1. Community
  2. Skin and nails
  3. Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Methotrexate and Etoricoxib for psoriatic arthritis

Posted , 3 users are following.

richard_89931
richard_89931

Hi guys I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 18 months ago now, and over the last 6 months have been taking 17.5 mg of methotrexate once a week tablets . On top of that I have 90mg of Etoricoxib daily ( anti inflammatory)

This combination has been working well and recently was told to try coming off the Etoricoxib,as I was in remission , only trouble is when I did the pain I had when I was first diagnosed came straight back and was quite severe :-(

This made me wonder how much effect the methotrexate was actually having, and has disheartened me quite a lot as you can imagine ! . I'm now gonna try methotrexate injection form, as the tablets were giving me nasty side effects and apparently the injection form can be much more effective .

Anyone else has similar problems when trying to cut down on meds ?

Many thanks

Richard

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • susan94577
    susan94577 richard_89931

    Posted

    Hi Richard. I was on Methorexate, but I stopped taking it in March ( my own choice) because I was convinced that it wasn't of benefit and the side affects were horrible. I'd been on various doses maximum being 15mg once a week. I was also convincing myself that I didnt actually have the condition, I just didn't want to believe it. I still don't sad

    All was well for a couple of months, but then the symptoms started returning and I have had to see my consutlant privately to get an appt. In fact my symptoms are more wide spread and I'm feeling pretty rough. 

    I changed from tablet to injection when I was taking it,  it didn't really feel much difference if Im honest, but I woud say that  Methotrexate definitely did work, it was just the side affects that I struggled with, it was only being off it for a number of months I realised that it did.

    I have a specialist nurse appt this week with a view to another treatment. It cant come quick enough..

    Try the injection, you may feel better, people are different.

    Good luck

    Sue

    • richard_89931
      richard_89931 susan94577

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply Susan it's much appreciated , really sorry to hear the symptoms were too much . TBH they are becoming too much for me hence why I'm gonna give the injection a go .

      Really hope you find a treatment that works soon , btw out of interest which anti inflammatory were you taking along side the methotrexate ?

  • susan94577
    susan94577 richard_89931

    Posted

    Hi Richard, 

    I've been taking Naproxen. I've had  prescriptionpainkillers too, but I try to get by with just paracetamol. The thing I've learnt, is that there is no real fix. It's about managing it. I've had digestive issues too and am on a gluten free diet now, which has helped, but I'm finding it's a very long journey and no  treatment fits all and it's individual to you what helps. 

    Regards

    Sue

    • richard_89931
      richard_89931 susan94577

      Posted

      Ah yeah I was given Naproxen at first but it didn't really do anything for me . As much as I am trying to get off both Etoricoxib and methotrexate etc, the Etoricoxib specifically targets areas commonly affected by psoriatic arthritis ( lower back , feet , hands etc ) and I have to say it's been really good .

      Take care and and thanks again.

      Richard

  • donna1961
    donna1961 richard_89931

    Posted

    Hi Susan and Richard, excuse me jumping in on your thread but you sound like you are both in the same boat as me.  Let me give you my background.  I've been treated with high dose steroids for a number of years with a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica.  Having loads of the negative side of steroids now so insisted on seeing a rheumatologist.  The first question the consultant asked was whether there is psoriasis in my family - there is, my poor sister is covered in it.  Straight away he said I have psoriatic enthesitis.  He said the xrays and blood tests have proved his diagnosis.  Currently on Methotrexate, week 9, and I was doing really well. However this last week or so I have been quite poorly.  In fact, last Friday, I was so poorly that I actually could not move.  I am also prescribed Meloxicam as a NSAID for arthritis, fibromyalgia etc.  I have finally managed to get off steroids - hallelujah!

    Anyway, I am having regular blood tests and the nurse told me a few weeks ago that the results were positive.  However, the side effects at week three of the Methotrexate were pretty horrendous - my OH described me as a "weekend zombie".  The nurse suggested taking Ferric Acid daily except Meth day. 

    I'd be interested what sort of side effects you have both been getting from the Methotrexate.  I'm feeling pretty poorly still today (Monday) after a weekend of recovery from the really bad Friday.  I am due back to see the consultant on the 4th August and it can't come a day too soon.  I am worried that my ability to work will soon start to be effected and, as a public sector worker, if I start having to take days off, I will lose my job.  I am worried that the meds are making me feel unwell (but, in fairness, it could just be a flare up) and that the meds are not working properly.  The only way I can manage currently is to take Ibruprofen 400mg which I was told I should not take but I have to function.

    • richard_89931
      richard_89931 donna1961

      Posted

      Hi Donna I feel your pain , yes I too find the side effects quite nasty, and today I've moved onto the injection form of methotrexate so I'll let you know how that goes as maybe it might be better for you ?

      I take folic once a week also but couldn't say if it helps or not . Like I've said before I was on lots of anti inflammatory drugs and they didn't really help but the Etoricoxib is fantastic but I think it's specifically for psoriatic arthritis .

      It's been about 18 months for me now and I'd say I operate pretty normally and feel like I'm beating it and hopefully can start to come off some drugs this year .

      Stay with it, I know it's hard but treatments are so much better these days for our kind of inflammatory arthritis, you will find a balance that works eventually .

      Take care

  • donna1961
    donna1961 richard_89931

    Posted

    Thanks for your response Richard.  Although they say I have psoriatic enthesitis it comes under the PA. heading too.  I just want to feel well, have a clearer head and not ache and be so tired.  I may mention your NSAID to my doctor although I suspect they'll either change or increase me Meth when I go next week.  I'm glad things are mostly good for you, that's what I aspire to.  X

    • richard_89931
      richard_89931 donna1961

      Posted

      What level of methotrexate are you taking Donna and is it tablet form ?

      Had my injection about 10 am today and I'm feeling fine at moment . If it was tablet form I'd already be thinking of going to bed due to feeling so sick !

    • donna1961
      donna1961 richard_89931

      Posted

      Hi there Richard, yes I'm on the tablet format at 15mg once a week.  I take my Friday evening about two hours before I go to bed in order to avoid the worst of the symptoms, usually the tiredness and "zombie" like presentation.  Are you in the UK?

    • richard_89931
      richard_89931 donna1961

      Posted

      Hi Donna yes I'm in the uk , well it's been nearly 2 days now since switching to injection methotrexate instead and I've had no side effects at all . It's very very easy to administer aswell , your specialist will show you the first time how to do it but it's simple .

      Give it a go as your symptoms you get from the tablet form sound identical as mine were .

      Hope that helps :-)

    • donna1961
      donna1961 richard_89931

      Posted

      I hope something is sorted out, just in from work and I'm ready to drop.  Could quite happily just go to bed.  Lol.  I'll let you know.  Take care.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.