Hi Heather, sorry you are suffering at the moment, and gload you can see the nurse. The usual DMARD to start on is methotrexate, its the gold standard drug for RA. It does take around 12 weeks to feel any benefit, but this is true of all of the DMARDs. I have only been diagnose for a year, so still trying to get the mix right myself. There is hydroxychloroquine, which is taken every day as opposed to once a week with the mtx, mande this is usually added to the mtx after a few months or so. The next one is the sulfa, which you said you cant tolerate, I cant either. My consultant has mentioned the leflunomide and is considering that for next visit in August. I think it can affect blood pressure, so that can be a problem if you have high blood pressure already. Other wise its around the same side effects I think for most of the drugs. I am sure someone else will be on who knows lots more than me, but good luck x
BARBARA
