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  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

methotrexate

Posted , 2 users are following.

Guest
Guest

Has anyone any experience of methotrexate as an alternative to prednislone. I am currently taking 7 mgs of prednislone a day for PMR having come down from 15 mgs over a 7 month period. The pain is coming back and I really should increase my the dose but the side affects are a great concern and having taken 7 months to get down I don't want to start going back up again!

Also has anyway tried specific diets, starch free?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Like you and many others, I would like to get off the prednisone. I started out on 20 mg back in February and am currently at 7 mg. I am interested in seeing what replies you get to your question. I don't get to go back to my rheumatologist until the end of Oct. At that point I am going to beg him to help get me off the prednisone sooner rather than later. Good luck with your situation.
  • mrs_k
    mrs_k

    Posted

    What we all keep on failing to remember is that Prednisolone is not the main problem. PMR and GCA are the problem.

    There is no known cause and no cure at present.

    Steroids and Methotrexate, relieve the symptoms of PMR and GCA, they do not cure it.

    Steroids have been around since 1949 and the side-effects are well documented.

    Methotrexate, is comparatively new and is chemo based.

    I would compare the side effects of both drugs before deciding which to take.

    I have done so and will stick with Prednisolone - but that is a personal decision.

    If I had had a very bad re-action, like the lady on another Experience, then there is probably no choice.

    Some of us are working to set up a National Organisation for PMR-GCA to set up support, self help groups and highlight the need for Research into these two illnesses. The National Organisation is on track to be launched hopefully this September. Currently limited research is being undertaken by a Professor in Southend and a Rsearch Doctor in Leeds. A similar organisation has been launched in the USA to push for research in the USA.

    mrs K

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I was on methotrexate for many years for arthritis, It takes a few weeks to start to work and you can feel a bot ropey to start but its worth it. I now have polymyalgia that isn't completely responding to steroids so i'M BACK ON METHOTREXATE AS WELL. You can't have alcohol with it and you have to have fortnightly blood tests but otherwise I've no complaints. I am slowly reducing my steroids. I must admit, I've hated them what with weight gain insomnia etc. so am glad of this alternative

    Jaki

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I was on methotrexate for many years for arthritis, It takes a few weeks to start to work and you can feel a bot ropey to start but its worth it. I now have polymyalgia that isn't completely responding to steroids so i'M BACK ON METHOTREXATE AS WELL. You can't have alcohol with it and you have to have fortnightly blood tests but otherwise I've no complaints. I am slowly reducing my steroids. I must admit, I've hated them what with weight gain insomnia etc. so am glad of this alternative

    Jaki

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