Frightened - about to start Methotrexade

Cara123
Cara123 Member Posts: 31
in Living with arthritis

Hi all,

I am about to start methotrexade and I am feeling very nervous about the side effects and how they are going to affect my quality of life.

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,239

    Hi @Cara123 have a look through the following - hope it helps and that the methotrexate works soon.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/methotrexate/

    and

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/your-questions-answered/your-questions-on-methotrexate/

    Best wishes

    Peter

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,026

    Hi @Cara123 of course you are frightened. It is scary.

    just remember loads of us here take it and I mean loads. The very vast majority of is are glad we have it. My only suggestions is to take it when you have the day off the next day so you can rest.

    If you ahve any side effects just ask we have loads of tips to help ((()))

    Just think this could be the very medication to help you🤞

    Take care

    Toni x

  • alisonburr7gmailcom
    alisonburr7gmailcom Member Posts: 1

    hi Cara, I have just started taking methotrexate. I too was really scared about the side effects. I have now taken 4 doses and have had no obvious side effects to date. There has been no improvement in my joint swelling, stiffness and pain though. I was warned that it might take 3 months but I was hoping for a bit of improvement after a month. Alison

  • KatLB
    KatLB Member Posts: 4

    Morning! I’ve been on methotrexate since my diagnosis 3 years ago and it’s transformed my life for the better. It takes a good couple of months to kick in. Side effects, some people find it better to take in the evening as you can sleep off any feelings of nausea. I’ve never had the nausea feeling but I do drink a lot of water the day I take mine. I’m sure you’ll be fine😊

  • LouLouCeCe
    LouLouCeCe Member Posts: 17

    Good morning @Cara123 the side effects lists for our drug options are huge! If you get any it will most likely only be 1 or 2, and allow a settling in period. MTX worked well for me for a long time.

    There are other options (biologics) available now too (I’m finding a good response to 1 of these). So if your side effects are stubborn and difficult ask your Rhematology team about other options. Main thing I’d say is get a good spf & as others have said be gentle with your self around dose day.

Categories