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Mixing methotrexate and sulfasalazine
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/28/2010
Posts: 1
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Hi everyone
I have had arthritis for many years and was initially on sulfasalazine for some time. After about 10 years I had a major flare up, you all know, couldn't get out of bed etc. My consultant then put me on methotrexate and for the past few years the dosage has been increased. It has now reached 20 mg a week.
It was suggested in February that if I continued having minor flare ups (ie. so I was dependent on steriods to function) I should try a mixture of sulfasalazine and methotrexate.
Next month the decision must be made. I have had no major problems but am finding it necessary to increase my painkiller dosage.
My question is. What are the benefits of mixing these two drugs and are there any viable alternatives?
Thanks
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Maureen, I am Lorna I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago with RA, it came completely out of the blue after a routine flu jab. Over the course of 5 weeks I was bedridden and in extreme pain every joint in my body was in agony. I was put on the triple therapy, Methotrexate Sulphazalazine and Hydrox and Folic Acid. These drugs are amazing I could hardly stand and my hands were decoration at that point ( they were so swollen and sore and did not bend at all) Then within around 3 weeks as well as a Depomedrone steroid injection I was beginning to feel like my old self, these drugs do work and in combinations even better. Be positive and strong it will get easier. Thinking about you Lorna 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Hi Maureen
I was on sulf at first but after about 18 months it became less effective. Like you, my hands were hit hardest. I'm now on a mix of sulf and mtx- been on it for 6 weeks and the ast few days things are starting to get better. Fingers crossed.
Hope it works for you too.
Maria x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Hello Maureen
I was diagonosed May 2008 and put on sulpha??? (still can't spell it) If I am right not long after that I read that NICE guidelines were for two DMARD's to be given, I think that because I was doing Ok on one I didn't have anything else added. If it's not broke then don't try to mend it comes to mind.
I have recently just started on MTX and when I saw my specalist nurse for the talk of which one to take (had been given the choice of two), she told me that many people now are on triple therapy.
I really don't think that there is any alternative than to take another drug once one is not enough. We have to do our best to keep this disease undercontrol.
Take Care
Paula x x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Maureen
Don't worry about this - it's fairly normal these days to be put on a combo of two or even three DMARDS.
It's nice to have you on the forum - please keep posting.
Love Jeanx
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