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Methotrexate

Posted , 4 users are following.

CELTICTOM6517
CELTICTOM6517

Hi iam new to the forum i have RA in my hands and Osteo Arthritis in my knees. Iam taking Methotrexate15 mg weekly for the last 3 months but i have developed a rash on my arms  and legs in small areas ? has anyone else had any problems

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Ever_hopeful
    Ever_hopeful CELTICTOM6517

    Posted

    Hello. I had a rash within the first 3 months of taking methotrexate. You're taking quite a low dosage but you must mention the rash to a medic so that it's monitored. When I had a rash (happened twice on my face) I reduced my dose to 15mg and it went. Def' related to MTX. Incidentally try to stick with this drug. I needed 2 knee replacements but a couple of years on the improvement is just beyond belief. I have all sorts of related problems with this drug...such as hair loss...but I can go up stairs etc., pain free.

    Good luck

    • CELTICTOM6517
      CELTICTOM6517 Ever_hopeful

      Posted

      Thanks for your help i have contacted the nurse via anserphone and waiting for a reply, i hope i can stay on the Methotrexate because i had to crawl up stairs and had severe knee pain and hand problems many thanks
  • mrsmop
    mrsmop CELTICTOM6517

    Posted

    Have you read this leaflet?

     https://patient.info/medicine/methotrexate-maxtrex-metoject

    Skin rashes can be a side effect.  I haven't had them myself.  Have you spoken to your Rheumatologist or the Nurse?  Are you being seen regularly?

     

    • CELTICTOM6517
      CELTICTOM6517 mrsmop

      Posted

      tHANKS FOR YOUR HELP I AM HAVING MONTHLY BLOOD TESTS I HAVE CONTACTED THE NURSE VIA ANSERPHONE, BUT DOTOR HAS NO APPOINTMENTS UNTILL CHRISTMAS EVE I DONT KNOW IF I SHOULD TAKE MY METHOTREXATE TONIGHT
    • mrsmop
      mrsmop CELTICTOM6517

      Posted

      My Consultant is a Dermatologist.  When I have any problems, I telephone his secretary and am usually seen at the next clinic.  They have a certain number of free appts., for times like this.  I'm sure that your Consultant will be the same, have you tried ringing his secretary?

      A few weeks ago, I woke up and found a massive bruise on my arm.  [My husband had Leukaemia, so I am very wary of unexplained bruises and know that MTX can ccause them/Leukaemia]  I telephoned my Consultant's secretary and didn't take my next dose until I had heard from him and he told me not to take my next dose until he had the results of a blood test.

      How big are the patches?  My bruise was about 6.5" by 4.5"

      I discovered that I could go for about 2 weeks before my original symptoms became a nuisance 

      I also discovered that in my clinic, they don't seem to listen to the answerphone very quickly!  The Consultant's secretary was the most efficient.

       

  • Ever_hopeful
    Ever_hopeful CELTICTOM6517

    Posted

    In your position, if you are unable to get an immediate answer from a professional, I would take half the methotrexate dose tonight. You aren't drinking alcohol at all are you? Just thinking that the rash, which is a symptom that something is going on in your system, could have something to do with drink/MTX. However, you will probably find that the nurse answers you as they are pretty good. There is also a website for the Arthritic Soc. which I have found helpful.
    • lucynewas
      lucynewas CELTICTOM6517

      Posted

      Don't tweak your dose unless you have had specialist advice.  I do know that you can take half doses twice a week instead of one weekly.
  • lucynewas
    lucynewas CELTICTOM6517

    Posted

    Do you have a specialist nurse team?  They are the right people to call. If not, contact your GP. It is good practice to give you the information sheet before you start the meds. 
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