Hi all,
New here, been trying to get a diagnosis for about three years now. Saw a new rheumy today who finally felt comfortable calling it "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis." Somehow that makes me feel better, although I don't really know much about the disease. He is changing my meds from Plaquenil to Azulfidine. What kinds of experiences have others had with this drug? I don't want to gain ANY MORE weight, but I would really like to get some solid pain relief for my hands and feet. Thanks in advance!
LAZ
I've been on plaquanil but not the other. In general the doctor will probably add new drugs to the mix until your symptoms are under control. I'm now on plaquanil, prednisone, methetrexate, and enbrel. It can take a very long time to have your bloodwork show a positive rheumatoid factor. It took me 8 years to finally get a definitive diagnosis of RA. It's good that your doctor is treating you agressively even though the tests are seronegative. A lot of dammage can happen at the beginning of RA.I was on sulfasalazine along with plaquenil for about 6 months. Then started Humira and was on all 3 for 3 months. My energy kept slipping away. Found out the sulfasalazine caused anemia. Stopped that drug and recovered my energy quickly after that.
Good luck with the change in meds.
Hi Laz
I'm currently on Azulfidine (sulphasalazine). This is the third time I've been on it and I've been on it in total about 6 years. As per usual, some people can't tolerate it (often because of the drugs' sulphur component) but if you do, it's one of the older and safer drugs around. You'll have regular blood tests, to pick up any of the serious but rare side effects early.
It's usually started gradually, (one 500mg pill per day for a week, building up to 4-6 pills per day) to reduce side effects. It's often used in combination with another drug (like plaquenil or methotrexate) and can even be used as part of a trio of drugs (like sulphasalzine, plaquenil and mtx) for more benefit.
It often makes your pee turn orange and can have the same effect on certain types of soft contact lenses. (I wear them and have never had a problem.) It takes a while to start working - usually after 3 months you'll know if it's making a difference.
Good luck!
Thank you all for your informational responses. I'll let you know how it's going!
Take care!
LAZ
P.S: It shouldn't affect your weight at all