Suppressant Meds

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Imuran, Arava, Remicade, Enbrel, Humira are all

immune suppressants. I've been on most of the above. Plaquenil helped my uveitis

for about 3 1/2 years, did nothing for arthritis. Imuran was too hard on my

stomach. Humira (which is the same as Enbrel/Remicade) has helped me the most.

If

I remember, you have AS/RS? Maybe you should ask why they haven't started you

on any of these. You've had severe problems for so long...these may help you.

The TNF-a drugs are very expensive ($12,000 to $15,000 yearly, but with all

three drugs there are programs that will pay some, if not all the expense.

These new drugs are helping the most with severe disease.

Best regards, Connie (granny)

[Guest guest]

Most meds for arthritis are to suppress the immune system - that stops

the inflammation. Otherwise, your body continues to fight the

inflammation and more inflammation occurs. It is a vicious cycle.

I take sulfasalazine.

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone is on any suppressant meds for the immune system.

I have a friend who has RA really bad and she's been in remission for about

4-5 years now since being put on some type of suppressant med to suppress

the immune system. None of my doctors have ever mentioned that to me. I'm

curious if anyone is on it and how it's helping or not helping.

Thanks,

Dawn

[Guest guest]

Yes, sulfasalazine, along with Plaquenil and the others Connie

mentioned, also suppresses the immune system. I'm presently on Plaquenil

and it has provided me with very good relief. It does take about 3

months to start working and you must visit your ophthalmologist more

frequently.

Pat