Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine

Sounds as if you are doing great. I was just responding to your comment that if the methotrexate and plaquenil ceased to work, you might go to Enbrel - so i was sharing my experience and how it might offer advantages. Enbrel is a needle but only in sense that it’s a pre loaded pen. I’m not sure what kind of drug coverage you have but if you ever go that route, you can frequently get a big discount from manufacturers unless you receive any government income like social security. I had that with Humira from AbbeVie and only paid a fraction of the cost.

Thanks but it was 1100 with discount...way too much.

I had to go through applying via a site Humira provided. And i had to confirm I had commercial drug insurance coverage through my employer. But Abbvie covered my entire cost for $5 contribution a month from me.

Enbrel has a similar program if you have employer drug coverage. These drugs are so expensive - but enbrel is on the list of drugs congress will be negotiating a steeply discounted cost for.
… The Biden administration selected Enbrel as one of the first 10 drugs for Medicare drug price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2023. The negotiations are expected to take place in 2023 and 2024, with the negotiated prices going into effect on January 1, 2026. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to publish the maximum fair prices by September 1, 2024.

Good luck!

I am not taking methotrexate but I am taking hydroxychlorquine for dermatomyocitis for several years. I have not had any issues. I also take a low dose of prednisone,
I also use topicals to control any itching. I’m checked annually for any vision problems that could result from the hydroxychlorquine.

Why are you trying to come off? Dr increasing mine?

Why do drug manufacturers help everyone under 65?

I believe you mean they do NOT offer discounts to anyone eligible for social security or medicare/medicaid. They are prohibited from offering the discount price to anyone receiving government income - whether that be social security, medicare, etc. That is courtesy of Congress years ago when they implemented Plan D and congress agreed to no negotiating price with Pharmaceutical companies under those conditions.

Just FYI, MTX is stronger than hydroxychloroquine and often used together for many inflammatory autoimmune disorders. The eye side effects of HCQ are rare and usually reversible if changes are seen on your eye exams and drug is stopped. The drugs often require tweaking of doses depending on your response and any side effects. Anyone on MTX should be on daily folic acid supplement. HCQ can also rarely cause neuromuscular toxicity, so report any muscle weakness to your doctor and ask to have muscle enzymes checked (CK, aldolase, AST, ALT). I experienced this side effect and it took a decade and muscle biopsy at Mayo Clinic to figure out why I couldn’t walk and had severe muscle atrophy. It is rare so don’t be afraid of taking HCQ, just check it out if you develop any muscle weakness so it is caught early. I hope you all feel as well as possible and tolerate the meds that help control your diseases! Keep on trudging 😀

I get bad brain fog and fatigue from the methotrexate and I hate taking any medication so I’m working with my rheumatologist to find the best medication with the least side effects, if that’s even possible.

Thank you, that’s very helpful!