Methotrexate - Yes or No?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello
I stumbled across this forum whilst looking for information about Methotrexate.
I have suffered from Psoriatic Athritis for many years, having Steroid injections in my early 20's etc. I am now 38 and see a consultant at my local hospital.
I have been taking Sulphasalazine for about 18 months now, but this doesn't seem to be having any effect.
Another one of my joints has now been attacked and I cannot straighten yet another one of my limbs because of the swelling and pain etc. and on a recent visit to see the consultant, he has suggested that I continue with Sulphasalazine, but also start to take Methotrexate.
Having read some of the comments in this forum, I am now scared to death and am very unsure what to do.
Is it worth the (seemingly) horrific side effects that some of you have had.
Any advice would be very much appreciated, as I go back to see the nurse next week so that she can advise me of what happens next and it would be helpful to be armed with some advice.
Kind regards
Melanie
0 likes, 8 replies
Guest
Posted
Can you let me know what kind of response you got back about Methotrexate?
My Rheumatologist has been trying to get me onto it for about 4 years now (I have Rheumatoid arthritis) - but I hadn't decided I was finished having children!!!!! My RA is so bad now that I couldn't even contemplate having another baby as I wouldn't be able to care for it properly! And I know there is no chance I could ever try to become pregnant whilst on Methotrexate!!
I am soooooo unhappy as my condition is very active at the mo - I feel soo down and I think i have no other option but to at least try Methotrexate - but I have so many reservations about it.
Please let me know of any good and BAD experiences you have heard of!
Hope you are keeping well - regards.
Clare x
pb
Posted
My RA was good while I was pregnant, obviously I was not on methotraxate at the time. Somehow the changes in my body and a different hormone balance seemed to work well. However the RA came back afterwards and I was in a lot of pain. Somehow with a baby you cope, and it is always worth it!
I have recently been prescribed slow release diclofenac and this has helped a lot, I also take high dose omega 3.6 and 9 - don't know if this helps but I don't think it harms.
Good luck, Claire 13454
Guest
Posted
I have posted here before giving my experience of Methotrexate, and how it blighted my life and health. I still have no reason to regret my decision to change back to slow release Diclofenac to control my Psoriatic Arthritis. Overall, my life is better without it, and the dire warnings I was given about possible joint erosion have not proved to be true. I am also free of worries about starting a family and possible premature menopause.
If your Rheumatologist is determined that you must be prescribed a DMARD (this seems to be automatic these days), ask about Biologic DMARDS instead. These are more expensive, so not so popular with the NHS, but don't seem to have the Methotrexate risks for women.
Good luck
Guest
Posted
I see that in fact Biologics are still being assessed for their safety and effects on pregnancy, and contraception is advised.
Since there seems to be no way to edit postings here, I have posted again.
kerrylouise
Posted
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritus in Feb this year and was instantly prescribed methotrexate with Folic Acid, I satrted on 7.5mg and have had it increased over the months until my current dose of 20mg. When my consultant informed me he was going to prescribe me methotrexate and explained the possible side effects I was mortified especially since I am only 28yrs old. My whole life flashed before me and I felt choices were being taken away from me. Fortunatley I have experienced no side effects from the meds but unfortunately it isn't controlling the disease as well as hoped and changes in meds are already being discussed. Sadly I think the only way of knowing is trial and error and talkign through any concerns you have with the medics (providing you have medics who are person centered)
Guest
Posted
cheers
Sue H
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