Hi all,Being new to this RA lark I need to ask a simple question, hopefully this doesnt sound too daft!

I am on MTX 20mg and have been taking 1 Naproxen daily. As at the moment I am virtually painfree apart from the odd niggle here and there, should I carry on taking the Naproxen to keep the pain and inflammation at bay, or am I best to do without it if I can?

[helixhelix]

One person's niggle could be another's inflamed joint so hard to tell as inflammation is the evil thing that eats our joints. But personally I only take them if I really think I need to as I prefer to hold them in reserve, and I have enough problems with my stomach without dumping NSAIDS in it. But it's a personal choice. Polly

[Hidden]

Hi Mazza, I'm very new to this too but personally I've decided to hold off on the NSAID's unless I really can't cope without. I know they are prescribed together but after reading about increased toxicity when taken with mtx and speaking to my pharmacist and GP I decided to use paracetamol for niggles or co codamol if a bit of extra help is needed. I know we all have different needs though so you should do what you feel is best for your pain. When I use Naproxen it kills my pain after about 10 mins but I really want to see if the mtx is working. Great news that you are responding to treatment.

Paula x

[collette]

hi Mazza I am also new too but maybe you are pain free because the medication is keeping at bay.

[Hidden]

Hi all,

Thanks very much for replying. I think I will leave things as they are as it's only a couple of weeks til my next appointment and talk it over with the consultant.

Thanks again

Mary

[Hidden]

Hi Mazza, Good idea to leave things as they are for now, then talk it over with your consultant. My theory, is if it ain't broke, don't fix it! In other words, the combo is doing the best job. As long as you don't get side-effects of the Naproxen--Its full name is Naproxen Sodium, and I can't take it as the sodium causes alot of fluid retention and my legs and ankles, hands and abdomen get really swollen after about 3 doses. Not worth it, as I take other meds in combo with MTX. Hang in there, sounds like you are on the right track! Lxxx

[Hidden]

Loret, that is exactly what happened to me with Naproxen and when I told the GP he just shrugged! Glad to finally find out what was going on

Paula x

[Hidden]

Yes same with me and Naproxen - it was you who told me this Loret and I'm really grateful as when I stopped it I seemed to lose about 5lbs in one week - must have been all the fluid retention. I think the DMARDs and anti-tnfs people with RA take are putting enough pressure on our organs and blood so it's best to just wean off regular pain meds once the MTX has had a chance to do it's bit. Different for those with very advanced or aggressive RA of course but that's just my feeling. TTx

[SueB]

I stopped taking the Naproxen, at the suggestion of my GP, as soon as I felt better. I was getting some problems with my stomach so it seemed like a good idea. I now just take the odd one when I feel the need - if a joint starts playing up. I usually find I only need to take them for a day or two each time.

[marti]

Hi Mazza

I'm the same as Sue B, I still take the odd Naproxen but my doctor told me to try and take paracetamol as an alternative so I only use the Naproxen if its really painful

[LuckysJoy]

I am NOT a doctor, But My doctor told me I could take Paracetamol for pain, as the MTX is not a Painkiller I believe it aids in the inflammation May I suggest you talk to your GP and see what they suggest.

Hope that helps

Lisa