Lupus Support Group
Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.
I got the most exciting news today during my visit with the nephrologist...I can stop taking Cellcept!! I'm so excited!! Now I'm down to only two Plaquenil pills a day!! I was so happy when I walked out of that office, you would have thought I won the lottery!! Guess it's the small things that make us happy!! Just thought I'd share some good news...I hope all is well for everyone!!! Phoebe.
I think those of us that live with chronic conditions truly truly do appreciate all these small things.
xoxo
xox
Sylvie
Congrats. I know it feels good to be able to step down on your meds.
Now, for the information of you and the younger women in this group, We've all talked about having kids and the relation of the medications. I'd like to point out that Cellcept is so toxic to pregnancy that the prescribing info recommends practicing TWO forms of birth control for SIX weeks after stopping therapy. This medication takes time to get out of your system. So if any of you are taking Cellcept, MTX, or Arava, make sure to follow the POST cessation directions and not jump in to pregnancy right away. With Arava, you actually need chelation treatment with a special drug to bind to the Arava. Cellcept and MTX just need 6 weeks of time.
In our excitement to be rid of some of these drugs, it's important not to forget that their effects can linger long after we stop taking them.....
Tracy
Hi Tina...when I was firt dx, I was on methotrexate, prednisone and later cellcept (after my biopsy show my kidneys were being affected) . I stayed on pred for a little over a yr before my lupus was under control and have been on cellcept for almost two yrs. Over the last yr or so my kidney function has been perfect so my nephrologist said that I was ok to stop taking cellcept. He did warn me though that in some cases, he has seen the kidney issue resurface after dropping the meds. But he was confident that I should do fine and we will watch it closely. Now how I'm going to fare on just plaquenil alone, I'm not sure since today is my first day only taking it and nothing else but I will let you all know !! Phoebe.