I have Stills Disease RA diagnosed aged 17 now nearly 60, have been off all meds except for pain relief since mid 20s.
Age, menopause, disease progression or additional RA have made some bad days intolerable now. Other symptoms of Stills and associated AI diseases like Interstitial Cystitis and Lichen Sclerosis outbreaks are also becoming more regular.
I holding off seeing my GP as he knows nothing about Stills and a referral could take years although I realise I probably need a low dose of something - in my youth it was Indocid, steroids etc...
My pharmacist recommended the Flarin brand of NSAID and I would like to ask the forums opinion of this - good bad and ugly- so I can decide if it will tide me over for another few years? Thanks in advance.
Yes I’m aware of that, I was simply hoping to hear from other sufferers their own story of having used it and how it affected their illnesses after all this is forum based on shared experiences.
Yes do please consult your GP. You may be on some medications for which taking ibuprofen is not advised. Cocodamol can lead to constipation and addiction. Taking regular ibuprofen is not good for the gut and often Omeprazole (a PPI) is prescribed too, especially if you have GERD or acid reflux.
Your GP will be able to take an overall view of all your medical conditions and may be able to offer you something that will work even better.
Thank you. I am on no prescribed medication thankfully. I take codeine when the pain is bad but try to avoid it for the point you raise.I don’t suffer GERD but am aware NSAIDs can cause stomach issues hence my question.
I’ve managed this disease (Stills) since my youth, a long time ago now 😉
I am putting off seeing GP etc for as long as possible as Stills is rare and knowledge sparse and was hoping to hear on the forum that NSAIDs
had helped someone......anyone......
Perhaps I’m stupidly optimistic and should just get started on the route to treatment again but we all know the oddities of our afflictions baffle GPs and many consultants.
Hi, I’d never heard of Flarin so I looked it up. If it’s effective it sounds good and maybe easier on the stomach than other meds. I think in general OTC painkillers aren’t as strong as the ones which are prescribed by your GP, Maybe your GP can advise you. I take Brufen Retard prescribed by my rheumatologist. Its very effective but it’s strong and can cause ulcers etc . A stomach protector is advised from time to time. Has your doctor ever suggested Methotrexate which seems to be prescribed for Stills. Hope you find something to help.
I would agree with other posts that you really could do with an assessment by a rheumatologist. But that's going to take time anyway! Best of luck we getting sorted out.
In the meantime. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do vary a bit, but all have the disadvantage of irritating the gut to a greater or lesser degree, not just from a local effect, but due to the way that they work. But they do help but take them with suitable protection for your gut. Try out various ones over the counter to see which help. And codeine works well for pain. Remember that codeine works by being converted by the body into morphine, so has the same disadvantages of constipation and making you sleepy, so best at night.
I’m not able to tolerate aspirin or ibuprofen so haven’t tried the flarin version of ibuprofen. I know someone who has similar problems with gut issues and he managed to take them for a couple of days before he had to stop. Having an aversion to anything aspirin based in my case does make things very difficult with regards to NSAID’s but as others have said maybe see your doc if you can. If it was me I’d take as much info as you can for GP to look at in advance and hope they read it or at least ask for a double appointment so you can discuss it with them. I’m a fine one to speak though I only go when I’m desperate and usually in a bad way don’t suffer in silence please it’s not a good idea. You never know there maybe an alternative that will last you for years and then you’ll be glad you reached out.
Thank you for that information, when diagnosed with Stills over 40 years ago I took enteric coated aspirin for about 4 years maybe more without any stomach issues. However now I’m nearly 60 things may have changed. I’ve had some useful experiences shared by forum members, thanks again for your useful reply 😀
Obviously I’m not medical but have you considered trying enteric aspirin again? I mention this because it's absorbed in the duodenum not the tum. Just thinking along the lines if you find it's enough then you're set but if isn’t enough to control symptoms you can then progress to enteric coated NSAIDs.
That's ok. You can buy lower dose OTC, or at a supermarket, but you may be able to buy 300mg by asking the Pharmacist, I'm a bit out of date so ask at your chemists! I know you're wanting to avoid seeing your GP but it would be the better option as you do have a diagnosed condition which would be likely to be better overseen by him/her. 🙇♀️
I use over the counter co-codamol and soluble paracetamol which works quicker than tablets. Have been prescribed fentanyl patches for pain in the past which took the edge off. I don’t currently have any NSAIDS can’t use them (aspirin). Have a JAK biologic if I’m ever well enough to take it have just been prescribed 40mg of prednisone to help with persistent cough which isn’t as a result of infection any more only 5 days but been unwell for 6 months.
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