What non steroid can you take for RA while you’re on immunotherapy for lung cancer?

Hi . Unfortunately, steroids are about all you can take when you are undergoing cancer treatment. Doctors usually reserve them for the very worst of pain because they don't want you using them too often. Many in this community have pulled through though and we able to get back on their RA medications after their cancer treatments were complete. I hope you get input from some of them. How much longer will you be in treatment? Thinking of you and sending lots of healing vibes your way. - Lori (Team Member)

That’s tough, dealing with lung cancer and RA! I suggest you see your rheumatologist again and request (firmly) that your oncologist and rheumatologist speak with each other. They may be able to come up with something. Some RA meds are actually also used for cancer treatment. I honestly don’t know if they will be able to come up with a plan to treat both diseases, but it’s worth a try! I Hope for the best for you in your treatment. Jo (moderator)

Hi . Unfortunately, it is not terribly surprising that the immunotherapy would cause your RA to flare. It ramps up the immune system to get it to help fight the cancer, which in your case also ramps up the autoimmune condition. I definitely concur with about trying to get your doctors to speak about options managing both conditions. I also want to note for you that we have a sister-site for lung cancer at https://lungcancer.net/. Hoping you can get some answers and relief for the RA flares. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)