Ra meds

Wish I knew the answer also. I started taking the hydroxy in January I’ll find out in3 weeks weather it’s done anything for me if it hasn’t I’m not taking it any more. Anyone else have any feed back on hydroxychloroine

That is a good question to have with your doctor. It is a progressive disease and different for everyone. Each drug, including the prednisone comes with potential side effects. I took both for years but eventually had to stop the hydroxy because of side effects it started to have on my eyes. And of course, both drugs do different things to your RA. Are you doing alright on just the prednisone? How long have you been on just it. Does it seem to be controlling the RA? These are things to talk with your doctor about. Tell him your concerns. Maybe he will let you hold off on the hydroxy. With RA the fact that you aren't getting worse may be a sign that the drug is working. I take Humira and people ask me all the time, "Is it working?" Well, it isn't getting worse is my usual answer. Whether it is because of the medicine or not is irrelevant for me. I'm not going to stop just to see if it gets worse. The damage isn't worth the risk to me. Good luck.

Methotrexate is considered first line treatment for RA . The crippling effect of untreated RA are really more scary than the meds. If you aren't seeing a rheumatologist, you might consider scheduling.

Are you also taking pred? Have you had relief from either/or?

Thank you. I have only been taking the pred for 20 days. Never started taking the hydro because I felt tremendous relief from the pred so Im thinking why put more meds in my body if Im feeling good. Yes, hopefully he wont get insulted that I didnt start it and say, hey, just take the pred. I totally agree with you. Dont stop your meds if it is providing relief. Although it is a double edged sword, quailty of life is the priority. Best to you as well.

I have had RA since 2006. I am on hydroquinone for years. Actually the prednisone is a short term fix . I would start taking it now before you are off the other. It takes a while for it to get in your system to start working. Prednisone can cause issues more the longer you are on it. I have been on it many years and it works well. I take it with sulfasalazine . I hope this helps you.

Not taking pred as far any relief I haven’t noticed any I’ll let you know if my blood work reflects from the hydroxychloroquine

Thank you for your feedback.

I would say if your afraid of medications then Prednisone is not the one to pick. The long term effects of prednisone may be worse than any other medication. While you love it for how it makes you feel, you will hate it for what it does to you.

The prednisone just helps with the inflammation which is what causes the pain. It is for symptom relief only! It will NOT stop the progression of the RA!
You need to take proper RA meds to slow the progression of this disease if you don’t want to permanently damage your joints. See a Rheumatologist!