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Meds when you can't take nsaids?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 8/18/2006 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I can usually be found on the llupus forum. I have arthritis in my thumbs, wrists, fingers. I think it may be starting in my hips and feet/ankles. I cannot take nsaids because I have anaphylactic reactions to them. Prednisone and I do not get along well either: paranoia and severe swelling withing 10 days on 10mg.

My question is, what other--if any--meds are available that might help. The pain and discomfort when I move at night is waking me up and I have a tough enough time sleeping anyway. Thanks for any help!

xoxo emmie

Posted 8/18/2006 2:27 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Emmi,

there are several different dmards that you can try.  Sulfasalazine and methotrexate are some of the older ones.  The tnf-inhibitors are a relatively new class of drugs that also may help (Enbrel, Humira, remicade, and a couple of new ones that were just approved this year).  Many people with RA have GI issues, so they cannot take any of the NSAIDS either.  Also, don't forget plaquenil.  Many people with inflammatory arthritis get relief from plaquenil.

Hope you find something that works,

Elcamino

Posted 8/18/2006 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Emmi! What type of arthritis do you have? I noticed you have Hashimoto's also... So do I... Do you take Synthroid for that? I hope you are well, and hope to hear from you soon...

Duck
Posted 8/19/2006 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
emmi Hi,

I have Ra,oA,AS,Sjerens and crohns to boot.I my self can not take inflammatory nsaids because of the crohns.My Rheumatolagist me on Methotrexate,Humira and Plaqunil and it seem's to help I give full credit to Humira for getting me out of a wheel-chair(was in one for a year becase could not walk)so you may want to ask your Doctor about these meds and see what the both of you can come up with.
Posted 8/20/2006 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. I am assuming it is osteo; my RA factor was neg, but that was over 2 years ago. I am currently on plaquenil for the lupus overlap with scleroderma (uctd). I also have seizures (partial complex) that are controlled with keppra and topomax. They are part of the autoimmune encephalopathy (what used to be termed Hashimoto's encephalopathy).

I saw my rheumie last week and told her that my joint pain (thumb, wrist, knees, and hips) was worse. Tylenol isn't cutting it. I only take tylenol at night because I worry about my liver with all the other meds. I have a rough time sleeping as it is. The pain is waking me as I turn during the night or even just move my hands, etc. The fatigue from the other problems is enough; I need what rest I can get at night! I explained all this to her. I asked her for something that I could take at night to help with the pain or something that would help me sleep. She said she would refer me to the pain clinic and I should call for an appt soon. It takes 2 months to get in!

I'm confused. I thought rheumies treated arthritis....Maybe I'll see my pcp on this. Thanks very much for your help. If you have any other suggestions, i'm open!

xoxo emmie
Posted 8/20/2006 9:41 AM (GMT 0)
I have Osteoarthritis,& can't take NSAIDS as they tear up my gut.I just take tylenol as needed,they just live with it.It hurts to walk very much,but resting seems to help more than anything with me.
Posted 8/21/2006 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
What about a half of vicodin with the tylenol and hopefully you'd get a good nights rest.
Posted 8/22/2006 9:41 AM (GMT 0)

hi emmi,

what about 6MP or Imuran?  sulfasalazine, cyclosporine, arava, plaquenil, penicillamine and mesalamine can also be prospectives for treatment. bring those guys up @ your next rheummy appt. :-)

Imuran plus Humira and mesalamine were helping my case of RA...Imuran i think the most. also have ER Morphine and dilaudid for overall pain. steroids and ice are like the only things that make the throbbing joint pain easier to deal with (barely).

i as well have issues with nsaids. i bleed rectally from them while on em'. and w/ CD it worsens symptoms.

i wish you well emmi.

sincerely,

erin 

Posted 8/26/2006 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for your input. I really really appreciate it. It pays to come to the "experts". I just wish none of us were the "experts", if you know what I mean.

Here's to a happy, comfortable weekend!

xoxo emmie
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