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RA increased methotrexate dose question

Posted , 7 users are following.

caz53535
caz53535

Hello, I was diagnosed with RA in the summer, I was given methotrexate built up to 6 x 2.5 tablets weekly, had some side effects but these passed.  

Two weeks ago my doc upped my dose to 8 x 2.5 tabs and have been feeling a bit sick again on the day I take them as well as very tired, and the day after feel achy, flu-y etc - are these just side effects of the increased dose?    

Thank you all, Caz xx

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • bob_2020
    bob_2020 caz53535

    Posted

    I am on the 6 x 2.5 from start of september caz i feel the sickness few days after taking tablets i get cold sweats also but dont know if thats from the steriods as i am on a 3 month course of them
  • linda1947
    linda1947 caz53535

    Posted

    Hi Caz,

    the he same thing happened to me, I had to have mine increased from six to nine and it really made me feel quite unwell.  I persevered for a few weeks but then my rheumatology nurse suggested I went on to injections, thereby by passing my stomach.  It workd really well and I've been on injections for three years now.  Ask about it, don't suffer in silence. You've got this for the rest of your life and you need to be comfortable with it.

    good luck

  • louise_56265
    louise_56265 caz53535

    Posted

    Hi Can. . .maybe you should go see the doc  again and explain the symptoms. ..I have been on methotrexate since 2011..and currently take 25mg . ...im lucky I have no side  effects..just get it checked out as metho is a toxic drug.

    Good luck

  • connie49452
    connie49452 caz53535

    Posted

    I take 20 mg Mtx in a pen format (used to be an injection) as I suffered from various side effects. It's much better in this format. I also take 5 mg of folic acid daily, except for the day I have my Mtx. This is really helpful as it counteracts the nausea. Ask your doctor about this and/or switching to a pen or injection. 
  • caz53535
    caz53535

    Posted

    Thanks all, I will tell doc, was hoping it would settle down again on its own, but you are right, it's silly to feel so lousy in silence :-) 
    • CA-Lynn
      CA-Lynn caz53535

      Posted

      Get the injectable version of MTX. Bypasses the stomach. Still, you might feel a little lethargic 24-48hours post injection. Try to arrange your weekly dose so that the two days following are days where you are not required to be energetic.

      MTX is an excellent drug and given the choice of being lethargic and possibly a bit nauseous for a few days a week OR having pain and inflammation and unreversible joint damage......it should be a slam dunk.

      I've been on MTX for 20+ years.

    • bob_2020
      bob_2020 caz53535

      Posted

      Is anyone gettin a rumbin tummy tsking any drugs for RA just started other day with me and i am still gettin it cis metho is a toxic drug its naking me a bit scared cos i am fairly new taking drugs i am on
  • Freedom8
    Freedom8 caz53535

    Posted

    I agree with Linda. I didn't feel good either on Mtx, and despite not feeling good it wasn't bringing down the pain, although the doctor did say it has reduced my swelling. If you can, get onto embril injections. I've had extremely good results with no side effects. I'm taking the injections with Mtx. I also went to a naturopath who prescribed some vitamins and minerals along with a slight change in diet: adding lots of green tea, shiitake mushrooms and a liver cleanse juice in the morning instead of coffee, to support my system through the strong medication which helped tremendously with the fatigue and nausea etc. hope that helps.
  • sannie
    sannie caz53535

    Posted

    Hi Caz.  I had the same problems and took them on the friday so could get over the effects over the weekend but in the end the sickness got me down so now I'm on Leflunomide.  No more feeling nauseus.  Hooray.  Found Milk of Magnesia helped a lot but often I would be sick anyway.  Very tired too.  Best wishes.  Sannie
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