Posted , 10 users are following.
hi,
I have just started methotrexate on rheumi's advice. Still on prednisolone forPMR and recent diagnosis of GCA and one year in. I have noticed an increase in arm and neck pain over 4 days since first mtx dose. Is this expected initially? No other side effects experienced. Glad to hear any thoughts.
0 likes, 9 replies
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EileenH jacqueline02102
Posted
That was one of my experiences with mtx. It can cause muscle and joint pain - as if we didn't have enough! - and for me it seemed to magnify the PMR (which was well managed on pred before) and make what are usually said to be pred adverse effects more noticeable! I'd never been hungry on pred - until I added mtx. And I gained about a kilo during the 4 weeks on mtx - and it hasn't gone yet.
jacqueline02102 EileenH
Posted
I will keep an eye on things. Don't really want further pain! Initial chest ray and blood tests all ok. Have fortnightly blood tests booked as required.
anne28129 jacqueline02102
Posted
HI, Ive been on methotrexate for 4 months along with 6mg of pred.
Ive had a really stiff painful neck for about four weeks but put it down to me reducing the steroids.
Ive also had a hacking cough for five weeks! The doctor wants me to have a chest xray to make sure all is ok!
EileenH anne28129
Posted
It is a side effect of mtx - and in some cases can be associated with mtx-specific problems. At least your GP is on the case...
jacqueline02102 anne28129
Posted
Hope all is ok with you Re xray. Were you advised to stop eating anything when you started the mtx? I stopped alcohol right at the beginning of the PMR . I figured the body was having a hard enough time as it was!
anne28129 jacqueline02102
Posted
alcohol is a no no
EileenH anne28129
Posted
Depends on the doctor - many are happy for the odd glass but not too regularly
maureen07256 jacqueline02102
Posted
Hi I would ask your rheumi , I m able to ring my clinic if I'm worried .
faye05942 jacqueline02102
Posted
Hi
I've been on pred for about 8 months now, started on mtx about 5 mths when specialist said it was'nt PMR but RA ??? now he has started me on Plaqenil. I figure he is the doctor BUT I'm on those three nasty drugs and most doc's think that is OK. I have now taken myself down to 2mg pred, and 20mg of MTX and informed him I was taking 1.5mg per day of CBD oil. I feel ok except for the excessive weight gain which causes me a lot of grief, I fell the other day ripped open my big toe and bruised my knee (I did'nt need that) I could'nt get up without help so I was stuck until my other half came home. So now we had muscle weakness as well.....just another of s**t to add to the endless days of trying to get my life back...