Sulphasalazine then Methotrexate what next ?

[Halda]

Hi am 44 diagnosed with PA 2 years ago started with patches on my scalp and sciatica type pains in my legs then turned into pa in one toe on left foot and right hip, now developed to include index finger on left and both shoulders and neck hips and right knee.
Started off on sulphasalazine but it really killed my stomach been on 15mg methotrexate with folic acid tabs for 12 months but struggled to live with the sore mouths and constant tiredness, now been off it for 3 months but pa is now getting worse, the methotrexate did at least appear to hold it at bay. Do some people take both sulphasalazine and methotrexate ? Didnt know that was an option.
Has anyone else been down this road and what did they try next Humira ?
Got an appointment with my rheumatoligist in a few months and this time i want to go armed with as much information as possible.

[Malibu 2]

Hi am 44 diagnosed with PA 2 years ago started with patches on my scalp and sciatica type pains in my legs then turned into pa in one toe on left foot and right hip, now developed to include index finger on left and both shoulders and neck hips and right knee.
Started off on sulphasalazine but it really killed my stomach been on 15mg methotrexate with folic acid tabs for 12 months but struggled to live with the sore mouths and constant tiredness, now been off it for 3 months but pa is now getting worse, the methotrexate did at least appear to hold it at bay. Do some people take both sulphasalazine and methotrexate ? Didnt know that was an option.
Has anyone else been down this road and what did they try next Humira ?
Got an appointment with my rheumatoligist in a few months and this time i want to go armed with as much information as possible.
Hi Halda
Welcome to the group.
I am new myself to MTX and will be going on Remicade first of the year, so I am not seeing any results thus far HOWEVER there are some wonderful people on here that have helped me SO much. I'm sure you'll hear from one soon.
I personally would recommed getting in to see your Rheumy sooner, a few months is a long time to go through this pain.
Best of luck
Malibu

[RichJ]

hi halda,
sorry i can't help much but welcome to the p family. you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.

have a good night all

richard

[nyoki]

I agree w/ Malibu. I would definitely get an appt w/ your rheumy mush sooner, maybe tomorrow or in a week at most. These things always get worse left untreated.

[Yuva]

Hi,

I've been on Sulphazalasine for 5 yrs and a little more. It has helped to a certain degree. It has slowed developement of my PA and P. It has helped with reducing pain a great deal too. I take Sodium Diclofenac once in a while roughly one tablet a month or so. However, lately my finger joints have become affected although not too severely. My specialist suggested I go for the TNF's, he let me choose which I would be comfortable with. I have decided to go for Humira. When I meet him in early december we'll take it from there. I was reluctant to go for the TNF's but because my right hand fingers started to get affected I am not taking any chances so I am counting on Humira. I made my decision after some research and some really good advice from the wonderful and helpful people on this board. I hope you continue to use this board as you will see it has wonderful, helpful people and plenty of info and advice. Good Luck.

[1WeekAtATime]

Enbrel is newer and maybe better than Humira- they're basically in competition with each other. There's also Remicade. Ask your doctor about these treatments alone or in supplement to maybe the methotrexate. I'm having to switch to one of these after the methotrexate never seemed to work at all.

[happuch]

Hello! It is definitely a journey to treat this disease. My husband started on Sulfasaline which helped but he developed a reaction. Moved to MTX which helped but apparently was affecting his liver. Started the Humira with great results. Cleared his mild scalp P completely and has made his PA be almost non-existent. He has been on the Humira for 3 1/2 months now and is very happy with it. No need for Tylenol, Advil or anything else as a general rule.