Hi Folks
I have been on increasing doses of mtx for about 5 mo. Now at 20 mg. Can't get below 10 mg prednazone per day due to pain returning.
Trying to choose between going to 25 mg injectable mtx or dropping mtx tabs to 15 mg per week and adding Arava.
I am wondering which option might be most effective and also which has the greatest potential of liver problems.
Thanks
Jim
The combo has the hugher risk of liver problems. I think going up in the MTX really depends on how effective it has been up to now. Are you seeing some relief?
Since I have seen some swelling relief my Dr is switching me to injectable MTX. He said that I might not be absorbing all of the benefit from the pills.Buckeye
Yes I have had a lot of relief from the mtx. However I still have not been able to reduce the prednazone below 10 mg per day. The Doc says something additional must be done before some permenent damage occurs.
Jim
Buckeye,
I switched from 25mg MTX orally to 25mg inection a couple of years ago. Last year I was still having real problems with flares and tiredness...I was also on Plaquenil and Sulphasalazine. My RD took me off Sulphasalazine and suggested adding in Arava, warning me that it can cause high BP, but that he would like me to try it and see. I did, and am now taking 2 BP meds, but the last year has been great! I've been so much livelier, more positive, more able than before. I know that both MTX & Arava can cause liver probs, but I firstly had my blood checked every 2 weeks and now continue having checked everyn 4 weeks....so far so good.
Of couse, this disease and all the meds we have to take for it affect us all in different ways....but I'd tell you my story.
Good luck.
Dawn
I know several people who take both and it can work well you just have to be vigilant to the potential problems.
Bonny..since you have been seeing relief from the MTX I would try the higher dose first before adding the arava...but thats just me