Besides RA, I also have hepatitis B. As soon as they found out, they took me off Mtx and I'm only taking Sulfasalazine along with folic acid. I'm SO concerned that this isn't aggresive enough. Of course I know that because of my liver, a lot of meds are not within my reach. But is there anything else we could be doing? I have noticed increased join pain, esp. hands, feet and ankles, and I'm worried. It's not unbearable and easily solved with ibuprofen. But the meds they gave me for my Hep B (hepsera) affects my kidneys as well. So now I'm concerned about taking ibuprofen. Oh, this is all so wild. Any of you have any ideas/suggestions I could take to my rheumy for my next appt this coming Tuesday???
I don't have much information that will be helpful to you Hula.....just wanted to wish you luck with the search. Surely there are other medications you an use. I agree that Sulfersalizine isn't real agressive......but I did take it for a couple years when I was first dx'ed with great success. Over time though it wasn't strong enough.
Hang in there.
When i changed from MTX to Humira, my RD reduced the frequency of blood tests to monitor liver function from once a month to every 3 months, since Humira is less likely to cause liver problems. At least, I certainly got the impression that the biologics like Humira were less likely to cause liver problems...don't know specifically about Hepatitis...may be other reasons why the biologics would be a problem. I would certainly ask my doctor.
Alan
thanks guys. biologics? don't know much about them but I will put that on my list. this is all so new and the complications happened so fast that I'm in a whirlwind. thanks! I just heard earlier on a Humira commercial it said "Tell your doctor if you have Hepatitis B" I'm guessing that if you did you wouldn't be able to take it. Just guessing.Well, have you looked into antibiotic protocol therapy at all? I'm sorry, I have no idea how the antibiotics might tax your liver or kidneys, but it might be worth checking out.Oooo good idea Gimpy. Doesn't hurt to look at that. What about taking Aleve (if ya can get the bottle open lol) instead of ibuprofen?
Maybe talking to your doc about some more natural therapies. Like changing your diet, milk thistle is a good supplement for the liver, hot or cold packs for your aching joints, simple exercises, hot showers or baths, and resting when you can. I am also huge on drinking lots of water to keep everything cleaned out so to speak.
I know that you can not take Humira if you have hepatitis. I think it is because hepatitis lowers your ability to fight infections and the purpose of Humira is to suppress the immune system. Don't want to add anything in that could possibly hinder your ability even more to fight infections.
Please let us know what your doc says! And ((hugs)) to you!