When to start and take Methotrexate

pixie01
pixie01 Member Posts: 52
edited 20. Aug 2010, 09:02 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello everyone, quite new here, gentle (((hugs)))
My question is about mxt, Rheumy wants me to start mxt or sulphasalizine. Thinking will go with mxt. I was diagnosed last year, and am due to see him again in oct (may have seen my xray thread on neck)
Had put off starting as had quite a good year last year, but this year seems to be going down hill. But am worried about what day to take it on, as dont want to miss work if poss. Work part time, 18 hours a week.
So when is the best day to take? looking at other post seems to be weekends?, So is Friday night good?
And also did any of you put off taking mxt? And take later? And was this bad for your joints if you put it off.
Thanks guys input appreciated Jo x

Comments

  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jo - I don't think we have "spoken" before?

    I guess it's RA you have (as do I) and the thing about RA is that the inflammation, if not controlled, can lead to irreversible joint damage so you can probably only sensibly put off the meds for so long. I used to take mine on a Friday evening which meant that I didn't have to worry about work the next day and you might find that is a good plan to start with until you find out how it works for you. Also, because the docs tend to start at a lowish dose and work up (so you only have to take the lowest effective dose) taking it when you have a couple of non-working days immediately afterwards, means that you don't have to stress about work as well as getting used to the meth.
    Really good luck with it Jo - and hope that if you do go ahead, it works well for you. Please do post with updates or any other questions. Love Tilly x
  • breane
    breane Member Posts: 392
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jo,
    Like Tilly says,you will be started off on the lowest dose then gradually build up as and when needed.I started on 15mg but after two weeks had a reaction with the drug and sunlight which caused a rash so my dose was lowered to 7.5mg and I've been OK since.Been on it now for 13 weeks.I take mine on a Saturday and the folic acid on a Sunday as that's easiest for me.I've noticed that most people who work during the week take it on a Friday so they have a couple of days to get over the tiredness etc. before going to work on Monday.You usually have blood tests done every two weeks for the first two months to monitor how the drug is working and if OK once a month after that.Whichever drug you go on, hope it will work for you.Take care,Breane. :)
  • pixie01
    pixie01 Member Posts: 52
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you Tilly and Breane, when I have my appt with rheumy at the end of oct, will ask more about methotrexate. Rheumy wants to update my xrays then to see if any damage.
    Sounds like Friday would be a good day to take, just in case of any side effects. I'll keep you posted.
    Jo x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Only you can decide when to do it: it depends on your personal timetable, and, to a certain degree, if you are affected by it. The second part you won't know until you take it! Mine is on Wednesdays, but that is only because I have to go to the hospital to be injected and that is one of the days they run the clinic. I have had side-effects twice only. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • pixie01
    pixie01 Member Posts: 52
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    Only you can decide when to do it: it depends on your personal timetable, and, to a certain degree, if you are affected by it. The second part you won't know until you take it! Mine is on Wednesdays, but that is only because I have to go to the hospital to be injected and that is one of the days they run the clinic. I have had side-effects twice only. DD

    Hi DD, I guess it is up to me, everyone is different, different timetable ect. Its good reading everyones posts about mxt, this forum is so helpful.
    ((hugs)) jo x
  • page35
    page35 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jo
    i take mxt and salpha and hydroxy and although i was scared to take all these meds i was more scared not to.
    i work part time too and have 2 kids, so didnt want to lose my weekends so i take my mxt on a sun, i dont work mon so it is the best time for me to take it. it is up to you
    good luck with it and hopefully you wont get any side effects :D
    best wishes

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