Injection in stomach for Lupus

Hello all, I don’t think I’ve posted before however I do read many of the posts and since I gain so much knowledge here I’m hoping someone can provide some insight. I currently take methotrexate, sulfsalazaline, hydrochloroquin (sp) & sometimes prednisone. My rheumy just told me that he wants to change my medications & start me on monthly injections in the stomach which will reduce some of the pills I take daily. Has anyone heard of this before? Could the injection be Cytoxan? I am supposed to begin this new treatment in 2 weeks but the doctor never told me the name of the injection. I’d appreciate any insight.

Thanks, Lesley

Hello Lesley,

I've never had medication for Lupus injected into my stomach but members will answer in due course.

These meds are injected into the stomach as they're steriod - sparing drugs which have two benefits - for pain and also improving Lupus symptoms

Azathioprine (Imuran)
Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Leflunomide (Arava)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Chlorambucil (Leukeran)
Nitrogen mustard (Mustargen)

When you next see your rheumo you need to ask what your having.

Terri :)

Thank you for the response Terri, I sincerely appreciate it. I will be sure to ask the doctor the name when I go back for the first injection and will post what it is as soon as I find out.

Lesley,

Your welcome they won't give me steriods or IV infusions because of my organ involvement but there's many members who have steriods so you'll get good responses to your thread.

In future after this injection always ask first what they want to give you new...as it gives you time to check up on the med...as some can carry alot of side affects. :)