Methotrexate

bionic

Hi I was wondering if anyone else has been on methotrexate for years as I have and had no effects from it but I am now thinking that I am getting a reaction to it i.e not feeling well all the time with excessive fatigue, feeling sick, dizziness and headaches !! I have phoned the rhuemy dept today and they are sending me an appointment as not meant to see them until sept. Be interesting to hear from anyone. Take care
Rosie

ninakang

Hi Rosie

I can't really answer your question because I've only recently been diagnosed with RA and started MTX on Sunday. But I hope you get the answers you want on here from someone else and that you feel better soon.

Nx

bionic

ninakang wrote:

Hi Rosie

I can't really answer your question because I've only recently been diagnosed with RA and started MTX on Sunday. But I hope you get the answers you want on here from someone else and that you feel better soon.

Nx

Thanks I really need it sorted can't go on like I am. Thanks again

colinone

Hi Rosie i should not say this on the site but i was on MTX for 3 years and 4 months and now fearing they will try to put me back on it. I called it the drug from hell. I was on it for nearly a year before i started getting side effects simular to yours but i was so ill all the time it was hard to cope. The problem is if it works for you do you put up with the side effects. I did but eventually the MTX stopped working but i was so happy when i came off that MTX. The other problem is what do you get next it seems once you pass the MTX stage the medication is more seriouse and poses fewer but stronger side effects. you end up between a rock and a hard place not knowing what to do. One of the problems i have is that there are no choices apart from take it or leave it. Without the drugs i become bed ridden so cant leave it. So my choices are taken away. it becomes a problem you can't solve and you place all your faith in the rheumy. I have just been taken off Enbrel because of the side effects and am so dissapointed because i thoiught it was working for me. Well sorry if i've gone on a bit Rosie but remember we are all different, i know people who have been on MTX for many years and suffer no effects. Take care and keep your chin up
Colin

slummymummy

Try not to worry. There are lots of things that could be making you feel unwell. It's easy to blame the meds for everything. I've been on methotrexate for nearly a year. Yesterday I had stomach pains and was sick, and I was really worried about the methotrexate finally making me ill, but it turned out to be food-poisoning. I'm better today, thank goodness. Hang in there, it might not be as bad as it seems.

livinglegend

bionic wrote:

Hi I was wondering if anyone else has been on methotrexate for years as I have and had no effects from it but I am now thinking that I am getting a reaction to it i.e not feeling well all the time with excessive fatigue, feeling sick, dizziness and headaches !! Rosie

Been on Mtx for about nine years now. It must be taken with food, not just a light snack, to slow the absorption or you may get a poor reaction with heightened side effects. While all the RA drugs will slow the progress of RA, it is not a 'cure' and will not stop the continual damage and only your rheumy can really consider what to do next. The drug may have run its course as regards your condition.

You will have to wait for your appointment and see what happens next.

Joseph 8)

woodbon

Hi, I don't take the drug because I have OA, but maybe you've had a bug. Some of the local hospitals around here have had wards closed only a few week ago, so it must still be around.

I hope in a few days you'r fine, as you'v had a rough time recently :!: Love Sue

bionic

colinone wrote:

Hi Rosie i should not say this on the site but i was on MTX for 3 years and 4 months and now fearing they will try to put me back on it. I called it the drug from hell. I was on it for nearly a year before i started getting side effects simular to yours but i was so ill all the time it was hard to cope. The problem is if it works for you do you put up with the side effects. I did but eventually the MTX stopped working but i was so happy when i came off that MTX. The other problem is what do you get next it seems once you pass the MTX stage the medication is more seriouse and poses fewer but stronger side effects. you end up between a rock and a hard place not knowing what to do. One of the problems i have is that there are no choices apart from take it or leave it. Without the drugs i become bed ridden so cant leave it. So my choices are taken away. it becomes a problem you can't solve and you place all your faith in the rheumy. I have just been taken off Enbrel because of the side effects and am so dissapointed because i thoiught it was working for me. Well sorry if i've gone on a bit Rosie but remember we are all different, i know people who have been on MTX for many years and suffer no effects. Take care and keep your chin up
Colin

Thanks Colin I need to know how other people are with it there is no use pretending is there?

joyful164

Hi

I have been on Methotrexate for about 4 years now. I started on tablets but because my stomach was not sending itoff into my system properly. I get a very inflamed stomach because of other problems.

Anyway, I started on injections. After going to the hospital every week for about 12 weeks, you are then shown how to do it yourself and your hubby if need be. I am on 15 mg a week. There is a company called Willow who deliver every 10 weeks and keep you supplied with everything. it is so easy. The injection needle is so fine you don't feel a thing. It is all in the mind.

If you are not on injections already (you haven't said) then perhaps these are for you. And are you taking your folic acid on every day except the day before and day after your tablets or injection?

Perhaps you are not taking enough Folic Acid. these prevent side affects such as the ones you mention.

Joy

madwestie

hi bionic, i was on mtx tablets for a year and apart from some slight hair loss which an increas in folic acid fixed i have hd no side effects no sickness or anything. Unfortunately for me the effectiveness of the tablets started to wear off. but i am on injections now and they are working much better and still no side effects. I went to the hospital for the first injection and the nurse explained it gave me a pad to try injecting and then said ok now your turn I have been doing them myself since (10 wks now).

I hope you get things sorted out soon.

mistywillow

madwestie wrote:

hi bionic, i was on mtx tablets for a year and apart from some slight hair loss which an increas in folic acid fixed i have hd no side effects no sickness or anything. Unfortunately for me the effectiveness of the tablets started to wear off. but i am on injections now and they are working much better and still no side effects. I went to the hospital for the first injection and the nurse explained it gave me a pad to try injecting and then said ok now your turn I have been doing them myself since (10 wks now).

I hope you get things sorted out soon.

Hi Rosie
Have been on mxt for about 4 years now. Hydoxychloroquine didnt work and mxt seems to help. Just increased my dose. Feel a bit sick next day after taking but nothing else.
Hope you sort things with your rhemy and feel better.
love Gillx