methotrexate toxicity fatality
Posted , 23 users are following.
Dear Methotrexate Gang,
Hi - I'm writing this post because my father has passed away from methotrexate toxicity in February. This cause of death has been officially confirmed. I'm in a state of shock and I really don't believe that the general public understand the severity or danger of this drug.
As I've read here many MTX patients have been on this drug for months if not years. My Dad was on this drug for only five days.
Here is some advice for everyone on this drug:
> Please everyone always ask for a consumer information pamphlet and be aware of the side effects.
> Even if you feel fine don't ignore any side effects
> Hospitals don't check for MTX levels in the blood - if you find yourself in Hospital ask them to test the levels.
> Be aware of leucovorin therapy ; known as 'rescue therapy' (this is administered if you have suspected MXT poisoning)
> Always follow the directions from a rhumatoid arthritist specialist or dermatologist or oncologist - not a general practitioner
3 likes, 65 replies
cathyfizz kristy7
Posted
Dinah54 cathyfizz
Posted
I was on prednisolone for nearly three years as I was misdiagnosed with polymyalgia and now have osteoporosis. The trouble is it does make you feel so much better and I think in a strange way I became psychologically dependent on it as well even though at first I was horrified when told I would be on it for a year. There are obviously good reasons why doctors don't like us being on it long term if at all possible.
Maybe your rheumatologist is not 100% convinced you have PMR? Rheumatological diseases are often hard to differentiate and diagnose - as I know to my cost.
You need to have a good talk to him about why he wants you on mtx and whether there is any evidence about the benefits of using it in PMR.
cathyfizz Dinah54
Posted
janet08828 kristy7
Posted
Sorry for your loss.
I have been taking a weekly injection of 20mg. MTX for the past year+
As far as I have understood this is nearing a maximum dose, I think the weekly maximum dose is 25mg.
I am also having regular blood tests to monitor any problems that might be lurking in the background, my liver count isn't so hot at the moment.
Thanks for the warning.
lithuania kristy7
Posted
carolbrady1 kristy7
Posted
Hi Kristy, my sympathies go out to you - exactly the same thing happened to my dad back in April! I have posted about it on here but no-one seems to have taken any notice- let's hope they do now.
judith99848 carolbrady1
Posted
carolbrady1 judith99848
Posted
Thank you Judith, yes it was a big shock and the trouble was that my mom couldn't remember receiving the warning leaflet that was supposed to be given them by the hospital - which warned to stop the medication if breathing problems occurred - my dad had seen a private consultant first and the 2 institutions didn't speak to one another, apparently, so that's why we think we didn't receive all the information. The inquest concluded that practice must be changed for the future to ensure this breakdown in communication won't happen again.
judith99848 kristy7
Posted
Did your dad have all of the necessary tests done before he started on the meds? I am about to start Methotrexate and I have had blood work done to be sure I can take it.
Thank you for your warning and your advice.
Again, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad.
krishnaji41 kristy7
Posted
extremely sorry to hear about the sad demise of your f anther. MXT is to be prescribed only on Once In A Week. I am on MXT for more than 10 years for my psoriatic arthritis now. I have had no side effects so far. The mistake is of being prescribed Daily basis a drug which can be highly toxic when dosage is wrong. My condolences to you and family
Tammyshernia kristy7
Posted
Hey Kristy I'm so sorry to hear about your family member I als take methotrexate 6 tablets 1 time a week my pharmacy told me he couldn't tell me not to take it but he did say to me if it was his mom or wife he wouldn't let them take it and for me to be very careful not to take it daily it's to be make to take 1 time weekly and on the same day of the week I also take plaquenil and that is to be taken everyday and that is 2 tablets
Sandy1205 kristy7
Posted
Tammyshernia Sandy1205
Posted
My god I'm on that med I'm now going to stop it's not worth it to me thanks for all the info
kristy7 Tammyshernia
Posted
Dear Tammy,
Don't take the risk as this drug methotrexate it is far too dangerous and toxic.
kristy7 Sandy1205
Posted
I know our Dad was very confused and disorientated and I would like to know more about the effects on the brain.
Take care and let us know how you get on...