My rheumatoligist sent me home with literature on plaquenil yesterday and told me to think about it. I saw a friend (who is an M.D.) this morning who advised me to take methotrexate. I don't really know the risks, benefits of either and, at this time, don't feel well enough to sit at the computer to research. Can anyone provide info/experiences on what route they chose and why? Thank you so much. I hope you are all doing well. Love, Juliah
Juliahh,
I've taken both Plaquenil and Methotrexate. I'm currently on Methotrexate and Humira which seems to be a good combination for me right now. As you'll learn; if you haven't already once you're on something for a while the effects tend to wear off after a while. Meaning; just because somethings working right now doesn't mean it will be working a year from now. You have to have your eyes checked regularlly with the Plaquenil but alot of folks here take it and like the results they get. Everything has it's draw backs; but I've done well with the Methotrexate...not everyone is as lucky as me. I take 22.5mg a week and that for some makes them very sick. Some choose the injection form to cut down on the side effects. I myself feel like it's all trial and error. You have to try one and find out for yourself what works best for you.
I hope that helps a little...I'm not sure it did. Hope you're feeling better soon!!
I have been on Plaquenil for ten years now. It workd pretty good in the beginning...never perfect, but it did knock the pain down, I didn't have any stiffness , and it did ward off joint damage for me. I added antibioitics five years ago. I only started gettng significant damage three years ago, so I know the plaquenil really did help. No side effects at all!
Less
I have taken both with Mtx giving many more side effects . Neither seemed to help much however I MAY ( still testing ) have some pulmonary damage from the MTX so I would humblely advise checking into the complacations of both. Good Luck !Try this site for information on MTX. All patients comments
http://www.aslapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=8085&name =METHOTREXATE%20SODIUM
Hope this helps !If it does set out an extra cookie come Christmas eve
Please read ALL the comments , some are quite interesting, others scary .