Friday, June 01, 2012

Friday, January 01, 2010 Suz56 asks

Q: Questioning going back on the meds

Hi - I recently contracted a cold and had to go off my meds, Methotrexate and Enbrel. My inflammation and pain at the time was being controlled really well with these two Rx. The strange thing is I've been off my meds for almost 2 months and can hardly see a difference in the inflammation and pain level. Has anyone else ever experienced this. I'm questioning the need to go back on the meds? Thanks- Sue

Answer This
Answers (1)
Lene Andersen, Health Guide
1/ 5/10 1:24pm

Excel as it is possible that you got kicked into a drug-induced remission and that there's still enough medication in your body to keep you going. Both methotrexate and Enbrel can take up to two months to really kick in and in my experience, usually take a couple months to disappear out of your system, as well, so it's possible that another month from now your RA will be back. On the other hand, it's possible that it may not.

 

I'd recommend that you speak to your rheumatologist about your options and consider various factors in your decision. For one, even low-level RA activity can cause damage to joints that can affect your future mobility, so you'd want to make sure that not being on the meds wouldn't put your risk for that. It's possible that your rheumatologist would recommend that you go back on a low dose of e.g., methotrexate only, to see if it can maintain you your present level or they may recommend that you start both of them again.  keep in mind that is your decision, but you definitely need more information form your specialist.

 

Good luck!

 

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

By Suz56— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 01/01/10