My RD called today and my liver enzymes are up again and she wants me to dicontinue the MTX. I was at 12.5 mg then down to 10 and currently on 7.5. I also inject 50 mg Enbril once a week.
Last time I went off MTX (in Feb) I could barely walk. I had just started the Enbril in January.
I am hoping that now that the Enbril is really in my system maybe it wont be as horriffic.
What are the alternatives to MTX?? Anyone else have this problem??
I do NOT want to go back on prednisone.
I love you guys! I will probably have so much info before the doc even calls me back. I appreciate all of your help!
When I had to come off Mtx for the same reason I was put on Arava. I can't tell any differance in the two. I had same problem and my dr. put me on arava also. arava didn't work as well for me so he also added plaquenil. Arava is the alternative for MTX in the DMARD class. Enbrel is a biologic. You are very lucky to not be on prednisone. I have been on both MTX and Arava, both 20 and 10mg doses... each for a long time. I think the Arava doesnt make people as sick as MTX can... but arava is not agreeing with me anymore. BP and HR way up on it. Most people tolerate it well tho... good luck!I was on MTX when I first started Enbrel. My RD reduced it 2mg at a time so I went off it very slowly. This worked well for me.
You might find that you don't need the MTX at all. Good luck.
Thanks for the info. Talked to my RD today and she didn't even mention Arava. See how much you learn here!
She mentioned Planquil & Sulfa something....????
I am hoping I don't need anything.
I have been on Enbrel for 3 weeks now and I have already decreased my MTX from 12.5 to 10 mg. I am going to wait another week and then drop to 7.5. My doc said he wanted me to eventually get down to 2.5 mg per week, but if I can I want off of the MTX alltogether. I would love to just be on Enbrel and nothingelse, thats my goal.Do you think Enbril and nothing else might work??? I have been on Enbril for 6 months now. I would love to go off the MTX and just be on the Enbril. Is anyone else just on Enbril? Maybe I will start a new post.My mom's mix that works for her is Arava and MTX. That is all she takes and she occasionally has a toe that hurts. I hope I can get a mix like that!