I forgot to add in the above that Methotrexate tablets were added with sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine…after 6 months …the Methotrexate was changed to injections weekly…and now the Actemra injections every two weeks …

Sulfasalazine and other DMARDS. My rheumy recently switched me to my third DMARD. First, I was on methotrexate for two years which I self-injected and it seemed to help the tapering process to get off prednisone. Then I experienced negative liver lab tests which apparently isn’t that unusual. So, my rheumy then prescribed hydroxychloroquine to replace the methotrexate. I immediately felt better and had more energy for exercise but I also developed diarrhea which wouldn’t go away and I finally had to stop it. By this time, I was down to 1 mg of Prednisone and was feeling that the end was close. I started back in the gym and was feeling the best I had felt in over two years. Then, whammy, I suffered the first flare I have ever had. I increased my prednisone but apparently not enough because I then suffered two additional flares each worse than the previous ones. Now, my rheumy has prescribed Sulfasalazine and I am back on a slow taper from 7 mg of Prednisone. Two weeks in I am feeling good but am cautious about repeating my earlier failure of trying to go without any DMARD.
I think I never fully understood the function of DMARDs. First, they allow us to taper off of Prednisone far faster than without. Second, because a DMARD also reduces inflammation on its own, many of us will continue with a DMARD even after we have finished with Prednisone. So, rather than an afterthought or a secondary supplement we need to see a DIMARD as a co-equal to Prednisone.
I would like to hear from others about their experience with both Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine. Tell me about any side-effects and whether you feel better after taking them.