no cure i take methotrexate but worry about my liver and other problems conected with this drug but at least i can work and have no deformities.what meds do you take

I'm on metho-too! And it's not enough. Soon to be on Remicade with the metho.

I know...i understand the concerns of these RA meds. They are very powerful drugs and scary to have to take, but we have to take somthing, or the alternative can be pretty bad.

P.S.  I have not been able to start the Remicad yet, b/c of infection's!

can you tell me about remicade ive had RA for 9 years now and my doctor has never  mentioned it, thanks

Ok...i will do my best to try and exsplain.

 Remicade-it is also called anti-TNF agent or biologic. It is in the higher range-for very agressive treatment, it is up there with Enbrel & Humia and a few others.

Remicade is an infussion that is either done in your Rhuematologist's office, or in some kind of medical place. It is done usually every 8 weeks-after the first few treaments-which are just a few weeks apart, and takes usually  2 hours, but somtimes they have slowed it down for some people-i have heard-to 5 hours. But the norm-from what all i have heard is 2 hours-each infussion.  It is also very exspensive-But they do have different company's that will help-accordding to your insurance and income.

It does come with risks of chorse, like serious lung fungus infections, and many more serious problems, but that doesn't happen to the majority of people who take it, from what i understand anyway!

I hope that has helped you-if you have anymore questions, i will do my best to answer you.

hi cheryl thanks very much it does sound a bit scary - havent heard of enbrel or humia either ,i live in australia and i dont think we have the same medication as america but i will be asking my rhuematologists if we can get them ,while i was reading posts i was starting to think why hasnt my doctor told me ...lol

I wondered that too...why your doctor never mentioned the biologic's to you. But that's probably why, b/c you are in another country.Lol I never thought of that!

That will be great if your doctor can get somthing like that for you-and it helps you.

Keep us posted on that ok.

Cheryl

hi thanks cheryl i will

And somthing else you need to know is...if you ever have any infection of any kind-such as a cold or flu, an open sore on your skin, any kind of infection-do not take the biologic and let your doctor know so you can be treated for the infection before you start or continue the biologic.

You can also google Remicade...and find out more!!!!