Hi sharena.
Did you mean your RA factor levels are still high? (which does not matter as much).
What matters is how you feel. Did you experience any symptom relief yet?
If not, it might be wise to discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Most meds, do not work for the majority of patients who take them
(yes, most people are shocked to find out) and if we take out the placebo effect, then it only leaves a small % of patients, on who truly benefit from the
their pharmacological action.
The major criteria for drugs to come to market are:
Effectiveness through clinical studies/trials to treat medical conditions, higher( it does not have to be a very significant difference!) than the placebo effect.
Demonstrated reasonable safety.
Prospect of profitability.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes.
Niko
2 tablets a week bit ra levels still high
Hi Sharena.
Is it 2 injections weekly?
At any rate, this is a fast acting drug and if it does not work for you
within a reasonable amount of time, or should you not be able to tolerate it,
please let your doctor know.
Metotrexate is an immune system suppressing drug, so be careful when around people who may have an infection, like the flu and also be careful
if you're going to get any vaccination.
Someone I know on a similar drug, got the shingles vaccine (a live vaccine)
and has gone downhill since with severe health problems.
I don't mean to sound the alarm bell, but please be careful, as doctors and pharmacists are far too overwhelmed with their heavy work schedules
and things can easily get missed or overlooked .
My suggestion is to also look into more natural ways to address your pain
while you're on the methotrexate. If you need more details let me know.
Best wishes.
Niko
Thank you been put on 2 methotrexate weekly have had painful neck for 3 mths
Your Rheumatoid Factor is elevated and this test is used to help diagnose mainly rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome, however, a high RF on its own is NOT diagnostic.
There are other conditions that also have higher RF such as Lupus, Scleroderma, Sarcoidosis, etc.
Your CRP is within high normal levels. It is an inflammation marker.
ESR at 43, Hmm. It is age and gender specific, but it is still high, regardless.
It indicates inflammation and/or infection and it is a screening test which is non-specific.
Positive ANAs are of little diagnostic value with titres up to 1:160.
Only your doctor can evaluate these results further, along with your medical history and clinical symptoms, before any determination can be made.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Niko