Newly Prescribed Methotrexate

Ropes

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with RA a few years ago but have managed without medication until now. I have to admit I am really worried about taking Methotrexate because of all the side effects. The Clinical Nurse Specialist has tried to put my mind at rest and tells me that “it’s not that bad”. I’m not convinced!
I was wondering if any of you felt the same way to begin with but now are less anxious.
I am new to the group and would appreciate your comments and experiences with the medication. Thanks for reading this 👍

Anna

Hello @Ropes and welcome to the online community,

It can be daunting when you start in a new treatment, and it’s always useful to find out how others manage. Many of our members are on methotrexate and have found it has made a positive difference to their lives.

You might be interested in the article below - it’s a Q and A with medical professionals about taking methotrexate, the possible side effects and how to manage them.

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

Best wishes,

Anna ( Moderator)

MrDJ

I felt the same at first but without methotrxate they would not start me on anti tnf infusion so i gave in.

23 years now been on 20mg and only a handfull of times ive felt a little nausius after an hour or two but that soon clears. rest of the thousands of times ive taken it ive not noticed anything. make sure you take after a meal as most drugs need food in your system. im also on folic acid 6 days a week.

Just had a flare up though with gut rot but that was due to nsiad anti inflamotory drug which ive now stopped after 38 years.

Welsh1

Yes normal to be anxious but they monitor your blood well and it works well for many people.

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/62794/newly-prescribed-methotrexate

yup. Felt exactly as you feel when I started taking methotrexate over a year ago now. I now take it by injectable pen.
I have been very lucky although as yet it hasn’t worked that well for me, I haven’t had the side effects that some have had.

My tip is to take it at night after a good evening meal, then only a few hours until bedtime. Make sure you take folic acid on all the other days except mex day. God luck.

jcs

Hi. I've been in it for about 8 weeks and I was apprehensive when I scanned the potential side effects online but I weighed them up verses the reality of inflammatory arthritis - the pain, flare up, decreased mobility and the damage inflammation does to joints.

I have not experienced any noticeable side effects. Had blood tests fortnightly for 6 weeks as standard. Remember to write in your diary/calendar/ phone what day of the week you take it weekly and also a reminder to take folic acid you'll be prescribed that day before

I missed a dose one week and got anxious but rheumatology nurse said that it would be ok

noddingtonpete

Hello @jcs and welcome to the Online Community. I hope that you find your time here enjoyable and helpful.

Good to hear that you are not getting side effects from Methotrexate and I hope it gives you some relief soon. Have you read through the link @Anna posted above? Worth reading and if you need anything more just pop over to our website - it contains lots of information about arthritis and treatments.

Best wishes

Peter

Emmasknackeredjoints

I bet the nurse who told you "it's not that bad" is not actually taking it herself.

Such a lack of understanding and empathy in these people.

Ropes

Thanks everyone for your reassuring comments and advice. They are much appreciated. I am going to start the medication and am hoping for a positive outcome 🤞

SwishySwish

I'm like you…anxious to start, and this coming week I'm delivering 2 x training workshops and speaking at a conference so I have to be on top form. Then the following week I'm going on holiday and don't want to scupper that either. Hence looking through the forum to see if anyone else has similar concerns about the early days of taking it

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/724503#Comment_724503

Hi there.

I’ve been taking methotrexate for a while now. I was really worried about taking it, but it has been ok. I haven’t had the side effects that some people have. I now take it in injection form, which I do one a week, along side a tablet called Leflunomide.

Just take your methotrexate on an evening after your evening meal, then it will only be a few hours until bedtime.

Remember to take your folic acid on all the other days. Good luck.