plaquenil, methotrexate and sulfaselzadine (sp)

[Bobbie]

Is anyone of a regiment of plaquenil, methotrexate and sulfaselzadine for erosive inflammatory arthritis?   My rheumatologist is starting me this week.

Just wondering.   Thanks, Bobbie

[Linda196]

When we were still trying to establish my regime, we discussed sulfasalazine, since for many years previously I had treated my inflammatory arthritis quite effectively with just coated aspirin, and my rheumy thought the SSZ would be a good match. Unfortunately the other aspect of SSZ is sulfa drug, and I've shown sensitivity to those in the past, so we moved on.

All the same cautions exist for SSZ as do for any salicilyate like Aspirin, an if you are accustomed to treating pain with NSAIDS, that should be thoroughly discussed with your Rheumy or pharmacist, it may be recommended that you switch to Tylenol based pain meds.

If you look up interactions, Methotrexate and folic acid are listed, but I think the interaction is one of synergy,  which means they are given together to enhance each other. A pharmacist could explain that much better. Although technically not an immunosuppressant (classed as an antibiotic), it can also lower white blood cell counts, and that has to be monitored.

[Bobbie]

Thank you Linda.

In the past I have tried Methotextrate by itself.  Didn't hurt me.  Didn't help.  I also tried  sulfaselzadine.  Didn't hurt me.  Didn't help.  I'm going to start this new combo tomorrow.  My rheumatologist wanted to start me on infusions of Actemra.  Denied by insurance.  Then he was setting me up with Actemra injections. Denied.  Insurance wants me to try this combo before they will let me try Actemra.  You know how it goes.  Who knows.  It might work.  That's all I care about.

I have tried so many things.  Avara, Xeljanz, Humira, of course methotrexate and sulfaselzadine.  So many things I've forgotten.  Erosive inflammatory arthritis is in my hands.  Also had injections in my fingers.  Didn't work.  Erosive inflammatory arthritis in my knee, feet, and back.  Rheumy said it would keep spreading til it was everywhere.  Oh the joy.

Hope this works.  Thanks again Linda.     Bobbie