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Concern over Methotrexate side effects, I have PMR

Posted , 10 users are following.

donna60512
donna60512

I am wondering if anyone has had problems with strange external bleeding and bruising while on Methotrexate.  I have noticed a place on my left arm that has had some blood on it.  I do bump into things from time to time, so didn't think too much about it.  This evening, I wiped my hand over it and it seem to just be bleeding for no reason.  I really do not remember scraping this area.  I cleansed it off and dried it thoroughly.  Then in looking at it, I notice that it looks a bit like a diagonal cut or scrape, still don't remember doing anything to it, but the thing that really hit me was a small round red place that looks like a blood blister.  I will call my rheumatologist in the morning, but really want to know if anyone has experienced anythign like this.  I hace only been taking the methotrexate for two weeks (two doses) and I am taking the folic acid the day following.  I hate taking the Prednisone, but I think I do not like taking the methotrexate even more.  Since i am rather new to this forum, I am very eager to hear from those of you who have been traveling this road longer than I.  Thank you, Donna

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • FlipDover_Aust
    FlipDover_Aust donna60512

    Posted

    Hi Donna, and welcome!

    I've been on MTX since December last year and thankfully, have had very little in the way of problems with it. I had thinning skin/random bleeding when I was on higher doses on pred.

    How much pred,  MTX and folic acid are you taking?

  • constance.de
    constance.de donna60512

    Posted

    I have a feeling these blood spots/bruises are more to do with the PMR, than MTX.  For months when I was on a high dose of Pred I had these troublesome things, sometimes they bled profusely.

    I tried MTX and another so called "help to reduce Pred" medicines.  I gave them up very quickly, they made me nauseous.  Ask others about the MTX - Rheumatologists seem to love the things, but they have a lot of side effects for some people and many experts say they don't even work.

    Take care.  Constance.

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy donna60512

    Posted

    I have this problem it is caused by the pred. I get reddish purple spots and I just have to brush my arm and get bleeding. Makes a real mess of the sheets. I think thin skin does not help either.
  • karenjaninaz
    karenjaninaz donna60512

    Posted

    I am on pred only and 2 weeks ago I brushed hard against the door lock plate and my skin actually came off! --- bleeding profusely. My pred dose was 13. I immediately cleaned, bandaged and used a little antiseptic ointment. 

    Somewhere else on the forum double base gel was recommended. I was able to order it from  amazon on-line. I'm trying that.

    i also use arnica full strength oil for bruising. I still look like a combat victim.

  • jo42444
    jo42444 donna60512

    Posted

    I have been condidering taking methotrexate as it was offered at my last appointment. When I checked the side effects I beleive bruising and bleeding are mentioned and to report to your doctor. Im not an expert but I beleive your platelet counts can go down and they help you blood clot.

    Joanne

  • pam7653
    pam7653 donna60512

    Posted

    Donna,

    I experienced unusual bleeding on my arms while on higher doses of Prednizone. It eventually went away once I got lower than 10mgs. While on Methotroxate I experienced stomach issues. I was on it for one month and developed gastritis. That put me on a proton pump inhibitor (Nexium) for 2 months.

  • Oregonjohn-UK
    Oregonjohn-UK donna60512

    Posted

    Donna - I don't take MTX but I do get this - I'm informed because of the Pred?  Only have to gently knock myself, or a small scratch whilst in the garden and it looks like someone has beaten me up! 

    • Oregonjohn-UK
      Oregonjohn-UK ptolemy

      Posted

      I got myself into trouble when I jokingly said my wife beat me up when a friend asked about the bruises on my arms awhile back!  I don't say anything how!

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