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Methotrexate low dose injection side effects

Posted , 6 users are following.

kim47629
kim47629

Hi just joined this forum. I am taking methotrexate injections for inflammatory RA and psoriasis. On the third injection now and have had immediate some effects of extreme tiredness and flu like symptoms. Is this normal and will it improve? I am taking folic acid daily except injection day and I now fear another injection. Tried tablets but was so sick. Is there something better out there? My RA is mild at the moment so just want to stop taking anything now 

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • fussybag
    fussybag kim47629

    Posted

    I have just started the mtx tabs. Coping as yet but have been given the optopn of injections as I am already on 8 tabs a day as well as the mtx. Will be interested to see how you get on. All the best x
  • connie49452
    connie49452 kim47629

    Posted

    I think it's still early days and your symptoms are what lots of us experience. You might need to increase your folic acid as that sometimes helps. I have Mtx injections too and they rarely bother me much......sometimes some nausea and/or a headache. Mention it to your Rhuemy if it continues as they need to know how the drugs affects you. I also have a weekly biologic injection (Enbrel).
  • mrsmop
    mrsmop kim47629

    Posted

    Hi Kim, I think you are suffering the sort of side effects that we all go through.  Some people have more and some have fewer.

    I have been taking it for 9 months and after a while, I had severe side effects and thought I would have to stop taking it but my Consultant [Dermatologist] asked me to try taking the Folic acid at the same time, which worked, so I now take the MTX & Folic acid at the same time.

    How long have you been on MTX?  Maybe you would benefit from a break from it.  I recently had a short break, I missed 3 doses and felt better when I restarted it.

    The alternative that I was offered, was Azathioprine but I couldn't take that and, having looked at the patient leaflet about it,  I think I prefer the sound of the MTX.

  • joanne27239
    joanne27239 kim47629

    Posted

    I think it's just your body adjusting, keep going. 

    I've been on injections now for two years after suffering with sickness on the tablets for three years. 

    I have chronic severe phoriasis and RA also. 

    But my life had changed so much on this med. 

    my skin is almost clear and I am running my first half marathon in 5 weeks. 

    It takes a good 3 to 6 months to start working. 

    However, everybody is different. 

    Good luck x

  • fussybag
    fussybag kim47629

    Posted

    I am on tabs and too have been sick and queezy. Being a carer for my hubby doesnt help but I do feel as if I am getting there. My doc explained to me the mtx is like a computer anti virus prog. It shuts down the immunity system, hence all the side effects, then re-boots it. Here's to us both x
  • lesley46023
    lesley46023 kim47629

    Posted

    Is it true that psoriasis comes as part of rheumatoid? I have ra but never had any skin problems previous to taking methotrexate. I now have several dry patches on my arms and a really bad foot infection that won't heaal despite 2 lots of antibiotics
    • joanne27239
      joanne27239 lesley46023

      Posted

      I dont know Lesley. 

      I myself have always had phoriasis. I don't remember not having it. 

      My RA only started 5 years ago. They told me it's quite common for long term sufferers to develop it in the bones. Not sure if it's the the same for the other way round but I suppose it could be. 

      Hope the infection clears soon. It may be your immune system dropping that's not helped it. 

      All the best

    • fussybag
      fussybag joanne27239

      Posted

      I have had psoriosis for a long time now but didn't know if there was a RA connection. Leaflets etc say it may get worse but not noticed a difference yet. At the moment I seem to have a heavy cold and an annoying cough. Already had to halve mtx dose. Will mention it to nurse when I go for bloods tomorrow.
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