Should I Take the Stronger Medicine?

Well, I have an important decision to make.  My Rheumy wants to start taking Methotrexate in order to stop taking Prednisone.  If you don't know what Methotrexate is, it is a mild form of chemotherapy.  I am not sure that I want to begin to take such a strong and possibly damaging medication.  My Rheumy really thinks this will improve my health.  She was so excited when I told her to go ahead and write the prescription.  I didn't say I would take the pill. I didn't even say I would fill the prescription.  She was still very happy. I guess she really believes that this will help me in the long run.


So, I turned in the prescription, but did not pick it up yet.  I will probably get it tomorrow.  Still not sure about taking it.  It has terrible side effects. Info of Methotrexate One minute I tell myself "heck no I'm not taking a chemo pill." Then when I am lying down feeling absolutely terrible, with pain all over my body I say "screw it, just try it." I am ready to stop feeling so bad so often. But chemo....geez!!! I am just very confused right now.  I have talked to several people that take it and have had no real problems.  That is nice to hear. I just don't know! 


Confused and Losing it,

QUICK FACT 16

Successful treatment of lupus often requires a combination of medications. Nearly two dozen clinical studies are underway to develop new safe, more tolerable and effective treatments for lupus. 

Common Medications Used to Treat Lupus

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), may be used to treat a variety of signs and symptoms associated with lupus. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, or stronger versions can be prescribed by your doctor. Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter NSAIDs because some have been associated with serious side effects in people with lupus. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems.
• Antimalarial drugs. Although there's no known relationship between lupus and malaria, these medications have proved useful in treating signs and symptoms of lupus. Antimalarials may also prevent flares of the disease. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is the most commonly prescribed antimalarial. Side effects of antimalarial drugs include vision problems and muscle weakness.
• Corticosteroids. These drugs counter the inflammation of lupus, but can have serious long-term side effects, including weight gain, easy bruising, thinning bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy. To help reduce these risks, your doctor will try to find the lowest dose that controls your symptoms and prescribe corticosteroids for the shortest possible time. Taking the drug every other day also can help reduce side effects. Corticosteroids are sometimes combined with another medication to help reduce the dose, and therefore the toxicity, of both drugs. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements while using corticosteroids can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Retrieved from Mayoclinic.com

Triggers For Lupus Flare

Things that can trigger a lupus flare

• Working too hard and not getting enough sleep.
• Being stressed.
• Being out in the sunlight, or exposure to certain halogen or fluorescent light bulbs.
• Having an infection or injury.
• Not taking your lupus medication.
• Taking certain medicines.

Biomarkers may predict, and corticosteroids prevent, severe lupus flares.(LUPUS NEWS)(Clinical report): An article from: Dermatology Nursing

Selena trial: hormone therapy tied to mild lupus flares.(Clinical Rounds): An article from: Internal Medicine News

Blood test soon may help diagnose, monitor systemic lupus erythematosus. (May Detect Flares Early).: An article from: Family Practice News

Novel immunomodulator cuts lupus-related renal flares.(Rx): An article from: Internal Medicine News

Can't forget that medicine

Sooo...I went out last night for one of my BFF's Birthday.  I was having a good time, planning to hang all not.  Uh oh I forgot to take my medicine.  Silly me, I had to cut  my night short and drive 30 minutes, because I didn't have my pillbox on me.  ☹