Seen the Rheumy nurse

[Jaadee]

I'm back on meds a short course of prednisone back taking hydroxychloroquineand straight after Christmas mycophenolate have any of you been on this drug like all of them got to have regular blood tests x

[nomoreheels]

I'm pleased your GP suggested you see your Rheumy nurse Jaadee. I've been on HCQ but mycophenolate, whilst it is a DMARD & I have heard of the odd member here tried on it it's not common. As I understand it's more regularly used in those with Lupus & isn't usually chosen to treat RD patients in preference to the more recognised ones (MTX. LEF, SSZ etc) unless they've been ineffective or not tolerated but neither are they likely to qualify for biologics at that time.

The only other thing I can think is she possibly she suspects something else like vasculitis as well as RD or as you're also going on HCQ is that she considers your symptoms to be on the mild side. That's not to say it doesn't bloomin well hurt just that it is not necessary to hit it hard just now.

I think it's the mycophenolate that the drug monitoring bloods will be for, it's not usually necessary to have them regularly for HCQ but you will be asked to arrange (or it may be arranged for you) to have an eye examination before you start taking HCQ & usually annually thereafter for as long as you continue on it.

Do let us know when you find out why mycophenolate has been considered helpful, I'd certainly be interested to know!

I hope the pred sorts your inflammation until the HCQ & mycophenolate kick in. x

[Jaadee in reply to nomoreheels]

They were running out of demards to try me on. I have been on hydroxy before a bit worried about the eyes I have already got cataracts. Could not believe how quick the pred worked think I was just becoming accustomed to being in pain all the time.

[nomoreheels in reply to Jaadee]

But didn't consider you for MTX, LEF or SSZ? If you already have eye problems I'd have a look on the internet to see if it could be a concern.

Pleased the pred's doing it is job though. Yes, we do get used to pain & it's a nice feeling when something helps it!

[Jaadee in reply to nomoreheels]

Been on mtx tablets and injection could not tolerate it had bad nausea on it I dreaded taking it, left gave me a recurring uti and sal gave me neutropenia she mentioned biologics but I am not bad enough for them .x

[nomoreheels in reply to Jaadee]

That's why mycophenolate's been offered then. I couldn't understand why but didn't know you tried MTX as well as SSZ. I've said it many times especially but it is a shame there's not one drug suits all. I'm good on MTX but only had tolerable side effects taking folic acid 6 times a week.

I do hope you're ok on HCQ & mycophenolate then, you're running out of options aren't you?