methotrexate guts

andywright

Hi all, I was recently taken off methotrexate as it really messed up by bowels, still can't keep an food in for long for weeks now, feel so bad. Ive been advised that it will take a while to settle down. Anyone else have a similar experience? thanks, A.

Poppyjane

Hi @andywright

I recently saw this research post and thought you might be interested

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/january/new-research-profiles-side-effects-linked-to-methotrexate/

I also wondered if you have looked into the possibility of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the foods to avoid etc.

I hope others come up with some suggestions to help you.

Take care

Poppyjane

jamieA

Hi @andywright

I've been on MTX for more than 3 years for PsA and haven't suffered any stomach issues with it. Has your rheumatologist offered an alternative? I'm also on Sulfasalazine as part of the cocktail of drugs for my PsA. I found out recently that it's also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. I'd actually taken my dog to the vet for the 3rd time in 3 months as he'd scavenged something on our walks. The vet said that if his upset stomach continued he'd prescribe sulfasalazine for him. When I queried this - telling him I took it - he said it was the same drug - in fact the same pill. I read up about it afterwards and it appears it is prescribed to humans for IBS. That might be a possible option for you.

Hope you get a solution soon.

Welsh1

Is it prescribed for ibs d or c as have seen people complain it causes diarrhea

jamieA

Hi @Welsh1

Yes apparently it is.

https://nras.org.uk/resource/sulfasalazine/#:~:text=Sulfasalazine%20was%20introduced%20in%20the,remains%20a%20common%20RA%20treatment.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sulfasalazine/#:~:text=Your%20dose%20and%20how%20often,2%20suppositories%2C%20twice%20a%20day

I was really surprised that it's the exact same tablet that the vet would use for my dog. Sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate were all initially developed and used for other medical issues.

KPez09

While taking mtx tablets I suffered diarrhea, however just swapped to injection and tummy is better

mias11

Ellen

Hi @mias11

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Best wishes

Ellen.

Roberto

Hi . Recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and about to start taking folic acid and methotrexate. Any advice on the best time of day to take these ?

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Roberto

Thanks . Going to take methotrexate on a Wednesday. Took first folic acid tablet today.Ok to take first methotrexate tomorrow or should I have a week of folic acid before taking first methotrexate ?

PJoanne

Hi Roberto,

Could you give your GP surgery a ring or the dispensing pharmacy that you collected your meds from? Either should be able to advise you on the right time lines for taking your meds.

All the best

Joanne

Roberto

Thanks . Will do .

Gadgetgirl

@Roberto welcome to the group. I take my MTX on Sunday night before I go to bed. I don't take folic acid on the Monday but I take it on the Tuesday morning through to the Saturday morning. You are not supposed to take Folic acid on the same day you take your MTX. Good luck and hope you get on ok.