Switching medication for RA: Hi all Has anyone taking... - NRAS

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Switching medication for RA

LeaRa profile image
15 Replies

Hi all

Has anyone taking Sulfasalazine at the moment? I was wondering if its working fine ie. Effective? I'm currently on MTX and I'm experiencing a little bit of shortness of breadtg which I think is a side effect of MTX. My Rheumatplogist suggested to try Sulfasalazine which is apparently milder than MTX but has the same efficacy but obviously it has its own side effects too so I'm unsure if i would try it. I'm worried about the side effects. Has anyone experienced shortness of breath with MTX? Would love to hear from anyone about your experience of MTX and Sulfasalazine.

Best wishes

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LeaRa
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15 Replies
ketiv74 profile image
ketiv74

HI LeaRa, I am on Mtx (15g Inj) once week for last 2 years. I did have some occasional shortness of breath after starting Mtx but I wasn't sure if it was due Mtx or my Asthma. I am on Asthma inhaler for last 20+ years, and my Asthma is very well controlled. So can't really tell what caused it but it went away after few days and never really bothered me again.I was doing fine on Mtx until last Aug, then after few flares between then and now, My Rheumy has added Hydroxychloroquine, this is my 1st week on it, so no noticeable change yet, but I was told it could take upto 12 weeks to take full effect, so will see. Fingers crossed!

She also mentioned Sulfasalazine, but we decided to give Hydroxy a chance first, may be I won't need it.

Good luck with Sulfa, it works for lot of people.

LeaRa profile image
LeaRa in reply to ketiv74

Thanks ketiv74 . I've also tried hydroxy prior to mtx but i have to stop because of mouth sore. I hope it works for you. It sounds like we have to try all these medicines to see which works best for us. All the best .

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady

I've been lucky as all the DMARDS I've tried have suited me.I started on Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine and then added in Sulfasalazine and that has been the final piece of the puzzle for me - I saw improvement very quickly.

I had a little nausia initially but it soon settled; the only lasting side effect is the nuclear yellow wee - rather exciting! 😂

LeaRa profile image
LeaRa in reply to Boxerlady

Thank you Boxerlady. Best wishes.

Tiverland profile image
Tiverland

Hi I am on 20 mg MTX and take 4 sulfasalazine with each day. Almost 2 year now. Little shortness of breath at the start, but exercise regular now and seems to be ok. Worked well for me, exception the day after taking MTX I get tired. Very very slowly started to reduce Sulfasalazine to reach level of meds I require. ( with Remuy taking note). Hope this answers your question

LeaRa profile image
LeaRa in reply to Tiverland

Thank you Tiverland. That's really helpful. Best wishes.

Gymcactus profile image
Gymcactus

I was started on methotrexate 4 years ago then sulfasalazine added, I have been fortunate that I tolerate meds well, been in remission for 18 months now. My consultant tried to reduce the sulfa but started having a few aches so went back to original dose and have been fine. Good luck with yours.

LeaRa profile image
LeaRa in reply to Gymcactus

Thank you. Glad all meds are working fine for you. I'm stil in the process of trial and error. MTX seems to work but the breathing is my problem. Im going for an x-ray next month so 🤞.

Tiverland profile image
Tiverland in reply to LeaRa

🤞

Ferret18 profile image
Ferret18

HiI’ve been on sulfasalazine for about a year and it’s been great for me. I take 4 tablets a day.

The only down side is it has lowered my WBC and neutrophils. Oh and turned my wee yellow 😂

Joanneforbes profile image
Joanneforbes

I’m on this as my body couldn’t cope methotrexate or Hydroxychloroquine 🤦🏼‍♀️ Felt nausea start with but ok at mo 8 weeks in just hoping will start to work as yet no help ! X good luck 🤞 x

LeaRa profile image
LeaRa in reply to Joanneforbes

Thank you. I hope it will work this time around. Best wishes 🤞

Philjg profile image
Philjg in reply to Joanneforbes

Hi im on sulfasalazine to since end of January seemed to be helping but i just had massive flare up last week. I understand it takes time to work fully has it worked well for you yet as your few months ahead of me. Many thanks 🤗

Angjoplin profile image
Angjoplin

I had it years ago. No shortness of breath but I had the worst acid reflux. It made me sick at first but that wore off. It kept me under control for some years. Good luck.

LeaRa profile image
LeaRa in reply to Angjoplin

Thanks Angjoplin. I too have had bad acid reflux with mtx and wore off. Will try this sulfasalzine and hopefully wont suffer from shortness of breath. Best wishes.

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