Timings.... ⏰

[Moomin8]

Morning peeps 😁

Haven't been on here for a while.. been busy. Hope you're all feeling Ok? It's getting cold out there brrrrr...

My question to you is: I really struggle with timing meds. I have a metoject injection every Monday (20mg) and a Cimzia injection bi-weekly on a Wednesday. Daily, on waking, I take an omeprazole, folic acid (Thursday to Sunday), vit d, magnesium, b12 and paracetamol. Two hours later, I take 2 sulfasalazine. Then a further two hours later I take a calceos tablet and more paracetamol. I should take another omeprazole about 4ish, but I've cut that one out for now (take it due to hiatus hernia but consider it's reducing my b12 too much) and around 6ish I take two more sulfasalazine,vit d and paracetamol. I have been struggling recently with sore feet and hips so will start back on etoricoxib (aroxia) and took 3 tablets (90mg) last night - albeit reluctantly. I'm wondering what time of day it's best to take them though. I'd appreciate any input - thanks x

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Moomin. I either take my meds morning or evening, the only exception is MTX once weekly but I can see with your regime that's not as easy. Have you thought of a weekly dosette box for your tablets? See if any of these would fit the bill completecareshop.co.uk/pers....

With timing of NSAIDs from day one I was always told to take mine with my evening meds, the intention being it helps with then following morning's stiffness. Of late though I've been taking my etoricoxib (& omeprazole) when it's needed, though not more than once a day, as my shoulder is giving me grief again. I did at one time only take it every other day & then I used a basic Mon-Sun dosette box just so I remembered when I'd taken it!

Hope this helps? x

[Moomin8 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi nomoreheels (still love that name) - Thanks for your reply. The only trouble with a dosette box for me is that as I work 5 days a week, I have to take them during the day. I work in a school so I have them tucked away in my bag out of harm's way. Also, when I'm out and about any other time, I keep a stash in my handbag! I have a reminder on my phone for sulfasalazine etc. I have recently bought a fitbit alta hr - it's great! It buzzes and shows a message from my calendar so I can take my meds. It also buzzes and shows text messages which is great.

[nomoreheels in reply to Moomin8]

There are some types which can be taken out, the MediMo is one, each day is separate so you could take that day's & put it in your bag. Just a thought anyway. Good idea about the Fitbit though!

[Moomin8 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hmmm... I'll look into that - Thank you

[Ali_H]

One of the problems will be that the omeprazole interfere with folic acid and VitB absorbsion so don't take them at the same time - if possible take the vitamins and folic acid some time before the omeprazole so that they can be absorbed properly (I see you're aware of this hence dropping the 4pm one - just clarifying for other readers!).

Legally if you are taking meds to school you do need them locked in a medical cabinet or your bag locked in a locker for obvious reasons. I keep my naproxen locked in my car so it's on site if I should need it - which is thankfully rarely.

You seem to be taking a lot of VitD (calicoes has vitD3 in it ) but presummedly it's what's been prescribed so it is what it is!

The magnesium you might be better taking at night as it helps regulate sleep.

Maybe if you took your vitamins etc first thing (except the magnesium) and the omeprazole later in the morning and bump the Sulfasalazine later with one dose at fourish and the later one 8pmish. That might allow better vitamin absorbsion. The MTX could be taken at night if you want. The omeprazole technically should cover you for a 24hour period so paracetamol can be taken when ever but preferably with food. I take my meds with some plain yoghurt which seems to help me - I eat a lot of plain organic yoghurt (don't go for low fat as it has more sugar).

I have 2 sets of one week pill boxes which are different colour/shape and one set I've written pm on and set them out every Sunday so I can keep track of my vitamins & meds and that might help you - even 3 sets might be a better fit for you (breakfast, straight after work and nighttime).

I'm not sure if any of that 'rambling' will help but hopefully these a nugget of use in there for you (and/or other readers).

Alll the best

Ali

[Moomin8]

Thanks Ali- a comprehensive reply!

I haven't physically got the time to take vits etc any earlier- so maybe I'll take them later in the day. As for work - I have my bag in a locker so all good there. As for taking sulfasalazine later in the day and again at 8 - I was told to try and leave 8 hrs inbetween doses. I'll have to look into the pill box things. When would you suggest taking etoricoxib? I'm wondering whether to take it earlier in the day? Can I take it at the same time as paracetamol or do I have to leave a 2hr gap? I appreciate all your wisdom 😁

[Ali_H]

Sorry I've no experience of either sulfasalazine or etoricoxib so hopefully someone more in the know will advise on these and you can get a new more efficient regime together for yourself. But would taking the sulfasalazine first thing and at teatime work with the vitamins last thing at night?

All the best

Ali

[Moomin8]

No idea tbh. What I currently do has been run by the chemist so I'm surprised that I was ill-informed! 🙁

[Eiram50]

Wow , interesting reading these replies. I did not know about omeprazole impacting on folic/ vit B. I actually have never given much thought to my tablet taking, which I fear probably hasn't been good!

Every morning, together, I take tramadol, paracetamol, arcoxia, omeprazole, folic acid and once a week an additional 20 mg methotrexate. I've just popped them all in together?

Marie

[Moomin8]

I agree- it is both interesting and important. But as I said: I did ask my chemist to go through it with me at one time, but I'm not convinced that she advised me correctly 🤔