Celebrex VS. Methotrexate Taken for Rumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia

Updated on January 16, 2008
S.B. asks from McKinney, TX
9 answers

This is for my Mother. Curious about side affects and long term use. Though it was working fine, Celebrex had controversy, so Doc took her off and put her on a combination of Methotrexate 2.5 mg. and Sulfasalazin 500mg. This was some time ago and she still has many bad days. She also seems to have many side effects but really don't know if they are 'truly' side effects or just other ailments. I suggested she quit all medicine or at least wean off of it, but she is scared to. Anyone have experience with these chronic illnesses? Isin't it bad to stay on some of these meds for a long time? Anyone still using Celebrex? Appreciate any wisdom.

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K.W.

answers from Dallas on

I have been off Celebrex for around 9 years. I take a combo of drugs and see an RA Doctor in Dallas.

One of the things that he has me on is plaquenil. I have been on maintenace drugs for years now and had to be off for awhile. It is not something I will do again if I can help it.

The last time I was in it was discussed that there might be a new safer drug on the market soon with less side effects. I havent heard if it has been released for use yet.

Plus the drugs slow the progression down too. She may be having other issues where she needs her meds increased for awhile. Possible food adjustment. Even somethinig as simple as an easy exercise program for two days aweek can help.

The changes in the weather could be affecting her too. Not much can be done about that except try to stay as comfortable as possible. I know that one is easier said than done.

I wish her the best.

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M.G.

answers from Austin on

i have tried celebrex and methotrexate for lupus. my joints still hurt occasionally. so we tried something else. the methotrexate was better for me. everyone will be different. as for her pains, she knows her body and will be able to know if it works or not. i have thought about quiting but i remember how painful it was to move. i layed in bed as still as possible. i also have osteoperosis. i know it must be hard to know what to do. i just take each day as it comes. i am on plaquenil now. it seems to be helping. side effects are something to watch for and your doctor will watch also. my husband and family are very helpful on bad days. keep up the support.
M.
about me
i sub at school and volunteer there also. i am a mom of 4 girls and 2 boys. I just have to have faith.

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W.R.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi S.,
My friend and business partner, who is a nurse with a masters degree suggests that you really look into the natural side of healing. I have lots of information that could help you at www.freedomfrommeds.com. Celebrex along with many other meds. causees irreparable damage to your liver and other organs, opening them up to many other diseases. When you get to my website, look under testimonials, you will find what you are looking for. And please don't hesitate to call me with questions. We had a medical call last night that my friend hosts, that would have helped you tremendously. My number is ###-###-####.

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

I shop with a company that makes some awesome nutritional supplements that are TRULY absorbed by the body (vs. "just passing thru") and really work for our pain (of all types), even when prescriptions do not! (I also have fibromyalgia but my arthritis is osteo and not rheumatoid.)

I can call the company's product support line on Tuesday and find out which ones they recommend for your mom's conditions if you'd like me to, and then you and I can talk about it.

My phone number is ###-###-####, and my email is ____@____.com. I'm looking forward to helping your mom, if I can!

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L.M.

answers from Houston on

Silvia check this website out www.nonihealthinfo.com. for your mother's rumatoid arthritis.
If you would like to get a hold of this stuff you can get a hold of me here ____@____.com. I truly believe it can help you mother.

God Bless
L.

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

Don't tell her to discontinue her meds. I know it is frustrating as my mother has it too. She is on Methotrexate and as long as it's monitored, she's okay. She is still in a lot of pain unfortunately, there is no real perfect med for it. I will however share this with you, my best friends grandfather had a pretty severe case of it and had it for 20 years before passing (at a ripe old age). He had gotten accupuncture 4 times a week and lived virtually pain free. Now I don't know if your mom is open to this idea, but from experience, I know accupuncture works wonders. My step father and I have both gone through treatments. My mother on the other hand, is deathly afraid of needles and won't consider. I wish she would though because I feel it would do her a world of good just going once a week. Anyway, I know what you are going through, and I wish you the best of luck. Just don't tell her to get off her meds, it is VERY painful (I have taken classes on it) and can cause deep depression if not treated (from being in pain ALL the time).

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W.P.

answers from Houston on

Dear S.:
I don't know about Fibromyalgia, but Methotrexate is hailed as the miracle drug with few and rare side effects. I, however, remember it as making me vomit and have blood in my stool (which is NEVER normal or OK). Plus, it did not live up to its hype as far as the healing powers go. For arthritis, I found an OTC to work really well. Chondroitin and Glucosamine. I found out about it on the internet and tried it. After a few weeks (about three or four) I noticed improvements in my joints. Now I only take it for a week or so once or twice a year. The regular dosage has 400mg and 500mg of the ingredients and you take three or six pills a day. I used the "Joint Fuel" brand, but others work as well. I did not have the same effect, when one ingredient was replaced by MSM, although they say it is better. I stick to the tried and true.

Please note that this only works on the cartilage in the joints. If your mother's issues are with bones or tendons, it will not help.

You can get about a month worth for around $60, so it is worth a try. You won't notice a difference in the first week, but slowly it will get better until you can hold a coffee mug by the handle without problems again.

Again, I am not sure how Fibromyalgia is impacted by that, and I am not a doctor.

Good luck,
W.

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

Check out T & J Health Solutions in the nutrition and health section.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Dallas on

I took celebrex for about a year and a half and it helped in a strange way, but I finally had enough of not being able to take ibuprophen and I stopped it on my own. Found out later that was just about the safest length of exposure to it. If there are any better alternatives, I would try them before going back to celebrex.
C. S.

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