Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.

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What after MTX?

amberhere
amberhere
Hi all, I was wondering if the MTX doesn't work, what does the Rheumy try next? I have had Imuran, Plaquenil, Prednisone which I am currently again trying to taper. I really want this MTX to work but with my white blood cells being low it may be I have to change yet again.
trpt1
trpt1
Hi Amberhere, Good question about the DMARDs. I am thinking that maybe your doctor will need to have a discussion on where to go from here. We all get that discussion on what to do next.

I take Cellcept which lowers the number of B cells. My Cellcept does a good job for me at this point. Just like you, I know there will come a point to change meds again. I now have liver and kidney issues so maybe just taking the Prednisone will be next. I am thinking IVIG and Rituxan would not be appropriate for me. My Scleroderma puts me at risk for renal failure. An infusion is probably not a good direction for me.

This disease is tricky. I am sure your doctor will have a plan too. You might look into foods that stimulate WBC production. I know that diet is one thing we can do for some control.
autumm
autumm
Hi Amber. I understand your concern. Your doctor may lower the dose or he may try Cellcept , after that it's the infusions. I feel sad for you that you are having a hard time finding a med which works for you. UTI something will eventually. Love Autumm
autumm
autumm
Hi Amber. I understand your concern. Your doctor may lower the dose or he may try Cellcept , after that it's the infusions. I feel sad for you that you are having a hard time finding a med which works for you. Something will eventually. In the meantime the prednisone is working on the inflammation and some people are only ever treated with the steriods. Autumm x
deleted_user
deleted_user
hi amber, i was on mtx which they switced to imuran and now iam trying the myfortic which i was told is the same as cellcept it is expensive where i live, so far i am taking 2 pills and will increase to 3 on friday, so far so good i have a little more muscle pain like i just worked out, however my ck levels are normal, it could be that i to am trying to taper of the predisone. i was also on the plaquenil but the doctor swithced to teva-chloroquine I still have redness on face and rash on hands mostly my right hand and elbows I also have tingling and numbness in two finges on right hand. I m not trying to complain since i feel so much better than\i did in January when \i was first diagnosed so far that has been my journey hope it helps.