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...

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RA and MG - what is the treatment?

drmargret
drmargret

I'v had RA for 20 years and it has been well controled for the last 10 years on Enbrel. I'm newly dignosed with MG and I have been on Mestinon for 2 months but lately it isn't enaugh. I can not take prednisolon because I'v already got so much of the side affects as I was on it for years for my RA. I'm on my way to see my doctors and I want to be prepared. I'm currently on Enbrel for my RA and it workes fine. The doctors are hesitant to ad another immunosuppressant. But I can not be like this. I have to take the risk of my RA to worsen skipping Enbrel. Do other RA medicine effect MG positively like Humira? Anyone with experience of RA and MG?

drmargret
drmargret
Thank you linzsey, sorry for late response. I have had some rough days lately and been unable to sit by my computer. you brought me information I didn’t know. I had no idea that Enbrel could cause MG. I have mentioned this to my doc and he admitted that it was possible but he thought it was far fetched because I’ve been using Enbrel for 10 years. But I might have to stop using Enbrel anyway as I desperately need Immunosuppressant for my MG and seemingly non of them goes well with Enbrel. That is way I’m so curious to know if someone has experience of an immunosuppressant that covers both RA and MG (other than Rituximab). I do not have positive RF or CCP but my arthritis was very resistant to medication in the beginning then Remicade came and I was in heaven until till stoped working. Since then I have used Enbrel and it has made my live so very much better in so many ways. So I’m very reluctant to stop using Enbrel but it seems I have to take the risk because I can not live with MG that is so bad.

I will see what the doctors will say tomorrow. And yes, I am a doctor but RA stoped me working as such in the spring of 1999. I had not finished a specialisation but had done 2 years of Pathology. And 4 years of different clinical rotation (residency). I work as a product designer now.