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methotrexate

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robert271163
robert271163

I have now been prescribed methotrexate with a dose of 7.5mgs. From what i have read this medication can have lots of side affects, and after speaking to my sister she told me that my mother had used this and had a very bad reaction using it which needed immediate hospital treatment . I have been given this as the Sulfasalazine(6 a day) that i have been on for just over a year is not working effectively. Is this a sign that my condition is getting worse. i have also developed tenosynovitis as well as trigger finger and inflamtion in my knees. I take Tramdol Co codomol and ibrufen daily to try to control the  pain and inflamation however most of the time none of these make much difference. I am hopeful that this medicaion might help my condition (psoratic arthritis). what is the next step if this medication is not effective i have been told to carry on using Sulfasalazine on a lower dose as well as folic acid. 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • pippie56520
    pippie56520 robert271163

    Posted

    I  started 7.5mgs just over three weeks ago, plus 3000mgs of sulfasalazine. We seem to be on the same treatmet plan. I can say that I have had headaches, feeling sick and dry mouth. I increased to 10mgs on week three and found that taking the folic acid first thing in the morning did help. It can take weeks to show signs of working, just like the sulfasalizine. I'm going to keep a record of side effects, so I can weigh up the pros and cons. The consultant said that if the side effects are bad then I can change to injections.

    The addition of methrotrexate in my case was that my body had adjust to the amount of sulfasalizine and the disease was progressing.

    It would be wise to discuss your mothers reaction to methotrexate with your consultant  so he can give you an informed decision.

    Finishing on a positive, after just three weeks the inflammation in some of my joints has reduced already.

    Good luck

    • robert271163
      robert271163 pippie56520

      Posted

      hi thanks for the reply sound like we are in the same boat i am seeing my doctor soon so will mention my late mothers problem with the drug. Hopefully it will have the same results 
  • sheila65847
    sheila65847 robert271163

    Posted

    Hi Robert, Mtx has a high success rate and it's fairly common to be treated with 2 DMARDs. However can I stress how important it is to getting your bloods checked fortnightly. I developed a hepatic reaction while on Mtx. Basically liver starting to fail. Neither my GP or rheumy team picked it up till I was quite ill. Each thought the other would act on it and neither did. Become your own expert. Ask your GP to provide copies of results each time for a while. I only need to do this quarterly but I was obsessive about for a year.

  • sheila65847
    sheila65847 robert271163

    Posted

    Sorry Robert, in reply to your 2nd question, the next stage, after 2 DMARDs failing is to go on to biological meds, e.g. Enbrel , or Humira or similar, they are commonly prescribed. A note of caution, Enbrel use coincided with the worst flare of psoriasis I'd ever had. Much happier on Humira, Jan 14. Still take daily DMARD called leflunomide. Pain relief - keep harassing your GP. They will find the combination to give you relief. Badger you GP for trying different ones. However let's not rush things. Okay? Blood tests fortnightly also keep a journal, however brief. Great tool to help. Good luck
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