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RA, Biologics & Evening Primrose Oil

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 6/21/2008 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all -- it's been eons since I've stopped by.

I have a couple of questions and was hoping someone here might have answers.

I have finally started peri-menopause (yahoo!!) yeah My only symptom other than not having my TOM for 4 months, is night sweats - like clockwork at 2:00 a.m. every night. eyes I went to the health food store yesterday and it was suggested that I take Evening Primrose Oil to help with this.

In reading up on it, I found that it's use is varied, but that it is taken to alleviate symptoms of RA as well as peri-menopausal symptoms, amongst other things.

Has anyone experimented with EPO for their RA? Were you on any of the biologic's whilst taking it? It's an essential fatty acid and I'm curious as to whether it will or won't interfere with my Enbrel/MTX mix. I'm hesitant to take things now, but do need some relief in the middle of the night.

I appreciate any comments - thanks in advance.tongue

S.
Posted 6/22/2008 10:34 AM (GMT 0)

HI Starrnr,

Yes, primrose oil is supposed to be good for both the those things.  I take it, along with omega threes, though i must confess, I haven't been as regular about them as I should.  I am also on enbrel, though had to stop the mtx due to chronic sinus inections.  Still using plaquenil though.

Don't know if it will help, but the brand that was reccommended to me is Nature's Way EFA Gold.  It says High Potency 1300mg. 1 pill 2 to 3 times a day. Like everything we take, they told me it would take a while to see some results.

Good luck!

Jody

Posted 6/23/2008 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jody, thanks for the info. I feel better now about taking it. I have a brand new bottle sitting on my kitchen counter that I've been staring at for a couple of days. I will start taking it this evening. I figure if it's going to work, I'll know in about a week. The brand I'm trying is Source Naturals; cold pressed, hexane free(?), 1350 MG. Beats me what this means, but hey, if it works, I'll be happy!

Thanks again.

~S.
Posted 6/23/2008 6:58 PM (GMT 0)

Hi again,

sure hope it helps, wouldn't that be great?  You'll have to let me know when and if you see improvement....they told me it could take a couple of months.  Just like all of our other meds, I guess, I would be rich if I had a dime for every time I've heard "we have to give it 8-12 weeks". lol

take care, Jody

Posted 7/28/2008 4:17 AM (GMT 0)
I started taking epo for nightly sweats that DRENCHED my bed at the advice of a fellow (nurse) coworker. I've been taking 1000mg nightly for 3 weeks and have not had one episode of night sweats since the 2nd day I started taking them. This stuff has changed my life and I highly recommend it.
Posted 7/28/2008 5:44 AM (GMT 0)

Hi. I've been taking epo for a few years now for severe PMS that started a few years back (and a couple of years after I had my 2nd child). My PCP recommended it and it does help greatly. I cannot recall if I started it when I was on Remicade or not. However, I'm now on Arava and Plaquenil and don't notice a problem with the interactions. I just know it does help quite a bit with the pms symptoms. I found results somewhat quicker than 8 weeks, I hope you find the same. The only thing I should warn you is a lot of epo is mixed with vitamin E. If you have liver concerns (I do), make sure you buy a bottle that does not include the vitamin E.

It is good to hear that it may also help with menopause as I'm sure that is just around the corner for me. Let me know what your results are with taking it.

I'm told soy is also good? Or is it only soy milk because of the estrogen content?

***

Posted 8/2/2008 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all...

It works, it works!!! I've been taking 1350 mg nightly and have noticed a dramatic difference in my "nightly" interruptions! Seriously, the sweats have all but disappeared. Who knew. I'm just glad that's all I'm experiencing -- so far.

CaMama - mine doesn't appear to have Vitamin E in it... It's jam packed with essential fatty acids though and I know that's good for me as well. I can't do soy and I can't do estrogen replacements due to my endo (which has gone to sleep since January!).

I've been without my Enbrel since the end of June (I'm a casualty of the current real estate/construction market and was laid off at the end of May). I am still on my MTX though (thank heavens) and that's been an absolute lifesaver for my RA in my hands. I'm just glad the EPO & the MTX seem to agree with each other - I'd hate to have to give up the EPO now!

Thanks ladies for your information - it helped immensely.

~S.
Posted 8/2/2008 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
hey starrnr did you notify enbrel and see if they would give it to you free? call montel too? might just work if you need the enbrel? sorry about the work lay off. good luck with everything!~ hugs yally
Posted 8/3/2008 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
So glad it works - yeah! Sorry to hear about your job. Hope you find something soon.

yeah  

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