Methotrexate dosage and dual-therapy

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum, and fairly new to RA.

I am a 32-year-old mom of two, and attribute my flares to post-pregnancy hormones (although this isn't conclusive). I was diagnosed with RA in March of 2013 when my symptoms increased (I had been experiencing joint pain for several years, but only in my thumb and right foot). At the time, I refused methotrexate because I wanted to continue breastfeeding my then 5-month-old daughter. Instead, I consulted several specialists who confirmed that Cimzia, a biologic, would be safe for me to take while nursing. I have been on Cimzia since June of 2013, and while it has decreased my number of affected joints, I am not where my rheumy wishes me to be. I agreed in December to start weaning my daughter (now 14 months), and will begin my first course of methotrexate this month or next.

My question: my rheumy prescribed me to take 8 pills, once weekly. This seems like an extremely heavy dose to be starting with… am I right? I will also continue to take my injections of Cimzia bi-weekly.
Looking for opinions on whether I should request a lower dose to start, if anyone has had similar experience taking this high of a dose while on a biologic, what side-effects I should watch out for, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Erin