Substitute for methotrexate for RA?

MsKKelley, I understand your dilemma. I could not tolerate MTX so I had to change meds. I was not on Medicare when I tried Humira, but my Dr. did get me on a plan with Abbvie. Unfortunately, I had an immediate allergic reaction to Humira so that ended that. Then I went onto Medicare and all assistance was cut off because of Medicare. Then went on to Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine - which worked well for me for almost 3 years. I am now on Xeljanz. Yes the payments are horrid - at first - but if you can plan for it I will tell you with a supplemental drug plan ( costs me aroun$15.50 a month) my costs go like this - Jan. Around $1800.00, Feb. around $ 1,500.00, March around $250.00 - which stays that way until end of the year. If you can afford the $250.00 a month and can save and plan for the Jan and Feb co-pays you can go on the biologics or the other meds now offered. I know that there are support groups to help with costs for low income - I did not qualify, but perhaps you can. I would try sites like Creaky Joints or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both are great sites for information.

Have you tried contacting the pharmaceutical companies directly? Many have assistance programs for persons with low incomes.