Anyone used RELAFEN? | Arthritis Information

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Just came from my Rheumy and she's decided to put me on RELAFEN 750 mg twice a day. This is to take care of arthritis I'm now having in my knees and the pain from in keeping me awake at night. Well....I phoned the pharmacy and asked the cost. Over for a month's supply (I'm to take 2/day) of the *generic* form! Can't afford that! I know that Walmart has MOBIC (generic) for only . I'm wondering if the Relafen is really that much better? Anyone here familar enough to weigh in on this?Both appear to have the same method of reducing inflammation.  I would call my doctor back or have the pharmacy call her back and get a prescription for the one I could afford.

 
I've learned to ask the doctor's for samples to see if the medication works first before I end up with bottles of medications that do not work.  For the I would go for it.
The doctor'seem to push the medications the pharmacy reps leave with them that month.
The rep who  buys the nicer lunch.
Also, pharmacists can tell you the differences between the same type meds. 
 
Hope you find a medication that helps.  I use generic Tramadol and that helps with the pain.  I've been restricted on anti-inflammatories because of a bout with acute renal failure from a previous medical issue.
 
Donna, NY
Thank you, Donna. I did phone the doctor back and got a script for the Mobic.
 
I could kick myself for not remembering to ask for samples of the Relafen. Grrrrrr! I usually do that and it's really helpful, not only for the pocketbook but sometimes drugs simply don't agree with you. That happened a few weeks ago when I was prescribed Plaquenil. Horrible side effects and, of course, I have a bottle full left.
Deb,

I took relafen back when. Didn't seem to do much good for me, but then maybe it works for arthritis and not for PMR. Also took mobic for something else, and that didn't work either. You name the NSAID, I've probably tried it, and none does much good for me. The only one that I could ever really tell the difference with was feldene. That is one of the worst for giving stomach problems, and I started to develop an ulcer, so couldn't continue taking it.

Reni
I have lots of problems with NSAID's.  They caused my blood pressure to sky rocket and then my doctor switched me over to Mobic which created even more problems.  I was told to double my bp medication and I thought I would have a heart attack.  I got on the internet and discovered that Mobic interfers with Ace Inhibitors.  So now I'm taking nothing and am down to 1.5mg of pred.  I don't see my rheumy until the 23rd of May and feel like I'm at a dead end.  I guess I could try Aleve again.  I was taking asprin twice a day, but read that you shouldn't take it with pred, so that is off my list.  It appears no matter what they perscribe isn't much good for you in the long run.
 
Susan
Deb,
I've got a medicine cabinet full of stuff that did not work, or I can no longer take.  I'm in the process of cleaning it out, now.  It's hard to figure what works and does not cause another medical issue. 
 
But, I do believe that in this day and time, a person should be comfortable and not have to suffer with pain.
 
 
Donna, NY
Geeeee...hearing all your experiences makes one wonder how we get through each day. 
And DONNA...how 'bout pouring all those meds into a big 'ole bag for me? No need to let them all go to waste. You know the old saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." I'm on generic Relafen for arthralgia/arthritis/?. Works well so far. Generic costs me through my HMO for months supply 2x/750 daily. No reason to buy the name brand stuff.
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