Is methotrexate appropriate for rheumatoid arthritis?
Head of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services,
All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi Consultant Rheumatologist, 'A&R Clinic'
Visiting Sr. Consultant, Rheumatologist, ISIC Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi.
Q: For rheumatoid arthritis, I am taking methotrexate tablet 4 once a week and one tablet of antimalarial drug. Is there any relation with methotrexate and malarial drug and how much quantity of the malarial tab should be taken with 3 tab of methotrexate and with 2 tab of methotrexate. I am taking these drugs on the advice of a Rheumatologist but I cannot approach him frequently. I am suffering with osteoporosis since birth. For how long do I have to take these medicines? What are the other effect of this illness?
A:Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex chronic autoimmune disease. It does require contact with yourrheumatologist on a regular basis to get correct advice on the dose of methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. Treatment of osteoporosis goes on along with the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It would be incorrect and difficult to advise you on the duration and doses of the medicines without having clinically assessed your condition. You shall have to be under the care and guidance of your treating rheumatologist.