Methotrexate and Humira

[Rene]

I saw my Rhematologist Friday. I was given a methotrexate injection and I will start Humira as soon as my insurance approves it.(probably a couple of weeks from now)My doctor said that Methotrexate will not work alone and that we have to add Humira. Have any of you had two meds in combination like this? I'm scared of having both of these meds together because they are strong and the side effects always seem to be bad for me. But the Lupus flares have been terrible and I need relief.I would appreciate any thoughts or commets. THanks!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wavey.gif

[raggedyann1]

Rene,

Combining medications is done quite frequently now. I am currently on methotrexate and arava, before that metho and imuran but my body couldn't tolerate the imuran. My rheumy explained to me that the methotrexate helps the other medications work better. Methotrexate suppresses all the cells where as meds like arava only suppress the b cells. I am not sure which cells the humira supresses.

I probably catch more virus's because of the combo so I am very alert to washing my hands frequently when out in public and if my guys are sick the same at home.

I hope this combo is the answer for you.

Take care,
Karen