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Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine

Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Oct 14 7:42pm | Replies (80)

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@lucy73

I was diagnosed with RA about 12 years ago, with pretty severe symptoms. I started on Methotrexate, added Humira in the next year, and then also added Hydroxychloroquine due to knee pain. I am EXTREMELY fortunate, as I really haven't had any side effects from any of my meds. I was able to taper off the Hydroxy about 3 years ago, and now I am on a minimal dose of Methotrexate. My rheumatologist has said he will recommend continuing on the Humira for the duration, but possibly look to wean me off Methotrexate completely. He had told me that removal of all meds generally results in a relapse within a year. I'm fine continuing with the meds for now. Make sure you have your eye doc check your eyes every year for peripheral vision if you're on Hydroxy, as it can cause problems, but I didn't have any in the almost 10 years I was on it. Methotrexate pills cause stomach upset for some, so injections are also an option.
Good luck on your journey! I have to say, at 72, I feel great and am thankful for the medications available. They certainly have worked for me, so far. DO ask questions and seek doctors who listen to you. Be your own advocate.

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Replies to "I was diagnosed with RA about 12 years ago, with pretty severe symptoms. I started on..."

Thank you for your response. I’m glad everything has gone well for you and that you’re feeling great now! The timeline is very similar to mine as I’m 61 and was diagnosed a few years ago so that’s nice to hear that there is hope.

I’ve been down a similar road. Started 12 yrs ago on Humira and Methotrexate (after the required step drugs that don't work but are cheap). Methotrexate made my liver enzymes go up and up but when we lowered it enough to stop that, it no longer prevented me from developing antibodies to Humira. So my doc switched me to Enbrel. Liver enzymes stayed above normal so I switched to subcutaneous injection. But finally we switched to infusions of Remicade four years ago. Its great. I’m well controlled with no material side effects other than fatigue from time to time.
But if feels like its just not working as well as he decreases Methotrexate, ask if an antibody blood test should be considered.

Good luck…