My rheumatologist wanted me to try taking Celebrex as needed for pain, or could take it twice a day if I needed to. We had a very rainy and cold spring, so I was having more stiffness than usual. I began taking the Celebrex and after a month of taking it I was in so much pain, that it seemed like I was a having a flare. My morning stiffness was lasting for hours and fatigue was unbearable. I could not sleep well because of the pain. I quit taking the Celebrex and after a few days I was feeling better. When I returned to my rheumatologist I explained the reaction I had to the Celebrex and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said she had never heard of anyone having a reaction like that before. She wants me to try taking again, but I am reluctant to do that lab experiment again. Has anyone else had that type of side effects from Celebrex?
Thanks to all of you,
Angela
I have taken Celebrex since Vioxx was taken off the market. ALthough I haven't had your reaction I have found that some days it doesn't work (at all!) and there are days when I'm working and need to take a third capsule mid-day that it works amazingly well.
I'm sorry you can't take it but it isn't you. Have you considered another rheumatologist? I have felt worse on every RA specific medication I've been on (remicade, enbrel, orencia; kineret did nothing, methotrexate I felt like I had the flu for days and I used to travel weekly for work - due to the joint pain not being improved I stopped taking it). My rheumatologist has always been supportive and looks for something else to help.
Good luck!
I was curious if you had tried Humira, you named several other medications that you have tried.
The methotrexate alone didn't help me at all. So I wonder if I quit taking it if the Enbrel would stand alone to handle my symptoms. The methotrexate keeps causing me to get mouth sores. This always happens before I start my monthly menstruation also. Don't know what the connection is, but it does every time.
Do they have you take any low dose of Prednisone to help with the inflammation?
Hope you can find something that works for you. I know how aweful it is.
Angela
I've not been on Humira. I've been on varying doses, 15 - 40mg., since August 2007. I also had mouth and nasal sores from methotrexate, a low WBC and was jaundiced for awhile. Tough disease!!!
The rheumatologist I go to has a research department within the practice and they have quite a few studies going on right now. I am very hopeful relief will be coming for us within the next few years!