Newer medications than plaquinel and metheltrexate?

I have an appt on Wednesday with my rheumatologist. I have had a lot of problems throwing up all day, sometimes through the night and my hair started falling out. I've been on plaquinel for 18 months and the methaltrexate for about 6 months. Are the side effects from the medications or is this SLE? Are there different medications I could take? Maybe newer ones. Also since May I have been given 2 sets of high dose tapering prednisone for a total of 340 mg. This is for severe nerve damage from L3 - S1 on both sides of the facets. The nerves are being crushed by the bone. I'm on my second series of shots for nerve obliteration and I can't wait for the 3rd final one most likely the beginning of October. What side effects can I expect from the prednisone. This summer is the first time I've taken it. I have to say it makes me feel like superman. Any advice anyone can give is greatly appreciated. I have only known about my lupus about 18 months. Not the Valentine I expected at 57 yrs old. Thank You All. God Bless Each.

Plaquenil doesn't generally give people side effects, although a few experience stomach upset for the first couple of weeks. This is the only medication that inhibits disease progression, there isn't anything newer.

My thought is that the throwing up is from the MTX, as it's not generally a Lupus symptom, nor a side-effect of Prednisone. The hair loss is also common with MTX, but can be from Lupus although not as common as other Lupus symptoms. There are 3 meds that are used when Plaquenil and Prednisone aren't quite enough - only trial and error tells us which of these 3 (Cellcept, Imuran, MTX) will work for a given individual.

It sounds as though the MTX isn't working for you if you are always experiencing the level of stomach issues you mention. You might ask your rheumatologist about Imuran or Cellcept.

I tried Imuran, no side effects but no help either. Then I tried Cellcept (again no side effects) which has been my miracle drug and changed life from one long flare into something almost equal to my pre-Lupus condition. I think MTX has the most side effects thus my choice to save it to last in case neither Cellcept or Imuran worked.

If your Dr is unfamiliar with these options, I would find a Dr more up-to-date on Lupus. I suggest checking with the Lupus Org at www.lupus.org to find your local chapter of the organization. Then check in with the local chapter to see which local Drs are active on the advisory board -- these are generally the Drs most interested in and most experienced with Lupus in your area.

Best wishes!