Any thoughts about 'Methotrxate'?

sanmar63

Hi all,

Just wondered if any of you have any opinion about 'Methotrexate'?

I've been given the option of taking it - but after reading and re-reading the leaflet, I'm concerned about the side- effects connected with it.

Any advice would be very welcome!

Thanks, Sandra xx :?

skezier

Hi Sandra,

Sorry your in this predicament flower. I am as well, I probably will be given it tomorrow but for me I really want it cus well this at the moment isn't really life as such and it won't get better without some control. The side effects may/may not get me but the conditions are

I sort of got 3 things now (at least) all in need of mtx :roll: I really am looking forward to it for so many reasons.........

I failed on sulfa with a hug reaction and turns out mtx will also treat my eyes (I was told today its more effective than steroid which I really don't want) and the crohn's as well as the pa so maybe for me that's lucky as it means I actually want it? You take care and let us know what you decide. Cris who has probably just proved she some weird x

snowball

Hi Sandra I have r/a and have been on methotrexate for about 5 years it does make me feel sick and very tired for a couple of days, there is something you can take if you are sick with it. I had to stop taking it for a few weeks once because it was affecting my liver and i noticed a big differance when i was not taking it, i was very stiff all day and flaring up all over so i know its doing me some good with my condition. If you are concerned speak to someone on the help line as they might be able to give you some expert advice.
Good luck, Julie

widget

Hi Sandra

I have been taking Methotrexate for just under a year and have had no side effects at all. The only thing that gets me down is the number of colds I am now getting which last a long time. The longest was seven and half weeks, which really got me down and started to affect my day to day life and work. I had a 10 day break with no cold, and have now got another. I am going to see my consultant shortly to see if there is another option but apparently they are all immune suppressant so I may have to come off it completely which worries me as I dont know how far they drug has reduced the inflammation.

Lesley

annie_mial

Hi Sandra, I've been taking metho for five months now. I was very reluctant to start it, but now I'm so glad I did. I am now on 25mg weekly and I have had only minor side effects, nothing to speak of, really (considering the side effects I've had from other drugs).

It's quite obviously helping my feet and hands - without it I think they would be much worse.

Annie

noeltone

Without metho I think Id be worse I have been on sulpa and hydra the anti malaria one cant recall exact name but these and others stopped being effective and if I dont take I also soon feel stiff etc but with metho it is better but also i have endless colds sore throats stomach ache etc but I think positives outweigh those atm chrisov

ichabod6

I've been on methotrexate for over 10 years (currently 25mg) and
it has certainly worked for me.
My advice is dont pussyfoot about, dont concern yourself about
possible side effects, get on it and give it a go.
It's proven and IF you should encounter side effects consider
them when they turn up.
It's a fairly simple equation - Do the benefits outweigh the side
effects?
Take care.

jennac

Hi Am on my 10th week of MTX (20mg)

The 1st few weeks i felt quite sick etc...But after about the 3rd week i felt fine.Last week i had a cold and mouth ulcers but i think that was just due to the cold not the side effects of the MXT.

I was like you i actually refused to start taking it and was due to start a diff medication instead because i was terrified of the MTX but i can honestly say now am soooo happy i started it and already i am noticing a big improvement.

Good luck with what ever you decide to do and we are all here to help your through it x

tkachev

Ditto Ichabod.


It has helped with the pain, stiffness and for that i am grateful.

Best wishes
Elizabeth

lizzie7ne

Hi. I have been on Methotrexate it since Nov 08, after hydroxycxhlorquine failed to control RA. I take 25mg of Methotrexate a week (as well as 1omg of Leflunomide a day). I was apprehensive about starting Methotrexate but its made a huge difference. I did feel a bit sick the first couple of months and it did take about 8 weeks before the first benefit started to show, then another few weeks before I improved more. I no longer have nausea, I do feel very tired the day after Methotrexate, really cant do much, but thats the only side effect now.

You will get regular blood tests when taking methotrexate and if they show that its creating a problem for you the doctors will reduce it or stop it.


good luck


lizzie

ritwren

Hi Sandra, I was really sceptical about how good an effect it would have but did'nt hesitate to take it right the moment it was offered. It took a few months but the difference to my life is quite noticable. Without it I would'nt be able to hold down my job and the side effects I have are worth paying for such good results.
Most drugs have tons of side effects if you look them up even simple paracetamol but I did'nt let that stop me. As somebody else has said, side effects can mostly be controlled to some extent.

Best of luck whatever you decide.
rita

lindalegs

Hi Sandra,

I've been on 10mg Mtx (tablets) for nearly 2 years now. some sickness at the start but it soon settled down. I've responded very well, no stiffness in the morning and life is good again. I would be terrified if it stopped working or if they took me off it for some reason. :shock:

If you don't try you'll never know and you could be feeling better than you do now..... but your choice at the end of the day.

Luv Legs

dopeykit

Hi Sandra,

I started on MTX three weeks ago for PA and so far I havent had too much in the way of side effects - a little bit of nausea but its better if I eat well the day before and maybe a bit more tired but hard to tell, think I may just be tired from the arthritis.

It's a personal decision but in my mind its definately worth starting on the DMARDs - anything I can do to prevent future damage and give arthur a good kicking is alright by me!

Best of luck with whatever you decide and let us know how you get on

kit