Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

2,179 Members

16,355 Posts

0 Online

sharonouch 02/11/2012

Hi EVeryone,
I was just wondering what OTC meds other people take. On the warning for MTX it says check with your doctor before taking asprin, ibuphrophen, etc. I do take a vicodan in the morning. This is all so confusing.

aggie83 02/11/2012

I take ibuprophen several times per week on my rheummy's advice. I think they just need to check liver enzymes every couple of months to ensure its all good. Occasionally I take naproxen

deleted_user 02/12/2012

I was on vicodin for a long time for my osteoarthritis. I have Lodine (an RA-specific NSAID) that I also take. My doctor was aware and we monitored things pretty closely to make sure I was ok. I'm off the vico now (due to weight loss reducing my osteoarthritis problems). I tease with my friends that I get the "good" stuff-- none of that wimpy OTC med for this girl.

Check with your doc. I know they can give you some guidance.

Christine26 02/12/2012

I would also check with the Rheumatologist as Renplus suggest. I take Motrin 600mg when I am at work or have to drive.

deleted_user 02/12/2012

I was so confused and frustrated trying to keep it all straight. I found that a Pharmacist is life's best kept secret. They are not all created equal either, but once you find him or her it's so comforting.

deleted_user 02/13/2012

I was on Lodine for a while after a car accident, it did work well. OTC, I used to take Aleve twice a day, per my rheumy. Leave a message at your doctor's office and ask them what the recommend and what the maximum dose is.
For example, my spine doc at one point only wanted me taking Tylenol, with a maximum dose of 4000 mg.
It is a delicate balance because many NSAIDs are metabolized by the liver.
I take Meloxicam 7.5 mg. Good news is it is on most generic drug lists. . . .

deleted_user 02/14/2012

I am on mtx injectable and I do take aspirin for the heart, full strength one a day. I can only take the Tylenol due to all the heart meds I take. it seems to do the trick for me. Vicodin only makes me sick and does nothing for the pain.. Guess I am the wierd one when it comes to meds. I have had some nasty reactions to some of them so I kind of take only what I know will not give me a problem.. No motrin, aleve, advil, ibuprofin.. all interact with the heart meds... I really don't need another problem...

Afriel 02/15/2012

I take naproxen and ibuprfen mostly, but on really bad days I may throw in a dose of acetametaphen. HOWEVER, I am not currently on any other RA drugs mtx, biologics, etc. Seeing rhuem for 1st time tomorrow!

deleted_user 02/15/2012

I'm on MTX and my doctor has me taking extra strength tylenol twice a day.

Join the Conversation