Best meds for ra

Hi I have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my knees and hands (as diagnosed a few years ago) and fm., please could you tell me what you think are the best meds for ra., my doc has me on naproxen (for ra I think), and maxitram and amypitriline (sp!), thank you

[Hidden]

The best meds for many are the DMARD (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs) group of drugs or if they fail then Biologics. The others you mention may help alleviate pain but are not going to halt the actual progress of the disease. Tilda

[Gina_K in reply to Hidden]

Ah Tilda, you have become so knowledgable in such a short while ! You have to don't you! It nly seems like yesterday, when I was saying this to you, so glad you are on the right path now

[Hidden in reply to Gina_K]

x

[Beth58]

Hi

I don't think we can say what's best as what works for one doesn't work for another.

I take Naproxen but before settling on this I'd tried many NSAID's (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) over the years. Maxitram is the main ingredient in Tramadol a pain killer and the Amytriptyline in low dosage is acts as a muscle relaxant and helps aid sleep.

If the disease is active and causing lots of problems your Rhumy/consultant might want to add a DMARD (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug) such as Methotrexate/Leflunomide etc. Which is supposed to dampen down disease activity and prevent damage to the joints.

Your doctor has put you on a pretty good mixture to help you with pain or at least I think so as it's more or less the same mixture as I take.

Beth xx

[helixhelix]

Have you seen a rheumatologist or is it your GP who's prescribing for you? If you think the RA is progressing then do try to push for a consultant's appointment and ask about more effective drugs. What you're on is fine for the pain, but isn't really tackling the underlying disease. There are lots of possible drugs and everyone's a bit different so best to get specific advice from a specialist. Polly

[pat66]

You have the same as me but I have tramadol as well have "they" spoke to you about dmd's at all?

[pat66]

Just read Beth's post she sound right its all about finding the right combo for you