Concerns about Starting Methotrexate

Kempkat

Since being diagnosed 15 months ago with both Inflammatory Arthritis sero-negative and Osteoarthritis in both Hands, Feet and Knees. I have tried without success both Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine, currently the only thing that eases the pain are oral steroids. I have been informed that I will need to now go on Methotrexate as my condition has deteriorated over the past year and additional inflammation was recently found via ultrasounds !
However after reading up on this very strong medication I have lots of concerns but two major concerns are that I have asthma and secondly I have an enlarged lymph node that I was monitored for five years under haematology for as my dad had lymphoma!
I have read that methotrexate can be linked with respiratory issues and lymphoma?
I can’t seem to get any answers from the Rheumatology consultant and appointments are few and far between, but I am obviously concerned that I could be at risk if I take this.

Any advice or information would be much appreciated.

PJoanne

Hello @Kempkat

Here is some information about methotrexate for you:

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

This is a link to the electric medicines compendium, I've linked to 2.5mg pill form as that is the most common form and dosage, but there is a search box to use at the top of the page if you know that the form (ie tablet, injection) or dosage will be different.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/511/pil#about-medicine

Could you get an apointment with your GP to discuss your concerns, if you can't get an appointment with the Rheumy consultant?

Best Joanne

Jca

Hi 👋 I’m on the methotrexate weekly injections and have been for last 12 weeks. I have asthma and take the daily inhaler twice a day morning and night. Your rheumatologist would be aware that you are asthmatic surely? Did you tell them? but it should be on your doctors notes if they have full access to them of course?? I would contact rheumatology dept / helpline and tell them of your concerns regarding your asthma and other medical issues, but as a fellow asthma sufferer I have no problem with taking methotrexate and my inhaler. 👍

Kempkat

Hi thanks that’s good to know, yes they are aware but haven’t really addressed my questions unfortunately!
I will chase them but just looking for any further advice information etc. how are you finding the injections?

Jca

Yes ok. Taking 15mg a week. Find doing the injection myself ok, only messed it up once one week but usually do them no problem. Was hoping to be feeling a lot better than I am, but we are all different and am seeing the rheumatologist in about 4 weeks to see how I’m doing. Have seronegative inflammatory arthritis but also lumbar osteoarthritis so methotrexate will probably only help the inflammatory side?… It’s a depressing illness to have isn’t it? Feel like screaming at my joints some days to work when I’m stiff and aching all over. Still working part time and go in a pool about 3 times a week to exercise which is nice and relaxing….x

Kempkat

Really hope it starts helping you soon.
It certainly is an awful condition. Pretty much my whole life has changed this last two years due to the impact of this condition and the fact that I haven’t yet found a suitable medication to help alleviate the symptoms!
I have an appointment in a few weeks so will discuss my concerns and questions then.

However it is really good to get advice and hear other people’s experiences of medication etc

Thank you for your response 😊