TTC with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi all.

We are not TTC just yet, but we are starting to discuss it. I am concerned because I am an RA patient and I am concerned with some of my meds. Does anyone know what meds are safe when TTC and how long you have to be off others?

I am on a drug called methotrexate. I am confused because my rheumatologist said that I had to be off of it 6 months prior to TTC, but my OB/GYN said one cycle and it is out of my body. I was wondering if anyone else was in this predicament and how long I have to be off of it before we TTC.

Thanks all and to ya!

Re: TTC with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Your rheumy is right. I have crohns and it's considered auto immune. I was supposed to go on that drug before I had surgery and they didn't want me on it 6 months prior.

It takes about 5-6 months to get to a therapeutic level and about the same to be completely out of your system and I beleive you have to taper off.

The question is, can you be off of it and feel ok?

I have heard many crohns patients who take it throughout their pregnancies. They have had perfectly normal babies.

Crohns is not RA but they are treated with a lot of the same meds.

My doctors do not want me to go on it while I am TTC. If and when I get pregnant and if I have flare they will prescribe steroids which I'm not too happy about but it will be safer all around.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Re: TTC with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Re: TTC with Rheumatoid Arthritis

I just wanted to add..after I checked with a few of my crohnies..they were not on that drug during pregnancy. It was another and I got them mixed up. Whew! That drug is very dangerous to an unborn fetus.

I don't know how Humira is with pregnancy though. It is a human biologic though. I guess better than Remicade.

Have your Reumy talk to your gyn..let them get their story straight.