Suggest Remedy For Pain When On Medication For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i have RA and medication has not been helping with the pain and symptoms. 3 years ago i took anabolic steroids and i did not have any symptoms for a year. i stopped b/c i was afraid it would have a negative affect on me. i cant take the pain anymore, do you think its safe to go on steroids again?

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Management Of Rheumatoid arthritis

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well, you are right in being a bit scared from steroids as it can cause lot of side effects when given in the long run. What I am wondering here is, if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, have you been treated with the drugs like Methotrexate, Sulphasalazine or leflunomide. Steroids are used initially more as a bridging theraphy but not for long term.

It is a better option to start the disease modifying drugs than take steroids for an year. You should seek an appointment with your rheumatologist and discuss out these options

Do let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help you out

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (17 minutes later)

I am waiting to see a new specialist b/c i feel i have not been receiving the best help, but there aren't many where i live and i am on a waiting list. next appt may be in 3-6 months. i cant hardly move anymore. is there something i can do while i wait?

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Rheumatoid ARthritis

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Are you serious??3-6 months...This is a crucial period for you cause if we attack the disease now results will be good. The best option for you is to visit the ER with pain and swelling of joints, so they can arrange an appointment with specialist at the earliest.

I would recommend you to discuss with your GP regarding the options of MEthotrexate if he can start that on his behalf, because the action of the drug takes around 4-6 weeks. SO meanwhile you can take a short course of steroids( 30 mg and taper it down to the lowest dose over the period of 4-6 weeks) along with Celecoxib.

But if both the options are not feasible, starting low dose steroids is the best option while you wait for the appointment. According to your weight, you can start at 0.5 mg/kg/day along with Calcium , Vitamin D supplements and an Antacid( Proton pump inhibitor).

Hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar