Methtrexate plan

Debs1970

Hi,

Ive been put on methotrexate 2.5mg dose. The plan the nurse said was 2 weeks of pills one day each week, so i am taking saturdays, and then she said blood testz after 2 week, to check all ok.

My question is do i book bloods on the 3rd week?

I wish the nurse had actually written it out for me. I tried to write it down but im so confused now.

helpline_team

Hi @Debs1970, thanks for posting. There’s a lot to take in at these appointments and it’s always difficult to remember all of the questions you need to ask at the time. At first, the monitoring usually involves having blood tests every two weeks, from when you start. We would recommend contacting your rheumatology team to confirm when they require the blood tests, and the process for arranging. This can vary depending on your hospital and rheumatology team. I’ve provided information on methotrexate and the monitoring. Hope it helps.

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

Common questions about taking methotrexate

Your questions on methotrexate | Side effects

Thanks, Natalie, Helpline Advisor.

Debs1970

Thanks Natalie,

My Rhumatology nurse replied today. Ive printed out her message and will keep in booklet.

Deborah

helpline_team

Hi @Debs1970

We are here to support any questions you may have about living with arthritis, and a key part of how we can support you can be understanding the condition which you are affected by.

You can look up types of arthritis using the Conditions search, or do just ring us on our freephone 0800 5200 520 if you'd like to.

Conditions | Types of arthritis, causes, treatments

All the best

Guy - Helpline Team

helpline_team

Stevie1

Stevie1

Hi,I an newly diagnosed with RA after a flu jab.Can anyone comment on their use of Hydroxychloroquine please.How bad are the side affects and is it efficient?.

helpline_team

Hi @Stevie1

You've come through to the Helpline. We offer information and support.

If you'd particularly like input from people living with arthritis, try posting on the Living with arthritis forum.

If you are newly diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) it's good practice to be offered a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug to get your inflammatory levels down, so the arthritis improves.

The drug you are offered will depend on the severity of the inflammatory levels and you will be monitored to make sure the drug is having the right impact on the arthritis. There is an element of trial and error, until they see how your immune system responds to different treatments.

Rheumatoid arthritis | Causes, symptoms, treatments

Drugs for arthritis | Side-effects, uses, interactions

I hope this is helpful, do call our freephone if you'd like to talk things over.

all the best

Guy - Helpline Team