Can methotrexate and/or hydroxychloroquine make RA worse?

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Hello @sheilaray . You have a lot going on and, of course, you’re wondering about the medications. I don’t believe that methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine will cause the pain. They are for treatment. There would have been dozens of complaints to the FDA if they made the disease worse. Based on what my neighbor has told me that all of her symptoms went away when she was pregnant, but came back after birth. This may just be the bodies’ way of dealing with one Major issue at a time. And you could be having a flare as your body returns to it’s prior self
Have you checked with a university hospital or major medical center near you? Ask if they have a rheumatoid specialist on hand. I had to do this when no one locally knew what was wrong with me. My husband had to drive me from the hospital to UCHealth, about 1 hour away, during rush hour. It was so worth it!
Can you call around and let me know what you learn?

You were taking two disease modifying treatments. Such mess help by being in your system long term creating a sustained level. So by six weeks your stores had finally depleted and you were bound to relapse. Once Mayo Clinic had posted the qualities of a rheumatologist we should look for. All I had said to myself then was find me one if he/she exists. Please keep looking till you find one. This is a progressive disease and a lot is being done to help patients if we have a right doctor. Availability of our rheumatologist is very important. Share your concerns with your doctor . Do not be facing serious damage to your joints and bones, pinched nerves etc just because your RA was not treated aggressively or your md was not there when you were in need of advice/care. Know that you can prevent osteoporosis. Take care. Keep hope and faith close to y
Oh.

Hello RA friends,
I have been taking Humira pen every two weeks and methotrexate eight tablets weekly for my RA, RF borderline. It was out of control. Swelling in every joint, knuckles, knees, tendinitis, periferal neuropathy, it was so painful to type! Attacks of Raynaud’s, Sjogren’s. Vasculitis.
My rheumatologist and neurologist were at odds with my treatment. Finally about a month ago my PCP consulted the rheumatologist in adding Prednisone 5mg daily to my meds regime. I am even allowed to take 10 mg if needed. Docs were reluctant to give me steroids but decided the benefits outweighed the risks in my case.
After one month I feel like something like a miracle has happened. I almost feel in remission. I hope this story is useful for many RA patients dealing with unsuccessful treatments. It takes a combination of drugs to do the trick. And yes, be prepared for flares. It’s part of the deal. Good luck to all from my heart
Anny Rapoport

The Kineret and colchicine with 5 mg prednisone has done wonders for my husband of 40 years!!!! Life is good again. Pseudo foot and pseudo RA. 67 years young!!