Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risks and Benefits of Chemotherapy Treatments

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Lee__R

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01/14/2019 at 3:50 PM

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Chemotherapy is most often associated with cancer treatment, but it is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your own body mounts an immune attack on your joints.

chemotherapy hospital

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, this immune response causes inflammation and pain in the joints, particularly in the hands and feet. It can also affect the heart and lungs.

The chemotherapy drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis are called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen patients use to relieve pain and inflammation only treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but DMARDs treat the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis by changing the body’s immune response so it will stop attacking the joints, explains Healthgrades.

While chemotherapy is effective for rheumatoid arthritis, symptom relief can take months, and there are many potential side effects. Your physician will monitor your progress and occasionally take a blood sample. You may need to try a few different drugs before finding the best one.

The most common chemotherapy drug used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment is methotrexate.

According to Drugs.com, methotrexate can produce a long list of side effects. Some of the the minor side effects include:

* temporary hair loss

* decreased appetite

* nausea and vomiting

* skin rashes

* acne

More severe side effects warrant an immediate consultation with your physician. These severe side effects include, but are not limited to:

* bloody vomit and stool

* joint pain

* mouth sores

* stomach pain

* diarrhea

* swelling in the legs

* blurred vision

* dizziness

* fever and chills

* shortness of breath

* convulsions

Two other drugs, Imuran and Cytoxin, are less commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, says WebMD. These drugs can produce more severe, life-threatening side effects than methotrexate.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends that all patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis be treated early with chemotherapy because early treatment slows down the damage to joints. People who start treatment early are more likely to keep joints functioning for a longer period of time.

Have you tried chemotherapy for your RA? How did you find it?

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Ellak

04/17/2019 at 8:23 PM

Ellak

Last activity on 02/07/2025 at 11:59 PM

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2 comments posted | 1 in the Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis group

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I’m on Remicade and have had two of the three initial doses and can say I feel it is working. Pain has been lessened and walking is noticably better and stiffness in my hands seem to be some better.

The problem that I am experiencing now is the weakened immune system and not knowing what I can do to guard against infection. I work with special needs children at our local school and I want to keep working. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me?

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risks and Benefits of Chemotherapy Treatments https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/your-opinion-on-rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis-risks-and-benefits-of-chemotherapy-treatments-684 2019-04-17 20:23:35

Annmarienik

11/21/2019 at 3:06 AM

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Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with moderate to severe RA. I started the methotrexate but on week 3 I developed a rash and was itchy, so I had to stop. Since I started the methotrxate, I have had the opposite of the diarrhea side effect that is mentioned on the warning. Any one else? I can't t go unless I take something to make me....

psbg123

11/27/2019 at 1:28 PM

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I am on methotrexate and my doctor has added orencia as well. My hair is falling out and I am nauseous. Even to the point that I vomited last night. Although just a little I don’t wanna have this going on. I have been on methotrexate for probably 8 months now but recently had to stop due to so many infections and me catching everything that was in a 10 mile radius of me. Lol. Anyone else had hair loss and If so how bad has it been I hope you all have a safe and happy thanksgiving.
peggy

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Peggy

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12/29/2019 at 2:51 AM

I started out just taking prednisone while we tried some different meds. I seemed to be allergic to most of them. I'm also allergic to ibuprofen and other pain killers which is a big bummer. I recently started methotrexate at a low dose. My RA is still getting worse so my dose of both meds just went up. I'm wondering what will happen next if the meds don't work. I'm having problems meeting my hours at work and they are mad at me now. I've already lost 3 jobs over this RA. I'm so exhausted that I can bearly make myself go to the pool to work out among other things. I don't know what to expect next. I've had RA for about 3 yrs now. My RA is a little different than most. It affects my big joints like knees, hips, shoulders, neck, heart. It has now started to go into my ankle and the bottom of my foot. I'd be depressed about the whole thing but I know there are people way worse off than me and I know that God will be with me no matter what happens. At least I was able to move into a one level house that works great for me and I got a different vehicle that is easier to get in and out of.

At first I was afraid of taking the medicines, but now that it is getting worse and I see my joints suffering and I'm sick of the pain, I don't mind trying the meds. I just wish I knew the best and safest ones to try.

Thanks for sharing and for listening! :)

DonnaK

12/31/2019 at 12:13 AM

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DonnaK

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35 comments posted | 26 in the Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis group

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Oh Silly Chick. So sorry. I have RA, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, Osteoporosis and a pinched nerve in my back. For me it is all about controlling inflammation. I have been taking the BEST CBD for two years. It has been great. However this month everything seems to be out of control. My husband passed 2 years ago in December and I see that stress has a lot to do with overall health. Doubling up my CBD. If you have any questions I am pretty knowledgeable on the subject now❤️ The best to you

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alwebb

01/09/2020 at 4:16 AM

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DonnaK, What is the BEST CBD you are referring to? Does it help with inflammation?

DonnaK

01/10/2020 at 5:59 PM

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Hi Al Web,

either friend me on FB: Donna Latham Klonowski or e-mail me at [email address removed by Moderator].

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alwebb

01/10/2020 at 9:03 PM

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Anyone used Rinvoq? If so what have been your results?

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Edited on 02/02/2020 at 3:49 AM

Today I am experiencing euphoria and I have tons of energy. I just took my 4th dose of 5 pills of methotrexate and I think it is working. My pain has been better since Thursday and my energy has been way up. I've been able to work longer hours at my job. I had a few side effects of nausea the first couple of weeks, and last week I had some dizziness on and off. So far this week all is good and I'm feeling fine, to fine! Does anyone know if this euphoria is a side effect or is it just normal because I'm feeling better?

Honeyclg

02/02/2020 at 6:16 PM

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It just made me have serious nausea and stomach cramping. Also the worse dizziness. Changing medications. Also my hair has gotten so thin.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risks and Benefits of Chemotherapy Treatments

Chemotherapy is most often associated with cancer treatment, but it is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your own body mounts an immune attack on your joints.

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