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about to start methotrexate...

Posted , 6 users are following.

michele5211978
michele5211978

Very nervous about this drug... What was it like for you when you first started? How long did side effects last?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • meg83590
    meg83590 michele5211978

    Posted

    After the horrible effects of RA, methotrexate was not much worse, I experienced nausea, lethargy and pain for a day or two but it got better each time. I found the injections much better. The only problem I have now is hair loss but even that is improving. Its worth it if your symptoms improve. Go with it and try! Good luck
  • lesspain
    lesspain michele5211978

    Posted

    Hi Michelle, I started on methotrexate 2 weeks ago - had my third weekly dose last night at 12.5mg. Feel like blec with some stomach upset. They say you get used to it. I can understand your feeling nervous about it. I certainly was and still am. My goal is to get off it eventually as I have turned my diet/lifestyle around nearly 100% eliminating alcohol, caffeine (was up to 6 cups a day), avoiding diet soda and wheat and dairy.

    I also started taking supplements Theracumin and Lysine. No change in how I feel though.

    • hayleymac
      hayleymac lesspain

      Posted

      Hi there, I was wondering if you were following any particular diet? Or have you just done your own research and chosen certain things to cut out... I've been looking at anti inflammatory diets, but some I've seen you can't eat anything! Any advice would be great, thanks xx

  • Jayne7831
    Jayne7831 michele5211978

    Posted

    I feel fortunate!  I have a sensitive stomach so went directly to injections.  Started after diagnosis in october and had zero side effects.  I am now up to 20 mg and i cant even tell i am on it.  I have more issues with celebrex and ibuprophen.  Downside is I still have pain..but I am still in the process of figuring this out..I am not sure if mtx is to help the pain or just stop the progression of joint erosion..good luck with your journey and i hope for no side effects!
  • michele5211978
    michele5211978

    Posted

    Thanks! Its good to hear someone else's experience

  • hayleymac
    hayleymac michele5211978

    Posted

    I was the same as you, I was worried about the side effects, but also the fact you shouldn't fall pregnant on it... For me that is life changing! I would advise calling the NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) helpline, they spoke through all my concerns, but also informed me that if I require biologics in the future, the NHS requires you take 2 previous meds and one of these must be Methotrexate.

    My worst week was week 3... The side effects are getting easier to live with, my only problem is I don't think it's kicking in yet (I'm on week 5) I'm still getting pain. I had a huge steroid shot 5 weeks ago and as that is wearing off, the pain is coming back!

    I hope this helps... Good luck xx

  • sherry29159
    sherry29159 michele5211978

    Posted

    I am on MTX injections and take 22.5mg. Its not so bad and i adjusted quite quickly. Are you on other things too? It can take a while to find exact meds and doses which suit you. We all seem so different. I am now on biological drugs which you go to if the others don't work. But it's a bit of a long haul I have found. Steroids can help if the pain gets too much but only as a stop gap. Not good to be on them too long. I made that error.

    Sherry

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