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Going Off Methotrexate

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Posted 1/25/2009 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I had my 6 month appointment on Thursday with my Rheumie and he is taking me off of the Methotrexate completely. I am done with it, just like that.

I have been having a lot of chest pain and shortness of breath and dizziness and he is concerned because I am almost 40, on birth control pills because 3 years ago I had a hysterectomy and recently lupus shut my ovaries down and put me into Menopause, and because Lupus can cause lung problems. He has ordered chest exrays and an echocardiogram, looking for blood clots in my lung and heart.

I am concerned about going off the methotrexate just like that. And also off the Pantoloc for my stomach. I wonder how long it will take before the pain comes back and what I am supposed to do when it kicks in? I am going to talk to my family doctor about all of this on Tuesday.

Has anyone else stopped taking Methotrexate so quickly? Am I worrying for nothing? I hope so.

Connie

Posted 1/26/2009 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Connie,

I'm sorry you are having so many issues and are having to stop MTX. I too have been having issues with shortness of breath and such, as a matter of fact I will be seeing a pulmonalogist on Feb. 18th because of pulmonary thickening. From the research I have done on lupus affects on the lungs and medicines we take I have found out that MTX causes shortness of breath and dizziness. Here's the link to Mayo Clinic's website it you want to read the info. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600919#EE182BAB-E7FF-0DBD-1D97A34D02496E48

I was on MTX for about 6 months, it did not help me much so my rheumy switched me to Imuran, so I'm not sure what happens when you just quit cold turkey like that. I hope they find something to help you with your lupus. And who knows perhaps your shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness is being caused by the MTX.

I'll be thinking of you and praying it all goes well.

Melissa
Posted 1/26/2009 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Connie, I've never taken it so I have nothing to draw on for experience. I can say I empathize with you. I've been on drugs before that I have been taking for years and than one day the doc says that's it no more. I don't mind saying it scared the begeebies out of me. I think it's good you are talking to another doctor. Get a second opinion even if the answer is the same it will help you feel better hopfully. I take it you didn't mention your fears to the first doctor? That sounds like me. It's not until after I leave before things sink in.
On the flip side it's a good thing that they are addressing the lung problems. The sooner they catch any problems like that the better off you will be.
Let us know what they have to say. I pray it all goes well
hang in there
hugs
Posted 1/26/2009 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
(((( Connie )))) I've been on mtx for almost a year now and I don't know anything about coming off of it quickly. If you can't get a hold of your doctor try calling your pharmacist, maybe that would ease your mind a little. Please let us know what your family doctor says. Take care
Posted 1/26/2009 11:15 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Melissa, Carol and Stacie.

Thank you so much ladies for your quick response. I have been on Methotrexate for almost 3 years now, so I guess I am better off being off of it. I know it can cause cancer years down the road so I am glad to be off of it. I am just scared at coming off of it so quickly, I know he tried taking me off of it before by cutting back and within a few weeks the pain was back full force and he told me to continue taking it. I am not a wimp when it comes to pain, I am just not looking forward to it returning full force again.

I think I will talk to my pharmacist today, I have to call in a prescription anyway and will see what he can tell me. He is really good for answering questions that I have.

THanks again ladies for the hugs and thoughts, I really really appreciate it.

Good luck on the 18th Melissa, I have had a breathing test done in the fall and never heard the results of it from my family doctor.

Connie

Posted 1/27/2009 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
I couldnt be on that cuz I have a abnormal liver enezyme. However, I was on Immuran and they did just "take me off it just like that". But I had a bad reaction as y ou prob seen in my other posts. Maybe you devoloped something cuz of the meds, i dont know. I'm not your doctor nor am I one hehe.Keep us posted hon.
Posted 1/28/2009 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
I spoke with my family doctor today and my pharmacist and they both said it's ok to go off the Methotrexate like that. So that makes me feel better. My family doctor also told me that if the pain gets to bad to call and she will get me a stronger pain pill. She also is sending me for quite a few tests next week so hopefully something will come out of it and they can make me feel better. I'll keep you posted.

Connie
Posted 1/28/2009 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Connie,

I'm glad you got to speak to your doc and pharmacist and now have peace of mind that stopping the methotrexate is safe. Also, nice to know that she will assist you with stronger pain meds should you need them, sometimes that is peace of mind in itself.

I hope your tests come out well. Keep us posted!

Melissa
Posted 1/29/2009 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Melissa. I will let you know how the tests turn out. It will certainly keep me busy for a day or two for sure.
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