other than methotrexate, embril, humira what are recommended treatments?

[tallblond123]

I am aware of popular treatments for RA, such as the above, and other related immunosupressant treatments.  Are there homeopathic or holistic treatments with promise?

[txsilver]

Hi.  I have RA and have been dx with it for about the same time frame as you.  I am on relafen and plaquenil now but was on MTX pills then injections for approx 8 months.  I went off the MTX for a holiday and found I did not have to go back on it.  Has your doc talked about plaquenil?  Do you get sufficient relief from the OTC meds?  

[tallblond123]

thank you for your response.  i was diagnosed with RA about 18 months ago.  i tried methotrexate on two different occasions, however, i am one of those whose symptoms were not relieved from it.  increasing the dosage resulted in acid reflux, etc.  since then, i have used prednisone on two occasions to get through painful flair-ups.  i take tylenol and other OTC medications to relieve symptoms of inflammation.  i am getting by about as well as the patients i know who are taking immune suppressants, but have concern about joint and organ damage, of course.

would love to  hear about your sojourn with your disease, your treatment, and any success stories to keep me encouraged.  thanks

[TrudieC]

Not sure what your history with RA is.  Normally treatment is started with Plaquenil and then move onto Prednisone or DMARD's or immune suppressants.  You could try other things but I imagine they would only help with the pain and not necessarily the joint degeneration.  With the drugs they can halt or slow down joint and organ damage.