living with methotrexate

polly123

Hi Guys,
it's been a while since I posted - been doing reasonably ok, trying to reach a point of acceptance which is very elusive! I'm still working, and other than that living reasonably quietly trying to come to terms with a few things that have happened.
Well, I've been on mtx for about 6 months now, gradually increasing to 15mg/week orally. I take folic acid on the other 6 days. Side effects are minimal, and generally only at point of increase, with nausea/abdomen discomfort and a slight squeamishness mostly - although I appear to bleed more easily and have some mouth discomfort. Nothing as bad as the arthritis without it!
At the rheumy the other day he wants to raise to 17.5 for 4 weeks, then 20 for 4 weeks. After the first raised dose the side effects were back - more nausea though and lower abdomen discomfort, but unlike before it hasn't passed in a couple of days and here I am, day before second dose, still feeling blah! Has anyone else found this? I'm wondering if the side effects will take longer to pass as I become (hopefully) accustomed to the higher dose? Am wondering if I would be better feeling more well on a lower dose, but don't want to give up too soon.
Would appreciate your input,
Thx, Polly

DebraKelly

I have been on Meth for 4 years, first tablets, then injections and back to tablets again.

When I first started to increase the dose I did really feel horrible for about 3 months.

I started to take my Folic Acid every day, even the day of the Meth so maybe ask if you can do that?
I was only taking 1 the day after and that was really no help at all.

I really wouldn't worry about the side effects too much, they will pass, but we are all different. If they continue for some time then I would mention it to your GP.

Are you taking any other meds that might cause side effects? I was on Sulpha as well as Meth for a while, but the side effects for both where horribile so I came off the Sulpha.

DebbieT

Hi,

I'm usually on a maintenance dose of 25mg orally & taking folic acid the day after & 3 days after that. From April I was taking 30mg for 3 months. I'm lucky, I have no side effects from it at all!!!

I'm not taking it at the moment while tests are run to see if my lungs have become damaged/scarred, if they haven't I assume I'll be resuming mtx at quite a high dose for the foreseeable future.

I couldn't take sulfa tho, it made me feel nauseous all the time, I also found them extremely difficult to swallow.

I hope the side effects calm down asap. I think asking to take ure folic acid on the same day etc are good suggestions.

Good luck & take care.x

barbara12

Hello Polly
Sorry I don't have any advise,but just want to add my support and wish you well with the treatment..hopefully the side effects will diminish..they do sound awful.x

polly123

Thanks for your quick responses.
Debra i'll ask about taking folic acid on the day also - I currently take it the other 6 days. Interesting also to hear that you had side effects that passed - i'm hoping for this myself. I don't take anything else that I haven't taken for a while (lodine and amytriptiline for nerve damage/OA)
Debbie, hope you get a speedy response from your tests
Barbara thankyou for your support - I appreciate it.

I actually feel better since I posted - funny how that happens isn't it? Must try and spend a little more time on here

Polly

DebbieT

Proof of a problem shared? I'm glad you feel a little better ((( ))) x

dreamdaisy

It can take the body time to adjust to a higher dose - it has more of the stuff to 'process' and that can take longer. It has been doing a good job for you and I hope that continues once you've adjusted - but if you continue to struggle then I hope you will get in touch with your rheumatology unit to ask for their advice. I wish you well. DD

polly123

Hi dreamdaisy, yes i'm hoping this is all it is - it has been doing a great job, I've really been feeling much better - not fantastic but way better than I was at Christmas. I shall speak to my rheumy nurse if it continues for a full week next week.
Thanks for your concern - I think I read in a thread that you have psa too? I think i've had it for about 3 years, but only diagnosed about 9 months as I have OA and spine issues too which has complicated the picture.
Hope you're feeling ok today
Polly

Boomer13

Hi Polly;

We seem to be on the same mtx path or really, . Reading your post today was very timely as I took mine last night, then was up most of the night with horrid nausea. I often feel like I'm just recovering from the mtx effects before I take the next dose! It's like poisoning yourself to feel better :roll: Weird. Sometimes, it seems to trigger a worsening of joint pain after I take it too. But, like you say it's still better than before mtx, so I carry on.

When I started it I got used to side-effects after a month, then had a dose increase in May, and the side-effects came back and now seem to have stayed. This week is particularly bad, I'm not sure why. As I go on with the drugs, I seem to be getting more sensitive. Sorry, I'm not writing a very uplifting post to cheer you up, am I? What I was going to say was I am going through similar to you Mtx-wise.

You have my empathy,
xxAnna

ELAINE55555

HI polly,
I switched to mtx by injection rather than tablets, about a year ago, and what a difference! Yes I still get tired for a day or two after, but the neusea has gone. Maybe something to think about?

polly123

Hi Elaine,
That's good to hear - i'll bear that in mind.

Polly