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Psoriasis/Arthritis - Methotrexate

Posted , 8 users are following.

RachelPPSA91
RachelPPSA91

So, i started this medication in pill form yesterday. 

I was on Cyclosporine up until about 3 weeks ago. I'm starting to learn what this could do to someone now. 

My Doctor didn't really tell me much about the pill apart from it had less effects than the Cyclosporine does. (It was making me ill, the reason for ending it 3 weeks ago).

I'm on a Psoriasis group on Facebook and I usually get all my info from there. 

Can people here tell me what form of effects they have been getting or have had with the pill form of this? 

I've heard about hair loss (I'm honestly dreading that the most as its the only feature i like about myself now to be honest) and I've heard about sickness and no appetite.

What should i be looking out for?

I take the Pills on the tuesday of each week and the Folic acid on the Saturday of the week (Doctor's orders). Does that even sound right? I had so many people ask me why such a gap between the meds... Apparently its not good for me at all.... 

Basically I'm so confused about all of this at the moment and would really appriciate it if some of you could shine some light on the subject for me. 

By the way, Totally new here, So, I am sorry if there is already a post on the boards that i havent come across as of yet with the same question as mine. 

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • carrieann_64399
    carrieann_64399 RachelPPSA91

    Posted

    Hello Rachel

    I have been on this drug since Sept 2014, I also take folic acid everyday , doctors orders. As for side effects ,I have had none.

    I know I was not much help, just wanted you to know that everyone reacts differently ,,good luck

    • RachelPPSA91
      RachelPPSA91 carrieann_64399

      Posted

      Thank you Carrie.

      I hope so too smile 

      And it was helpful knowing some dont get them smile 

      Thank you.

  • cherie67035
    cherie67035 RachelPPSA91

    Posted

    Hi Rachel- 

    i have been taking MTX  for over 10 years. I take it on Tuesdays and take folic acid the other 6 days of the week. I feel a bit fatigued when I take it, but other than that, I have no side effects. AND I have a very, very, thick, healthy head of hair !!! Good luck!!!

    • RachelPPSA91
      RachelPPSA91 cherie67035

      Posted

      I'm really confused why people are taking the Folic Acid much more regularly than i am. Slightly worried to. 
    • cherie67035
      cherie67035 RachelPPSA91

      Posted

      I was told that MTX can cause sores in your mouth and that's what folic acid is for. Inability to sleep is VERY common in RA patients. Deep, restorative sleep is so important for healing!!! Talk to your doctor about something to help you sleep. You can get thru the day a bit easier if you have had a fairly good night of sleep.
  • mrsmop
    mrsmop RachelPPSA91

    Posted

    Hi Rachel,  I take my MTX and folic acid together on a Friday and, as you say, my Consultant told me to do this!  [He's a Dermatologist]

    I had started to pass out as soon as I took the MTX, so my doctor told me to take the folic acid at the same time and it worked.  

    If you ever suffer with sickness, just up the dose of folic acid - again, I was initially told to take the MTX, followed by folic acid on the next 5 days, with the 6th 'off' and then it is MTX day again

    You will find that all the doctors have different ideas, so do what your doctor tells you to do.

    I have had clinic nurses telling me that my doctor is wrong and shouting at me, until I agree to do what they tell me.  I agree but ignore what they say!  My doctor is not a Consultant for nothing!!

    I have been on MTX since the beginning of Dec 2013 and I have now started losing my hair.  I have/had very thick hair so it doesn't show but I find it everywhere!

    Good luck!

    • RachelPPSA91
      RachelPPSA91 mrsmop

      Posted

      Ah okay then.

      I cant sleep most of the time so i was up until 7am this morning and i felt so horrible. My head was spinning everywhere, i couldnt help but feel as if i was going to be sick everywhere.

    • mrsmop
      mrsmop RachelPPSA91

      Posted

      Are you on any other medication?

      Some nights I can't sleep at all.  I have also been having pain lately and take paracetemol, which, amazingly, knocks me out for a while.  

      If you are still having problems, you should contact your clinic, either the nurses, or your Consultant's secretary - you may be given an appt..

       

  • Lisa_Batts
    Lisa_Batts RachelPPSA91

    Posted

    Hi Rachel. You poor love. I was terrified of taking it same as you once I heard about the side effects. I'm still a newbie, 2 months on it in tablet form. Everybody reacts differently to the drug. Some breeze through it and some have dire side effects. Hopefully you will be the breezy type 😊 however what I would say is give it a chance for 3 months. You can always come off it but it is doing wonders for my psoriasis RA. I have had thinning of the hair and snapping off rather than bald patches and mouth ulcers etc but I asked my doctor to up my folic acid and take it 6 days a week now. You have to get the folic acid from the doctor not over the counter. Since being on the extra folic I am having less side effects. If you start getting side effects post on here .(they are a good bunch of people) and we can help you with things to counteract them. 😊 sending you ☀️☀️ Sunshine positive thoughts
  • david60784
    david60784 RachelPPSA91

    Posted

    I would ask you pharmacist He/She will have a better knowledge than you GP.

    Consultants at hospitals want to get you off there system, and therefore will prescribe tablets. I start on injections on tue for psoriasis I have 2 friends who are on injections and they recommend it. It is a LAST resort treatment . stay posted will let you know.

     

  • penelope76067
    penelope76067 RachelPPSA91

    Posted

    Hi Rachel, I am brand new to this site and four months new into taking methotrexate, so Im by no means an expert. I take the pills on tuesday night and weds morning, (broke it up so i wouldn't be as sick) and this has helped me so much! I take my other meds and folic acid Everyday and my doc approved that... No hair loss thanks to the daily dose of folic acidsmile not sure why your doc has them spaced apart? My struggle has been the nauseau and weakness, but I hear it gets bettersmile hang in there and mabey ask if you can take folic acid daily? keep me posted! 
  • johnfs49
    johnfs49 RachelPPSA91

    Posted

    Hi Rachel,

    I have been on MTX since May 2002. I take 20mgs every Monday evening and 5 mgs of Folic Acid the other 6 days each week.

    Never had any side effects.

    BUT IT WAS STRESSED TO ME THAT THE FOLIC ACID WAS IMPORTANT TO TAKE.

    I allso take 1000 mgs of slow release Vitamin C every night along with 1000 mgs of Cod live oil.

    I'm on beta blockers, statins and blood presure pills to.

    John.

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