Gold and tramadol.

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi everyone.

Just a quick query really. I've been on gold injections and tramadol for almost 4 years I think up to date. Everything was fine until about 9 months ago. Then things got really painful all over. Believe it or not I never asked what the tramadol was for. Assumed they were mild painkillers. Not once was I told they were a controlled substance.it was the pharmacy that informed me when I kept asking why I had to sign for them alone on my prescription. Is it normal practice to be kept in the dark about such drugs? I'm on two a day each 50 mg. But my pain is so severe at times should I take more? are they safe? Any info would be great. And also does taking more mean the gold is not working? If not why continue with it?

Many thanks. freda.

2

Do ask your doctor why you are on gold - it is a very old-fashioned approach to dealing with RA and there are far better medications available.

I would also be asking why I had not been told about tramadol and its risks - it is potentially addictive which is why it comes under controlled drugs.

3

Hi Freda,tramadol is a mild opiate painkiller which was reclassified as a controlled drug a few months ago due to the fact that some (NOT ALL)may become addicted to it.You do not say if you are on the normal or slow release version.I am on 50mg S/R tramadol 1or2twice a day when needed as I cannot take NSAID's(am also on methotrexate injections ).I have never had any problems with tramadol but if your pain is not controlled would consult your GP or rheumatology nurse about route to take.Hope you feel better soon

4

Hi, Freda:

I have not taken gold or tramadol so I can't speak to that. But I can say it is time to talk to your rheumatologist about changing to a drug or drugs that actually work for you. RA docs are good at listening, so come to your appointment with written notes.

Good luck.......

5

Can you not take biologics? There are so many options in medications for RA patients now, gold is a very old treatment. Humira works well for me and I never need pain pills. You should talk to your rheumatologist, if he/she will not listen to your concerns, you need to find a new doctor. I hope you get started on a treatment that works for you and soon!!

6

  your medication is no longer working for you.  As others have stated/  gold inj. are rarely used anymore.  Newer drugs with methotrexate usually first drug tried as it is gold standard therapy for RA.   I wouldn't increase the tramadol dose but tell your doc / nurse about your severe pain 

    In the US we are given extensive papers covering the purpose of the drug/  side effects/ when to call the doctor etc when we recevie the medications.   even if on the drug a long time we are still given the paperwork informing you what the drug is and all the side effects.   But your doctor should have said this is pain medication

It won't slow the progression of the disease.  You need an RA med speciific for that

I hope you can speak with your doctor soon and get some pain relief