I am having Rheumatoid arthritis since 6 years. Presently I have mild pain in the knees & ankles. I am on methotrexate, arava, Voveran. I am getting married soon & am tense about the pregnancy.
Though I've read about the drugs on the net, but I've not yet discussed with my orthopedician.
Can somebody help me with their experience?

Dear Sonal,

Please see your Ortho surgeon or preferably a Rheumatologist at the earliest.
None of the drugs you have mentioned are safe in pregnancy. Leflunomide,a very good drug for RA, is teratogenic (can cause abnormalities in the baby). The drug may remain in the body for as long as 2 years after stopping. You will have to take another drug cholestyramine to wash it out of the system before you consider pregnancy. As far as the other drugs are concerned, methotrexate will have to be stopped & you have to wait for at least 3 months before you plan pregnancy.

At the same time, you need to take sulphasalazine for RA. Sulphasalazine is safe in pregnancy.

Please see a Rheumatologist for these changes at the earliest.

Thanks!

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