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Has anyone been prescribed 3 DMARDs and a biologic at the same time?

I feel like this is affecting my appetite and brain

  1. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for decades now and I can say, most assuredly, for me, it does affect just about everything on the human body. My body, anyway. Appetite, brain fog, fatigue - these are all things that me and many others in the community experience on a daily basis so I am going to probably say that you are not alone, and you are not imagining it! Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help! Keep on keepin' on, DPM

    1. my daughter was diagnosed 18 years ago. JIA. And has had everything but the kitchen sink thrown at her. I think she is now toxic with drugs. Our Wealthcare system is so siloed off and have no time to really care I truly believe people are dying if by no other means by suicide.
      Does anyone out there have a recommendation? Europe? Integrative medicine? This is Beyonce maddening.

    2. Can you let us know what medicines she is currently on or has tried and failed? I would help that maybe we can point you in the right direction. Thanks, and I totally understand you daughter's plight, trust me!! DPM

  2. Hi . Combination therapy is becoming more common, but three DMARDs with the biologic does seem more rare. The important thing is making sure nothing is contraindicated and working closely with your doctor. As Dan said (and he knows a thing or two about trying various treatments), it is not surprising that you might get some brain fog and other side effects. Mind if I ask which meds you are on? Wishing you the best. Richard (Team Member)

    1. please look at my reply. I look forward to your comments

  3. Xeljanz, Leflunomide, Plaquenil, Sulfasalazine as well as Celebrex, Venlafaxine and valium & prednisone as needed. I'm just reading that plaquenil has major drug interactions with leflunomide, celebrex. Not to mention side effects. I don't feel like eating so don't eat regularly. I feel very angry due to the breakdown of our country and especially our "wealthcare" system which has sick people like me running in circles and scraping bottom to even find help in this siloed of insanity. I've lost work due to uncontrolled dizzines, nausea, blurred vision

    1. Ugh- What you’re going through sounds incredibly overwhelming. I really hate that you’re having to deal with all of this. Juggling multiple medications, feeling awful, and trying to navigate a healthcare system that seems to work against you is beyond exhausting. Then losing work on top of it all just adds even more stress. It shouldn’t be this hard to get the care and support you need. I truly hope things start to turn around for you soon. Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)

    2. Hi . It is important to speak to a professional about the potential drug interactions. I know that the interaction between leflunomide and plaquenil can be significant. A good pharmacist may actually be more on top of drug interactions than many doctors. Hoping you can get some answers and proper treatment soon. Best, Richard (Team Member)

  4. Agreed. I'll see what the Pharmacist says. Good idea

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