Newly diagnosed with RA, starting Methotrexate

chrissie691 · 6. May 2010, 02:57

I was diagnosed with sero positive RA yesterday following quite a rapid onset of random joint problems. It started in my fingers, then I had a bad knee. Then toes and even shoulders have been affected. To start with I thought I'd injured my hand, knee etc but well here we are.

I am collecting a prescription for Methotrexate today. I've been prescribed 10mg x 1 wk and Folic acid 5mg x 1 wk.

My question is has anyone got any advice as to what is the best time to take the medication? I know I've got to take it the same day every week and the folic acid the next day.

Also my husband works shifts, should I take it on a day when he is here to start with in case I'm ill?

Thanks for listening!

Chrissie x

salamander · 6. May 2010, 03:59

hi Chrissie, I was worried about taking it and read a lot of negative stuff. The only thing I know is you have to take take it with food so take mine after dinner. Never felt any immediate side effects i.e. nausea etc., but more often feel occasional one during the week. (though they have put it up for next week so maybe might change.) As they say, you should suck it and see!

tkachev · 6. May 2010, 04:14

Hi Chrissie and welcome,
Sorry to read about your recent symptoms. I had very similar story to you.
If it makes you feel less anxious then take it when hubby is around. The nausea can last upto 48 hours or may not happen at all. I try to take it when I dont have my autistic son around as I am needed a lot.
Elizabeth

dreamdaisy · 6. May 2010, 04:23

Hi Chrissie. I used to take mine at night so I could sleep thro any unpleasantness, but I never had any. I did not have any immediate side effects but did develop a skin rash after a few months. I am now on the injected form, with no problems whatsoever. DD

skezier · 6. May 2010, 05:48

Hi Chrissie,

I am sorry you have had this diagnosis it's like being hit by a truck! A ((( ))) and a hope your ok with the fact they told you?

I have been so lucky, I was on sulfa for months and not too good on it. Eventually it was released I was having a major reaction to it and I was switched to mtx...... So far I have not had more than a bit of squeamishness really..... and tiredness 2 and 3 days later. I know its a horrible drug if you look at the side effects but you may not get any of them. A few of us haven't had too many problems and well it can work very well so try not to worry and keep in touch and let us know how you go. Cris x oh I take mine at night so sleep through any immediate side effects.

cthornley · 6. May 2010, 09:04

Hi Chrissie

Sorry to hear you're in the same boat but hey now you're here welcome.

I take 20mg every Sat evening before bed, so that I sleep through any nausea & usually don't have to work the next day, i'm generally quite lucky tho and don't have much of a reaction to it (thank god as i've been on it for donkey's years)

It might take a while to actually take effect and you may need to have your dosage tweeked so don't be too disappointed if you don't get an immediate effect. Unfortunatly we all react differently so its difficult to predict how it will work for you & if you will have any side effects.

if you have any questions there are loads of us on MTX here so i'm sure at least one of us can help.

good luck
Chrissie

gickygawky · 6. May 2010, 09:32

Hi Chrissie,

I think it's a good idea to have you first dose while your hubby is with you. I wasn't very well after my first dose and it was very helpful that hubby was with me to provide tlc and moral support if nothing else.

As time went on my body got used to the mtx so even if you feel rough to begin with it may well get much better and end up really helping you

Good luck!

Arna x

chrissie691 · 6. May 2010, 10:02

Aww thanks so much for all your replies

It has been a shock to me but slowly coming to terms with diagnosis.

I went out to get some new shoes today to cheer myself up as my feet are really playing up.

I'm collecting the prescription in a bit but I'll probably start taking it early next week.

Thanks again for all your advice and I look forward to getting to know you all.

Chrissie xxx

lindalegs · 6. May 2010, 12:34

Hi Chrissie,

Nice to meet you.

I take my Mtx on Tuesday mornings, I'm also on 10mg, I chose that day because I like a glass of wine (or three) at the weekends and in the week I don't have alcohol (unless it's a special occasion). I did get sickness when I first started taking it 2 years ago but this soon settled down. I find the benefits of taking Mtx far outweigh the side effects.

Luv Legs

louiserichard · 6. May 2010, 14:13

Hi Chrissie

I've just stopped taking methotrexate (planning to concieve) but prior to this i've been on various doses for about 10 years.

I find its best to take it in the evening after your meal. I found this time of day best as occasionally it can make you feel a bit nauseous so by doing this it happens when your alseep so you don't notice it so much (don't let this scare you thou as trust me if it works for you it will be well worth taking - i've found this drug to work wonders it made me feel 'normal' again).

Also it can take a while to kick in (3 months or so) so don't give up if you don't feel any different at first.

Louise x

Newly diagnosed with RA, starting Methotrexate

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