At present lot of work is being carried out on small molecule inhibitors of tnf alpha converting enzyme (TACE). As we all know, TACE is the enzyme which convert pro-TNF to soluble TNF. There are conflicting reports in the literature suggesting role of membrane bound TNF in tha pathogenesis of arthritis. Is there any clinical report suggesting role of membrane bound tnf in arthritis ?? Also I would like to know the clinical efficacy of TACE inhibitors as a target.

My RA is not under control yet. I am taking NSAID, Prednisone, and MTX. I know when I am going to flare. I flare every three months without fail. A few days before I get realy bad I get tired and the pain increases every day. Since I know when I am going to flare is there any thing that I can do to prevent the flare from happening or atleast reduce the amount of pain and swelling? I was thinking about increasing the Prednisone and get alot more rest. Any ideas?

I just started treatment with methotrexate. Since my first dose, I have been having terrible stomach pain, nausea and diarehha. Will this eventually subside, or this is part of the treatment. I would rather have the pain with my PMR than the stomach ailments that is is causing.

I have been on methotrexate for 8 years 12.5 mg per week. The last couple of weeks I have had a very strange thing happen. About 5 hours after taking may medication, I have these very quick shock-like sensations over my whole head…some are more intense than others, maybe 10 total within 30 minutes, each only lasting a second. What could this be?

My rheumatologist told me that my RA is still very active and he was concerned about my hands and feet due to the swelling. My next appointment is in August and he wants me to start Enbrel. I am already on NSAID, MTX, Prednisone and Plaquenil. Are there any medications that are biological and don’t have to me injected?

can i take birth control pills as a form of contraceptive if i am on methotrexate