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stopping mtx

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 10/2/2014 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Last night I got terriblely sick 30 minutes after taking my mtx. Gas, stomach cramps, explosive D, and throwing up. skull

Since the last two doses were just as bad I called the rheumy and he told me not to mess with it anymore.

I go back next week to see what alternatives we can come with.
Posted 10/2/2014 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds awful. If the MTX has been working, have you thought about trying the MTX shots? I know you're not thrilled about shots (from the thread about Humira) but compare giving yourself a shot and being able to walk. That's one of the things that helped me get over the fear of shots. Now I joke to my husband that it's "shot night" and I'm not talking about tequila! :-)
Posted 10/3/2014 5:44 AM (GMT 0)
The shots don't affect you gastric wise?

I couldn't tell if they were helping or not. I think my body eliminated them before they dissolved.
Posted 10/3/2014 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't taken MTX by injection, but my understanding is that since you're putting it directly into your bloodstream, it doesn't have the gastric side effects. I remember reading about someone having rough side effects from the pills and then switching to an injection.

I hope someone jumps in and lets us know if I'm wrong. And, as always, ask your doctor. :-)

I hope you get some relief.
Posted 10/3/2014 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
Carol_D is correct, mtx injections are not supposed to give you gi upsets as it bypassess that, I went directly to injection as my doctor knew that there was now way for me to take the pills...
Also start the folic acid a week before doing the injection and start slowly to working it up...My doctor had me start at .2, and everything went well until I hit .5, but I'd be willing to try again...So might be worth looking into injections and you do get used to them, as it is scary at first to self inject...

Look for info on diabetic injections as mtx has the same injection sites, I did my thighs....

Always something to talk to your doctor about, don't give up hope, yet...

Many well wishes
Posted 10/4/2014 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
I had the exact same reactions when I first started MTX and my Rheumy got me to split the dose take half on Monday and the other half Wednesday also increased the folic acid to 5mg daily (except the MTX days) and got maxalon (anti nausea) and this has worked ive even been able to increase the dosage, He didn't mention the injections to me I would have liked that better I guess. and now I wouldn't want to stop taking it as I have noticed a big difference it is working ,
Posted 10/4/2014 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
I had really bad side effects when I took the oral dosage. Did far better on the injection and I take it every week now. I even stopped losing all my hair !
Posted 10/4/2014 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
I was on the lowest dosage to slowing increase if tolerated.
It seems my stomach won't even handle a low dose. :-(
Posted 10/4/2014 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Going to injection should be beter for you, make sure to get the prescription folic acid and maybe start that at 2 mgs.... a day to help and also biotin will help against hair loss...I took biotin the day before taking mtx...

Make a note of this so you know and remember what you need to ask your doctor about on your appointment day! Its amazing how the folic acid helps with any side effects, it really does help.

Keep us posted if your doctor switches you to injection on the mtx, it's always scarey but the more I did the more comfortable it got to do the self inject. Plus you won't believe its working until you see the inflammation getting better, I noticed it with my knees and feet and how I finally had skinny knees...

My inflammation is pretty bad.
Posted 10/4/2014 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, I will.
Posted 10/6/2014 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Also, I saw you are needle phobic, so look into your insurance or call them and ask if Otrexup is covered, plus Otrexup has coupons on their website. it's an autoinjectible of methotrexate and you don't see a needle...cool...I just wish my insurance covered it, it's a newer medication, but something to ask your doctor about!
Hope this helps...
Posted 10/6/2014 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
It;s $465 with coupon if your insurance won't cover it at Kroger's pharmacy...to pricey for me...
Posted 10/6/2014 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
That's very pricey for me too. :-(
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