arthritis medications while breastfeeding

[NotSoFancyHanky]

My baby is 6 months and still breastfed. Unfortunately my arthritis is flaring. My consultant is keen on methotrexate but I would like to feed for longer.
What medications have helped others and been safe while feeding?
Obviously I want to do what is best for baby but have to also consider my health.

[BeyondTellsEveryoneRealFacts]

I took sulfasalazine while breastfeeding, after getting advice from Dr Wendy at the Breastfeeding network :)

[StereophonicallyChallenged]

Were you only on methotrexate before the pregnancy?

If not you should be able to go back on sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine I think, but maybe only if you were on them beforehand iyswim.

[NotSoFancyHanky]

Third pregnancy and been drug free for about 10 years besides the odd steroid injection.
Methotrexate worked well in the past but sulfasalazine did not work for me.

[NotSoFancyHanky]

Waiting for a reply from Dr Wendy!

[BeyondTellsEveryoneRealFacts]

My sulfasalazine was a new prescription, but i did have to argue for it and go in with written evidence (from bfn) that it is safe. A lot of doctors ime are so keen to not medicate the bf (also applies to pregnancy) woman, that they lose sight of whether it is actually the best thing to do

[honeysucklejasmine]

Hydroxychloroquine is no go when breastfeeding.

[BeyondTellsEveryoneRealFacts]

(It didnt work for me, but it was better than trying nothing or stopping bf!)

[NotSoFancyHanky]

Dr Wendy suggested azathioprine as an alternative too.
Think I probably need to consider medium to long term at this stage but might get some relief from hydrocortisone and diclofenac.