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Posted 6/20/2008 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
    Hey guys.......Just have a couple questions...........Had a Rheumy appt. today.  Had Lupus dx almost 4 years now...recently been having more problems then normal. New kidney failure.........dvt's..........and fluid around the heart.  Today the Rheumy decided that she wanted to make a couple changes in my meds.....just wondering for the people who are on them,  how they do with them.

   I was previously on Cytoxin10mg/Prednisone15mg/Vicodin/Morphine10mg for breakthrough/Plaquinel 400mg and Celebrex200mg...and a few other vitamins.  She has taken away the Plaquinel and the Celebrex and replaced them with Imuran and Voltaren.  Anyone out there who is on these meds would be nice to hear how you fare with them..and if you were on the Plaquinel and celebrex before...........which do you prefer?

   I hate changing meds.......as necessary as it may be sometimes...the fear or new unwanted side affects can sometimes be very discouraging........Would love to hear from some of you and your opinions or advice.

Thanx

Cheeki

Posted 6/20/2008 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on plaquenil since my dx and never off of it, so no comments there. Haven't been on celebrex or voltaren, so no comments there either. I did have a course of Imuran -- no side effects at all, but also no results in over a year of using it. There are others here who have had good results with Imuran. I'm sure they'll come along soon and share with you... I got a lot better when I traded in the Imuran for a course of Cellcept. Hope you feel better soon,
Posted 6/20/2008 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cheeki,

 

I don't like switching meds or being put on new ones either.  It's unsettling. 

 

I am however on Imuran.  I have been since my diagnosis 8 years ago.  It's been a lifesaving drug for me.  I do REALLY well on it.  I didn't have any side effects from it except all the good ones!!  Put my lupus to sleep so to speak!  Some of the more common side effects are upset stomach and some hair loss, which all happen early in starting treatment.  Once the body is used to the drug, the hair stops falling out (minimal) and grows in, and the stomach issues clear up.  Those don't happen to everyone though.  Like me, I didn't experience either of those.  It's a drug that's been around for a long time.  An oldie, but a goodie!  I hope you do really well on it.  I'm taking 50mg twice a day.  What is your dose?  It also takes about 3 weeks to "kick in".

 

I have no experience with Voltaren.  Hopefully someone here does.

 

Are you staying on prednisone?  I"m on it too, and combined with the Imuran has been a super duper combination for me. 

 

Let us know how you are doing!

Posted 6/20/2008 1:26 AM (GMT 0)

   I am on 150mg of the Imuran...or will be tomorrow when I fill it.....lol.  As for the prednisone............I am still on it......wishing I wasn't and hoping to get off it....I have gained almost 40lbs since I have been back on it.........Not pleasant. 

  I am glad to hear it has done well for you Ginny......I am hoping for the same results......I have heard about cellcept Lynnwood..but have yet to try it.  But thank you for letting me know it has worked for you............something to consider if the Imuran works as well for me as it did for you.

   I really appriciate the reasponses,  You hit it right on the head when you used the word "unsettling" with the switching of new meds Ginny............Just hoping for a better outcome with these new ones.

Thanx 

Cheeki 

Posted 6/20/2008 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
LOL, yes, filling the prescription is a good first step!  Don't be afraid of this drug.  It's a good medication for most people. Lynnwood has had a really good experience with Cellcept.  It's a relatively new medication.  Definitely one I will try if I ever need to switch. 

 

Yeah, I gained 60 pounds with the prednisone.  I was a toothpick at the time of my dx, so I'm actually now at an almost healthy weight for my height.  I'm about 15 pounds overweight.  But it's a bugger to get the weight off!!!  I've decided to just live with it, LOL!!!

 

But definitely give that Imuran a really good go.  Keep us posted on how you're feeling or if you have any questions, just shout!

Posted 6/20/2008 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm,, I would hate to have to give up my plaquinel. As for Celebrex I hated it it was fine for my knees but I got awful periferal edima so bad I could not hold a pen or pump my own gas. I have only used voltaren optic which worked great but haven't tried the oral type-no experience with Imuran.
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