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Posted 5/12/2014 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
staring methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis ...all i read on other forums are really scary. Anyone doing well and minimizing side effects with mtx?
Posted 5/12/2014 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry you have PA, but I'm glad you found this board. There's a lot of support and caring here.

I've been on methotrexate for RA for a year and haven't had any major side effects. I get a strange taste in my mouth around the time I take the dose, but that's about it. It hasn't been nearly as scary as I thought it would be.

Be sure to get a prescription for folic acid - it helps mitigate the side effects of mtx. In the US, over the counter "supplements" aren't regulated by the FDA; a prescription guarantees you are getting the proper dosage. If I remember correctly, the prescribing doctor can bump up the dosage if you do have problems with mtx.

Good luck and check back in to let us know how it's going.
Posted 5/12/2014 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
thank you Carole D smilewinkgrin
Posted 5/13/2014 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the forums, I have been on mtx for a little over a year. I have experienced some of the side effects with it like fatigue after taking my injection for the next few days. This has been with me pretty much since I started taking mtx. I take folic acid as Carole suggested to you. I too would recommend asking to have a Rx for it from your Physician.
I have had some thinning of my hair as well while on it that started only a few months ago. my hair is pretty short now as a result. I am hopeful that I will not have to shave it.
It has helped with my RA however so it is like any med in that regard. I certainly notice a difference when I am not able to take it.
I hope that it works for you and that any side effects are minimal.
Posted 5/13/2014 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
That's right, I forgot about the fatigue. I don't know if I'm used to it, or my system's adjusted to the mtx.

It was pretty rough at first; I took my first dose of mtx on a Saturday, napped most of the following Sunday, and then almost fell asleep in the car driving home from work on Monday afterwards. I called the doctor and she had me break it into two doses; half on Saturday morning and the other half on Sunday morning. I noticed a change immediately.

Check in and update us occasionally, ok? :-)
Posted 5/16/2014 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
It was rough for me initially but my body just sort of adjusted to it. Now I have no side effects apart from lower white blood cell counts. I have been on it about 7 years.
I miss not being able to have that social glass of alcohol for celebrations but I know I feel better physically without it. I do get a bit tired after I take it and make sure I drink extra water on that day but wow has it worked for me.
I love it, golitho
Posted 5/21/2014 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on methotrexate for many years.  I used to take the pill form, and now I do the injectable form.  I've not had any issues with methotrexate at all, and in fact, it has been a great drug for the RA.  The times that I've been taken off the biologics, methotrexate carried me through.  It does list some scary side effects, but from what I can tell these side effects are few and far between.  As long as your doctor is closely monitoring your bloodwork, you should be fine.
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