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Methotrexate, anyone take it?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 3/31/2006 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

 

     I have been on the fibro chat for almost a year.  Dx with arthritis about 3 mos ago.  The rheumy precribed "Methotrexate 2.5mg" today.  I am to take 4 the first wk, 5 the second week, then 6 per week.  Also, 1 mg of folic acid.  I am on so many other meds for the insomnia, IBS etc.

 

    Just wondering if any of you have taken the methotrexate and if it helped.

 

Take care of you,

 

Tee

Posted 4/1/2006 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tee, I think that most of us on this forum are either on Medx. or have been at one time. Many of them take methatrexate along with one of the newer drugs like embrell for instance. This seems to work well for them. I am only on Methatrexate 5 mg. and the folic acid like you. I have been on this regimen for about a year and the year before that I was on Humira with poor results. I contacted many infections that were severe enough to put me in the hospital. Methatrexate in my opinion is one of the safer meds out there today. Most people have good luck with it. It is when you can't control your RA that the rhuemy usually adds the embrel or something like it. Like you I am on alot of meds too. There are nurses on this forum who can tell you lots more then me. I'm sure they will be writing to you soon. In the meantime be well, luv and hugs, Nic
Posted 4/1/2006 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tee,

I took it a few years back for about a year. It did help some, but I felt miserable on it, but not enough to warrent stopping it.  I was told the symptoms I was having were a minor allergic reaction. Drink lots of H2O, make sure you take your folic acid, and avoid smoke. Be aware that it may make you tired as well on the day you take it (or was it the day after? I can't remember.)  My PCP thought I probably needed to take more than 1 mg of folic acid or start getting B vitamin shots, but before I could see results, I got very sick with EBV/Mono and haven't taken it since.

A lot of people get great results from it, so don't judge it until you've given it a try.

Good luck.

***

Posted 4/1/2006 6:14 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for your input, you have put me at ease about starting another new med.  I have been a little frazzled this week due to alot of swelling.  My rheumy believes that I have polyarthritis, osteo and RA.  Is that common?

Tee

Posted 4/1/2006 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on it for almost a year.  Started out 4 a week, then dropped to 3 (doing so well, but I had a couple of VERY mild mouth sores) than back up to 4.  After having some flares, doc has increased it to 6 a week.  I also take the folic acid and calcium.  Seem to be doing very well.  I sure don't like taking medication, but I sure don't want to be crippled either.  Good Luck to you.

Posted 4/2/2006 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Tee... As of right now, I'm not on MTX, however, I see it in my future... there are a lot of people on this forum that do take it thought.. I know cbrossman is on it as well as some others.. they will be along soon and post their 2 cents... Hang in there and let us know how you are doing... Thanks for stopping in on the Arthritis Side of the Forum! :) Duck
Posted 4/2/2006 1:21 AM (GMT 0)

I must be one of the few who has never taken methotrexate.  My rheumy skipped me right to the TNF-inhibitors.  But that's only by request.  I didn't want to take methotrexate because I would have had to take birth control.  I'm not vehemently opposed to birth control, but battled infertility for years, and as a matter of principle I don't use birth control, just on the off chance that I could be pregnant.  other than that, though, I hear good things about methotrexate.  I have a feeling it will be in my future as well...

Best of luck to you!

Elcamino

Posted 4/2/2006 5:40 AM (GMT 0)
I have AS & RA and I'm currently on Enbrel & MTX. I started the mtx at 7.5 mg with 1 mg of folic acid. We upped the folic acid to 2 mg as I was experiencing some nausea and hair loss. When I got to 12.5 mg, I switched to the injectables and now am at .7 ml (equal to 17.5 mg orally). I've been on it since Jan' 05.

My rheumy also started me right away on the Enbrel, but added the mtx as the Enbrel seems to have lost some of its effectiveness for me - it still works, but not as well. Adding the mtx has helped my RA (in my hands) quite nicely and I don't seem to suffer any more ill effects since switching to the injectable form. I also have a standing order for liver tests monthly, which I take seriously. So far, so good - no problems with my liver and everything is fine as well. I may be switching over to Remicade as I may have Crohn's (Enbrel provides no relief for gut issues), but I'm guessing we'll be keeping the mtx as well.

I always take my MTX & Enbrel before bedtime - seems to work best for me. It's not bad and as long as you keep your doctor apprised of any problems or side effects, you should be ok.

Good luck...

Sherree
Posted 4/4/2006 8:57 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks so very much for all of your responses.  I hope I have the same success as most of you have had with it.  Hope you all are having a smiley day!

Thanks again,

Tee

 

Posted 4/9/2006 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I just had my first remicade treatment two weeks ago. Had a severe reaction. Hives, shortness of breath, stomach pain, bad bad feeling all over...er trip. My doctor says she has never had a patient that has had an allergic reaction before. Also got a bad Flu next day still sick now. My doctor wants me to try again next month. A this point I am scared to and I don't think I will do it again. My niece is a scientist in the lab of a drug company and said the next time will be worse. Can you give me any information if anyone has had this happen to them and what they did. and possible senarios of what could possibly happen the next time. Thanks for anyhelp or advice you can give me. And yes I am on Metotrexate w/folic acid too. It has helped me a lot w/no side effects.
Posted 4/9/2006 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Ladyslipper, what type of Arthritis do you have? Have you tried Humira or Enbrel?
Posted 4/10/2006 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ladyslipper - it took me about 18 months before I started having allergic reactions that concerned me enough to question taking Remicade any longer. At first it was mild and didn't happen every time (though I'd always get a scratchy throat and heavy chest during the infusions from the beginning.) Then, things slowly started getting worse, I started adding solumederol pre-med with the benedryl and tylenol. Then I switched to zyrtec...finally, my liver went toxic and started to continually have infections (bronchitis, pnumonia, sinus...etc.)  In the end, I decided the benefits (it worked great on my joints up until then) outweighted the risks (a constantly sick - bedridden, actually -mother of 2 young ones, liver problems, flares in stead of relief, etc) and stopped taking it. This was about a year ago, most of last year was my body trying to recoup and I was sick for most of it long after I stopped taking Remicade (May 1st, I think, was my last infusion).  It wasn't until November I felt like my body was on the way to stabalizing.

I do have a weak immune system, but that was going a little over board. I'm still easily getting sick, but things are toning down a bit (knock on wood.)  But, if you had that severe of a reaction, I wouldn't risk it.

I would also suggest you calling the makers of Remicade and ask THEM what they think about your reactions and see what they say. They have a toll-free line you can talk to someone about concerns and questions regarding the meds. They DO take it seriously, I called and asked them when I was going through all that last Spring.

Good luck. ***

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