Newly diagnosed - Methotrexate advice

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Busylizzie
Busylizzie Member Posts: 2
edited 10. Jul 2025, 15:53 in Living with Arthritis archive

Hi to all who may be reading this,

This is my first post on this website so bear with me. I was diagnosed with RA in June this year. It came as a total shock as up to this time I was very active volunteering in my community and enjoying my retirement. I was prescribed Methotrexate at the end of July starting with 10mg for 4 weeks then increasing to 15mg. I took the 16th dose last night. I can't say that I am 100% better. Is it even possible? Horrible and stiff in the morning and if I want to go somewhere I take a couple of paracetamol which seems to take the 'edge' of it but not completely. I have it in the hands: right hand is worse than my left hand. My shoulders are affected too with left shoulder worse then right shoulder. Can anyone advise how long this medication takes to work? I have been very anxious about taking this medication too which I imagine is understandable.

Thank you in advance.

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  • Fif
    Fif Member Posts: 116

    I was diagnosed last October and started methotrexate at the beginning of November. My initial dose was low, but increased to 25 mg per week over a period of time. It did take some time to start making a difference but I was told this would be the case so didn't expect miracles. Now, a year on, the joints on one hand still look swollen but generally are not painful and although I'm a bit stiff first thing by the time I've walked the dog and done my exercises it has eased off. I do get tired more easily than I used to but am not sure if this is the RA or the medication. I did miss a dose of methotrexate when having my last covid booster, but suffered a flare up which has convinced me it must be doing its job. I think you just have to persevere and adapt to your new life. Maybe ask your consultant or RA nurse about upping the dose. A lot of people in the community have been on methotrexate for a lot longer than I have and I'm sure they will be able to offer you some good advice.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,444

    Hi @Busylizzie

    I agree with @Fif it can take quite a long time to work. And a while yo tweak the dose to the right level too.

    15mg is not a very high disease they rheumatologist may increase it next time you see him/ her especially if it is helping a good bit already

    Sending some ((()))

    Take care

    Toni x

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