My Dr put me on Methotrexate to combat the horrible weight gain from ongoing steroids for my lungs
Posted , 4 users are following.
i have 3rd stage COPD, chronic respiratory failure & many severe pain issues. Ive been on 10mg Prednisone for the last 2 years. I gained about 30 lbs, mostly in my face, neck & belly. My lung Dr said he was going to put me on Methotrexate to combat the weight gain & he said it COULD help my lungs. Well, in the last 4-5 months Ive lost 38 lbs & my eating (once a day with a piece of fruit as a snack so the weight loss has to be because of the M. Sadly, Im not losing in my face/neck- just seems to be around my waist. I used to be a selfie queen & have done everything to avoid them now- even on my cruise in Nov!!
Im on a low dose, 5mg two days/week. Ive been very nauseated, mostly when i first wake up & have been vomitting- not all the time but ENOUGH, Ive got tons of bruises for no reason & all of a sudden have lots of vericose veins in my legs. Ive had a bunch of mouth sores also that lasted a few weeks. Has anyone had these experiences? Oh, my Dr did put me on Folic Acid also. Sorry this was so wordy!! ☮
0 likes, 3 replies
sharon53425 CynInOhio
Posted
Hi
I have Rheumotoid Arthritis and am also on Methotrexate which unfortunately has nasty side effects....the nausea and mouth sores. I also take folic acid as this is supposed to keep mouth sores/blisters at bay.
The prednisone is the reason why you are not losing weight in your face. I take prednisone but only when I really have to. Taking prednisone continuously gives you "moon face"...swelling of the face.
I take 10mg Methotrexate one a week, folic acid every day and then other meds for RA (Plasmoquine)
The prednisone I take only when I have a lot of joint pain.
Try taking a nausea tablet half an hour before you take the methotrexate to help with nausea and vomiting.
Hope this help you a little
carolbrady1 CynInOhio
Posted
Hi, I don't wish to alarm you but my dad was on methotrexate and it destroyed his lungs, it killed him. Having said that, he was over 80, and he had a bad heart anyway and we didn't know, so that could also have contributed. I would certainly go and see your doctor about the other symptoms. Is your breathing any better now?
scott59075 CynInOhio
Posted
I have taken methotrexate (25 mg per week) and prednisone (15 to 60 mg per day) for the last 8 years. The mouth sores are caused by prednisone. I take 1 mg of folic acid per day and it keeps those away for me. I have gradually seen increase in varicose veins over the years but didn't know which drug to equate it with. I only experienced moon face at prednisone doses over 30 mg per day. But your size and weight may have a lot to do with that. I weigh 200 lbs, so a higher dose may be required for the same symptoms.