Too many meds??

[Hammit39]

Hi all, I'm 55yrs old and diagnosed with RA and Fibro 6 mos ago. I am currently facing 2 more surgeries to repair damaged joints. Last appt my doctor said we have to get more aggressive with treatment. She put me on methotrexate, hydroxycloroquin, and Humira. I'M struggling with side effects. But also afraid to give up. Anyone else been on a mix of drugs like this before?

[Deeb1764]

it’s a tough battle and I am battling lots of issues so now on 22 medications but only1 for RA but there is a thought I need to add more as aggressive.

My view is I would do it as my RA is attacking my organs more than joints and I need to help my body fight the RA. However the side effects of some of the medication can be daunting and you won’t know til you try. Keep the dialogue going with your medical team and keep a journal as you add the meds so you know how each one makes you feel.

Good luck

[Happy5 in reply to Deeb1764]

Lovely comment Deeb1764 easily understood explanation. I often find for those who ask about my condition I say " it's blood disorder attacks every where in my body." All the best.

[Lolabridge]

I think many of us with aggressive RA are on similar combination treatments like yours. It’s important to try to get it under control quickly to reduce further joint damage. You may find the side effects reduce after a while, but if they are troubling you contact your Rheumy nurse or helpline and ask for advice. Please don’t stop taking any of your meds until you have let them know.

[Madmusiclover]

You wouldn’t be giving up. Other drugs are available. Make rheumy aware of how you are feeling. X

[Mall]

I have sero positive erosive RA and was on max dose of methotrexate, hydroxychloro and sulpasalazine for some years. It is not unusual to treat erosive damaging disease aggressively with a combination of drugs. It can be tough but think about the alternative of pain and disability. If you feel the drugs are not suiting you in that you are having a bad reaction or they are not having any affect on you disease then discuss with your consultant . There are alternatives for them to try, it is trial and error to find what suits you best.

[Scottishlad]

Certainly not unusual to be on a combination of medications like that. I've been on hydroxy, MTX and Cimzia for a few years now.

[Happy5]

Can't add much other than it's a roller coaster when first diagnosed as said better knock the

R A on the head asap, took me a year to cope with MTX side effects. It's alot for the body to cope with but it seems to. As others have said speak with your RA team especially the specialist nurses about your side effects they helped me loads. All the best 🙂

[Sarmita50]

Dear Hammitt I am so sorry. Combination of MTX and hydrox. and Humara will naturally causing adverse side effects. You must have aggressive RA and needed surgery. Therefore was prescribed those drugs altogether.Hopefully you will have remission soon.But the side effects bother you so much please consult your Rheumy who may reduce the dosage or change the drugs.Wishing you speedy recovery.

[BonnieG123]

Hi, Hammit! I was on MTX for 2 years and stopped because of side effects. I can’t imagine having to take 3 new meds all at once. I know that Humira taken with MTX can help but I don’t know any thing about hydroxycloroquin. I hope things settle down for you. Best regards.

[Tiverland]

Hi Listening to advise given by others on here. I tried what they suggested. Taking tablets at different times of the day. Before food, after food, mid way when having a meal. It took 4 months to settle. Gradually exercised the best I could and now 3 yrs in have managed to cut out one medication. Can take meds with very little side effects. And although frustrated at times manage my RA pretty well. So stick at it , get support from your RA clinic and 🤞

[jackNruby2]

I was on Mtx, hydroxychloroquine, and sulphasalazine, for around 10 years then Benepali was added 5 yrs ago. i have just been taken off Hydroxycloroqnine & sulphasalazine I am really hoping the dry eye & mouth syndrome goes away

BTW I am 68 and I know the side effects seem brutal but they do ease up after a while