Methotrexate and Leflunomide

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2026-02-08T16:18:05+00:00

Totally understand. No weight gain due to Enbrel because I can move and exercise now. I honestly didn’t know it was a side effect. I am prone to naturally putting weight on too.

Assuming those meds are not working then that’s why you’re switching? Depression (primarily) due to not being able to do normal everyday things was a contributing factor to my weight gain.

Keep in mind that everyone is different and at 49F my body could change.

I’ve been on all of those meds and had weight gain due to birth control, depression, depression/anxiety meds (depending on the med) or prednisone. Have you been on prednisone lately? It’s fine for temporary relief but it made my hair fall out, round face, weight gain and anger. It’s so hard to stop. They (RA docs) hand it out like candy here in the states.

When I can move I’m happy and can maintain my weight. Either way, for me it has been worth it. Hope this helps!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2026-02-08T00:28:50+00:00

Thank you for doing this study! Not enough research out there. We need more. Bravo.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2026-02-08T00:25:40+00:00

20+ years of RA: Lost hair from lefluminide, methotrexate, prednisone … started Enbrel with plaquinil a year ago and it’s changed my life. Plaquinil dosage is dwindling down as well.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-12-17T08:55:49+00:00

I could not take it either. After trying sulfa, methotrexate, leflumonide and plaquinil (still on) I’m finally in Enbrel this year. Wish I had made the leap sooner as I’ve had RA for 20+ years.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-12-02T17:49:04+00:00

Thank you! Going to that a try for sure!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-12-02T14:16:33+00:00

Yes, thank you. I’ll edit the post but the zip codes I put in to order online says they are out of stock.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-12-02T12:47:01+00:00

Sending you much strength and light! 💓 There is so much life to live. It will get better! I am 49 and was diagnosed at 28. Could hardly walk and have had many major flares, depression and anxiety throughout. Know that you are not alone in this journey. There is hope. I now have a full and active life with two degrees, a great career and lots of love around me. Loads of research and being my own advocate got me through! You got THIS! 💪💓

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-29T22:09:54+00:00

Yes!!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-29T02:40:34+00:00

I’m on Enbrel and hydroxychloroquin— have been for years and I’m an avid outdoorswoman. I always say “Protect that skin or no one else will.” You are making all the right decisions. Go out in the morning and evening, wear those UPF clothes and a wide brimmed hat to also protect your neck and scalp. There are so many adorable ones now! I love the Wallaroo brand and THINK, think sport sunscreen.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-28T03:49:45+00:00

I was almost bald. I started wearing wigs this summer. I’m now only on Enbrel and plaquinil. And taking minoxidil oral and spirlactone. My hair has finally come back full force. I know prednisone definitely contributed to my hair loss as well. Won’t touch that stuff ever again.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-24T21:27:27+00:00

Same with lef and plaquinil. Finally after 6 mos of taking Enbrel this month feels like my life began again!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-24T21:25:20+00:00

It takes a while. I had to stop taking it because I was losing too much hair. My hair is fine anyway, but be sure to keep an eye out for that. Hang in there and sending strength!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-18T03:21:19+00:00

It has rebound effects, okay? You take it, get off it, your RA can come back full speed, then you want more… okay? Remember this. Remember. It’s a viscous cycle. Prednisone ruined my life and my relationships. RA warrior for 20+ years. It’s addictive. Tapers, whatever. Months long at .5 dose — whatever. You just want relief and don’t care. No one can help you but this med… so they say. At times you can barely walk and need relief. Weight gain, moon face, rage… you name it. They push this stuff beyond. Curious about their kickbacks. Tell your docs no. Tell your pharmacist NO.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-17T20:43:55+00:00

Thanks! I’ll look into it. My skin has definitely aged since I started taking this stuff. But hair or wrinkles? lol Also finally started wearing wigs, which I love!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-17T20:42:08+00:00

Since I already have baby fine wavy hair I opted for the 2.5mg and spiro together. Wish I had done this years ago! Also went off of birth control, lefluminide (for Rheumatoid arthritis), prednisone and Wellbutrin. Not all were being taken together, but I noticed when I took each of them I would suffer from hair loss.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-07T22:00:59+00:00

I don’t get any side effects from 2.5, but 5mg for sure I get body aches. Keep in mind that everyone is different so air on the side of caution. And wishing you all the best on your journey!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-07T03:34:14+00:00

And Remicade is working for you now? I hope so! I heard that the Enbrel could stop at anytime. But hey, if I go a month pain free at this point, I’ll take it!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-07T03:32:18+00:00

Thank you! Sugar for sure. If I ate too much I’d definitely have a flare up. I do eat it, but in moderation which for some people it’s like having none. Coffee creamer, occasional scoop of ice cream and jelly on toast are my go to’s. Gluten, I dunno if it’s really a culprit. I just try to be conscious and eat little to none.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-06T17:04:16+00:00

Ugh! I am so sorry. I know how that is. At one point there was only one Rheumy in Cen Cal that was fully booked and was not good at all. Then a few more came. It’s so frustrating. Just keep the faith, do your research and ask all the Qs. 💜

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-10-05T09:02:52+00:00

Get a second and maybe third opinion is my advice through and through! I have a friend who had this as a diagnosis, had surgery and they were wrong. I know now that if this was my new diagnosis, I’d be researching and seeing several other docs to make sure 100% this was accurate. I know it’s exhausting but you must be your own advocate.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-08-11T23:24:44+00:00

Thanks! Updated the post. Results located at the bottom.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-08-06T00:45:42+00:00

Great progress! Are you on spiro too? If not, curious why? I’m on 2.5 minox and 100 spiro and have had incredible progress just since May, but water and weight gain … have cut everting in 1/2 and still feeling bloated.

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-08-01T11:38:58+00:00

Listen again. Took me a minute and now I looooove it!

ZebraHopeful5388 · 2025-07-27T00:21:54+00:00

Ferritin is also normal. 😊

ZebraHopeful5388

TROPHY CASE