Good morning from Az. Recently diagnosed with RA, taking Methotrexate for the 1st time, worried.

critterlover
critterlover Member Posts: 1
edited 4. Apr 2025, 08:08 in Coffee Lounge

Hi, looking for tips, help, and/or advice. Reading all the info on the Methotrexate is scaring me. I've had my meds since Fri., haven't taken any of them. How soon could you experience side effects? Don't know what to expect from using it. I have Folic acid to take at other daydays than when not taking the Methotrexate. Have Predisone as well, but not seeing too many taking this as well. Not really sure how this is supposed to work. No family here, when letting know my fears felt like they don't get the possible long term effects of RA. Brother says hope you feel better, don't think he understands that there is no cure. Told my mom about Methotrexate, sadly she laughed that the name of the medication couldn't be simpler. Guessing they don't understand the disease, and for this, I let it go. One of the reasons I went looking for a support group and found you. Any advice will help. Thank you for your time and have a blessed day. Will check back later after I get home from work.

Comments

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 260

    Hello @critterlover and welcome to the forum.

    When you say 'AZ' do you mean Arizona?

    Perhaps you could share the link below (or the video from youtube) with close ones. I've had a relatable experience with family when I had cancer, I was just so shocked as to the indifference from family who should have cared. This took me some time to work through, so it is great to hear you have decided to let it go. Do remember that you are absolutely deserve to be cared about and supported.

    Are there any local support groups near you? Or could you start one?

    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

    I've edited the title of your post, to get attention from those taking Methotextrate , hope that is okay . I don't have any experience of Methotextrate so I can't comment. I did recently have to start a new medication and I was scared I admit, so it's natural to be cautious of the unknown. A retired nurse I know has said that Methotextrate has benefits that far outweigh the downsides - everyone is different. Hopefully it won't be long before you get some replies with more relevance.

    All the best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Eeyore
    Eeyore Member Posts: 48

    Hello @critterlover

    Speaking from my own experience, I had almost no side effects when I started methotrexate, just felt a bit "below par" the following day. I was taking 15mg a week. I was also taking prednisolone until the methotrexate kicked in (it can take up to 3 months to get noticeable benefits, although it didn't take that long with me) and again, zero side effects but it certainly reduced the pain from R.A. very quickly. Don't be afraid of these medications, they will do you good. But if you do get nasty side effects speak to your doctor, consultant or whoever prescribed the meds, there are alternatives. They will want regular blood tests to make sure all is well, you won't be left without medical assistance.

    I'm sure others will reply with their experiences - there are a great many of us on these medications!

  • Arthuritis
    Arthuritis Member Posts: 541
    edited 3. Apr 2025, 21:35

    @critterlover Hey there from AZ! A few years ago I would have said hey there from Sedona and a bit from Maricopa!

    You might find this useful…

    It’s US based, but some participants are also Europeans.

    MTX works by competing with folate, preventing rapidly replicating cells from going full speed. This includes your immune cells attacking your joints. Unfortunately it also affects other cells that need folate fast, digestive system, liver and forming nerve connections. In some people this results in nausea and stomach upset, but it’s usually quite tolerable after a few weeks, and only lasts a day. Some people don’t get side effects at all. It’s rare that the serious side effects are experienced, both because you will have frequent blood tests to check when you first start, and also because it has been so successful it’s become the gold standard. I have steroids but absolutely avoid using them as they create their own significant problems when taken as a tablet. (Steroids for a specific joint has been fine).

    https://youtu.be/rf7dSxYDd5o

    Another inspiring story for you to look up:

    Dr. Monica Aggarwal is an associate professor of medicine in the University of Florida's Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Unfortunately she is based in Fl, but may help you with RA as telemedicine.

    This cardiologist has serologically confirmed RA, but her RA is no longer active.

    We are all on this planet, a pale blue dot in space with idiot politicians and afflictions like this are common to us all…

    Please keep in touch.

    https://youtu.be/Uo7B0NATv1s

  • Arthuritis
    Arthuritis Member Posts: 541

    PS I escaped RA “prison” in 2023 for a whole 2 glorious years, and then in one day in Jan 2025 got pulled back in by reacting badly to something I consumed. I hope to escape again, but tomorrow is my MTX day, and mine is at the UK Max dose of 25/week. I think it’s 30 in the US.

  • iwannerbeme
    iwannerbeme Member Posts: 40

    Hi . I am UK based. I started on methotrexate last September. I too was terrified to take it. I waited a couple of weeks, staring at the packet (well not for a whole 2 weeks but you know what i mean). I am on 20/week. I didnt get any side effects when I eventually took it. Its been my new best friend actually. My inflamation markers are really low and i dont have any active issues in my joints. I dont think you really know until you take it. I have my bloods monitered every 2 weeks but that will change to monthly soon. You will be carefully monitered, if you do get side effects you will just stop taking it and something else will be prescribed. I think some people respond better IM injections, others have something different altogether. Methotrexate has been around for 60 years, so its well known and predictable.

  • fred890
    fred890 Member Posts: 7

    People who have RA experience a common initial feeling of overwhelming nature in Methotrexate treatment. The side effects of Methotrexate differ in terms of how soon they appear between individuals. The folic acid helps medication balance while prednisone controls inflammation. The majority of patients begin to experience relief through their treatment after several weeks yet they must endure the waiting process for their body to adjust. Contact your doctor frequently when doubts appear regarding the treatment and ask for clarity about prolonged conditions.

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