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Is methotrexate causing my weight loss and decreased appetite?

Posted , 5 users are following.

mary00571
mary00571

I have arthritis and was recently (in the past month and a half) put on methotrexate tablets (6 a week) and im also taking a 1mg folic acid supplement 5 times a week (excluding the day i take my MTX). Ive noticed ive lost a couple pounds and i have no appetite whatsoever. I dont have really bad nausea with the MTX (which is great), but i wake up with a headache after taking it. I also have ibs and so i eat clean, my typical diet consists of a smoothie for breakfast, and salad and chicken for both my lunch and dinner because im trying to heal my gut. I have been eating a lot less now, down to my smoothie ad maybe a small dinner. i feel full all the time and i dont have that hunger anymore.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • barbara93798
    barbara93798 mary00571

    Posted

    Yes this drug can cause both wieght gain and loss. But contact your doctor if you are conserned. They should help. I have been on this drug for over a year I would love to have a poor appitite as I have now reached 100 kg. I understand my problem is to do with having both rhumatoid artheritis (sorry if spelling is wrong) and fybromialgia. And now needing a wheelchair to go any distance. I only take folic acid once a week and I take 2 hydroxychloroquine 200mg each day. I have to say it could be different meds as I live in the north.
  • robertcosmos
    robertcosmos mary00571

    Posted

    Hi Mary

    i have been on a similar regime to you for the last 3 years and have found a very gradual increase in gastro discomfort and bloating particularly if I eat too much.  One thing that has really helped has been taking chlorella and spirulina tablets (6 a day!). They are known to help with chemo drugs and since methotrexate is such a drug perhaps it is not surprising they help.  I am surprised I have not seen them mentioned online more in this context.  It maybe worth a try.  Best of luck

    Rob

  • sunny25366
    sunny25366 mary00571

    Posted

    Hi MAry. Everyone is so different with how they react to Methotrexate. Its a very strong drug clearly. Ive lost almost 20 lbs (and I needed too) after I started taking it. My appetite has diminished BUT unlike you I do have nausea. A lot of expletives gain weight (I think its the steroids) but a small percentage lose weight (like us). Eat healthy and also keeping hydrated is a must! Good luck.
  • mike11926
    mike11926 mary00571

    Posted

    I started taking MTX two weeks ago, 6 x 2.5mg a week, with Folic Acid, 1mg daily, for my RA. Yes I noticed my weight dropped almost 7 lbs in the last ten day or so. I tried to get my Doctor's attention for my weight lose but still wait for his comments. I lost my appetite and did not feel to eat! Hope this is a short term side effect of MTX and will disappear soon!!??  BTW, MTX seems helping my Pain and Stiffness on my finger and shoulder some.

  • mike11926
    mike11926 mary00571

    Posted

    I started taking MTX two weeks ago, 6 x 2.5mg a week, with Folic Acid, 1mg daily, for my RA. Yes I noticed my weight dropped almost 7 lbs in the last ten day or so. I tried to get my Doctor's attention for my weight lose but still wait for his comments. I lost my appetite and did not feel to eat! Hope this is a short term side effect of MTX and will disappear soon!!??  BTW, MTX seems helping my Pain and Stiffness on my finger and shoulder some.

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