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...
I got the test results back from Duke for the Interstitial Granulatomous Dermatitis skin reaction to Remicade., Tests results indicate I would have this reaction to ANY tnf inhibitors. Also, my liver is fine but kidney numbers were off.
Bottom line, the doctor says I'm going to have this skin reaction (IGD) for a long time and the prednisone and MTX are not helping so she wants to switch me to Dapsone. If I am on Dapsone I cannot take MTX. I will have to be monitored carefully for my kidneys because I will be on Dapsone for a long time.
Now, my RA is terrible right now and I asked could I go ahead and go on another biologic (not a tnf though). She said yes. I will need to contact my rheumy and see what is left for me and if my insurances will cover. I'm thinking Orencia...but do I have to take MTX with Orencia. Another question for my rheumy.
Also, I am in Tampa right now and do not want to start any new treatment here so I have postponed the start of Dapsone and anything until I return to NC at the beginning of May.
Another thing, is anyone out there allergic to sulfa and taking Dapsone? I'm allergic to sulfa and some research says not to take it if you are allergic to sulfa. Another question for the dermo at Duke.
In the meantime, the skin problems have excelerated in the last two weeks and I have had to increase my prednisone back to 25 mg daily to keep it bearable.
TNF allergics are so bad they ought to test you for allergiies to them before they prescribe one.
People, the last 5 months have not been fun. Only the good Lord has kept me going.
Bottom line, the doctor says I'm going to have this skin reaction (IGD) for a long time and the prednisone and MTX are not helping so she wants to switch me to Dapsone. If I am on Dapsone I cannot take MTX. I will have to be monitored carefully for my kidneys because I will be on Dapsone for a long time.
Now, my RA is terrible right now and I asked could I go ahead and go on another biologic (not a tnf though). She said yes. I will need to contact my rheumy and see what is left for me and if my insurances will cover. I'm thinking Orencia...but do I have to take MTX with Orencia. Another question for my rheumy.
Also, I am in Tampa right now and do not want to start any new treatment here so I have postponed the start of Dapsone and anything until I return to NC at the beginning of May.
Another thing, is anyone out there allergic to sulfa and taking Dapsone? I'm allergic to sulfa and some research says not to take it if you are allergic to sulfa. Another question for the dermo at Duke.
In the meantime, the skin problems have excelerated in the last two weeks and I have had to increase my prednisone back to 25 mg daily to keep it bearable.
TNF allergics are so bad they ought to test you for allergiies to them before they prescribe one.
People, the last 5 months have not been fun. Only the good Lord has kept me going.
My rheumy put me on Simponi. When I took it last Sunday, I had a racing heartbeat several times that night with bp clocked at 200/112 pulse 111. We almost went to the ER. It would settle down after a little while and then start again. It did this three times, Monday night and once Tuesday night. I was so scared. I can't believe rheumy gave this to me when he knows my bp can go (white coat). I am on bp meds. After looking on internet, I found this as side effect with 2% of people. Put me down as one of your sensitive to medications people. I just can't take another Ra drug that causes sinusitis.
I have an appointment with a doctor in Winston who treats your diet with supplements, prescriptions and other methods. I seem to be so sensitive to medications. I am hoping he can help me as he also has a few patients who have RA. There has got to be gentler way. I am almost off my prednisone but fear the RA coming back and having to start it again. i want my body back. I want my self back.
Please let us know how you are doing. I'm glad you signed it. I have been thinking about you.
just wanted to let you know you don't have to take MTX with Orencia (I take it with Arava, but I think you can take it on its own)
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