← Return to Benlysta Preauthorization Denied; Pain Meds That Help Lupus?

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Hi Judy! Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing. I'm so sorry for what your daughter is enduring. I hope she is able to find relief and care from her doctor(s). I saw my Rheumatologist today, and am 9 days in to my Plaquenil prescription, while still on 20mg daily Prednisone. We will be giving Plaquenil one month to resolve my joint and myofascial pain; if it does not, we will resubmit the request for Benlysta preauthorization to my insurance. (My doctor did appeal/argue my first denial, and provided details for why Plaquenil is not considered the appropriate medicine based on my numbers, but to no avail. Seems to be a trend at the moment). I haven't yet tried my Cymbalta or Gaba prescriptions from my GP, but feel..safer having them available if days get worse while we test Plaquenil. I do understand from my GP that Cymbalta is an SNRI at first, which can also offer musculoskeletal pain relief; my GP has had success with several patients. But will definitely stay on the lookout for worsening mental health if I try Cymbalta - thank you for the warning. Best of luck to your daughter, and you as caregiver!

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Replies to "Hi Judy! Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing. I'm so sorry for what your..."

@sarahintexas gabapentin and Cymbalta are both medications that should be taken daily as usually prescribed. When taking the it takes at the very least two weeks to see the benefits. Those two drugs do not help acutely for pain.
Laura