Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine

I
Have been taking hydroxychloroquine for 18 years and I have never had any negative effects from this drug. I was also on methotrexate for five years but it was stopped because I simply didn’t need it any longer. I did have an episode of Polymalagia Rheumatica last year which was the most painful condition I ever had, and it sounds as though you are struggling with it too. Prednisone helped tremendously, but tapered off after six months. I am now suffering with terrible spine issues, and I’m not sure if PMR did its damage or not. Seeing a new neurosurgeon next week.

Following, as I am on newly on both the Hydroxychloroquine and Methotrexate.

Hi there
I was on Methotrexate and Mycophenolate for 3 years ... 18 months each. Made me awefully sick and no quality of life. I have Lupus, Fibro and also Neuro Autoimmune .... I also have 27,000 Ectopic heart thuds per day.
They wanted to double my medication so told them what to do with their meds. The other medications mentioned here my doctor warned me that it could have an effect on my eye sight which is already depleting anyway at 53. We are just treating symptoms now of inflamation and lupus eating me away inside. My kidneys started to suffer due to the medications as well. I am on Endep, Celebrex and Palexia slow release. I know when my body has had too much and just spend a day doing nothing if i have over done it. If it is one thing i have learned after shingles is to listen to my body and avoid stress as much as possible as well. Turning off has been my best friend for day's and people.
Wishing you all the best and take care

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.

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.

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…