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Methotrexate for UC?

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Posted 8/21/2010 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Does anyone here use Methotrexate? Any good experiences? Bad?
Posted 8/21/2010 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I started taking methotrexate after remicade began to fail due to me building up antibodies to it. I couldn't be on 6mp since I can't metabolize it, so it didn't take long to build resistance to the remicade. Overall I have seen minor improvement at best from the methotrexate. On the plus side I have also not experienced any negative side effects. I'm currently taking 12.5 mg/week.
Posted 8/21/2010 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Are metabolizing 6mp and Remicade resistance related? I have a problem metabolizing 6mp too. I can take it but it appears it doesn't help me as it should. I am not sure what will come of it, hopefully the results change and I can continue and get better results from 6mp.
Posted 8/21/2010 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Slight - what other drugs do you take or have you tried?
Posted 8/21/2010 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
What test determined you were metabolizing 6mp badly? My doctor had me on Imuran for months and never did such a test that I am aware of...
Posted 8/21/2010 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
My doc at the Mayo clinic said they are starting a trial with methotrexate in a couple of months, but he didn't recommend getting into the trial because he is almost positive it won't work for U.C. sufferers. I think he's probably tried it "off label" before with no discernible benefit.
Posted 8/21/2010 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Jennifer - I think it was called 6mmp.

Thanks for the response. It doesn't sound like many people have had much luck...

Posted 8/21/2010 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Before starting me on the 6mp my GI ordered a blood test to check how well I would metabolize it, not sure exactly what it was. He was surprised when he got the results. Apparently I was the first patient he had who just flat out could not metabolize it at all.

Notsosicklygirl, I don't think there is a direct relationship between 6mp metabolism and remicade resistance. What I meant in the above post was that I was not on any immune system suppressor, so there was nothing to stop my immune system from making anti bodies for the remicade. I could be wrong but I think this is one reason 6mp is usually paired with remicade.

As for other drugs I've tried, asacol and colazol (not both at the same time), prednisone, mesalamine enemas, and as I mentioned methotrexate and remicade. I'm going to ask my GI about humira I think on monday. Hope you have better luck with the methotrexate than me.
Posted 8/21/2010 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
I had the test before starting 6mp and it said I could metabolize it. After starting 6mp, my liver enzymes were slightly elevated and my GI said I am not getting the positive benefits from the drug like I should be. She also said she didn't feel comfortable increasing the dose to get me to where I need to be with my liver enzymes being elevated even though my liver panel looks perfect. She's being cautious but I understand and of course I don't want my liver to be impacted.

I may be confused about what tests i've had done. I know one was to see if I could take the drug and the other was to see how I was responding to the drug.

Jennifer, it sounds like you have the same situation I have.

I don't know if I will try Methotrexate. It is something that my doctor mentioned as a possibility. I wish Asacol was still helpful to me. I gues we all wish that.
Posted 8/22/2010 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
yes i tried methotrexat 3 month ago . it was perfect for treating ulcerative colitis but in my condition ( uc and arthritics) it didn't do anything for arthritics except taking the double dose which i completely refuse, it cause some tiredness and hair loss in high dose

i know people used methotrexat for more than 15 years for rheumatoid arthritics and never had any single side effect

how much your doctor want ti put you on?
Posted 8/22/2010 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
We haven't gotten to the point of discussing dosage yet. It is something she mentioned as a possiblity and I was looking for some feedback because I've never seen anyone here using it for treatment of UC. It's good to know that it is an option. I don't know what I will do yet sad

Change: have you tried Asacol and eventually went to Pentasa/Sulfasalazine or were you always on Pentsa? I am interested in trying Pentasa but I've recently tried a lot of 5ASAs without any luck. It seems like Pentasa is prescribed to Chrons patients more than UC.

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