to48 hrs and are like a little RA holiday! Ye I too would question him on biological therapy when u see him or ring the Rheumy helpline and chat with them about it. There is certain criteria but it sounds like it is something to consider discussing. Sorry you are flaring though and hope you feel much better very soon Axx