1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis and methotrexate

Posted , 4 users are following.

karen381
karen381

I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid for the past 6 years. I have recently been restarted on methotrexate but unsure if I am having side effects from the drug?? I have flu like symptoms, fatigue, really sore knees that I can hardly weightbear come night time, I have also noticed lumps on the underside of my fingertips. Unsure what to do as I feel like I am never away from doctors with something or other feeling like a hypercondriac??? Advice welcome please xx

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Tarun
    Tarun

    Posted

    Have you been restarted on the same dose or higher ? I assume you have also resumed weekly folic acid as well ? For any signs and symptoms of infection, such as the flu-like symptoms and fatigue you mention, it would be important to speak to a doctor as methotrexate can make you more prone to picking up infections. Don't feel as if you cannot ask your doctor or any other healthcare professional for advice - methotrexate is an effective drug for rheumatoid arthritis but it has its risk which need to be monitored for.

    Tarun (hospital pharmacist)

  • karen381
    karen381

    Posted

    I am only 2 weeks into restart so haven't reached my high dosage yet, think I am possibly feeling more effects as I have been taken off my anti inflammatory due to breathlessness 4 weeks ago, which I had taken for 6 year but I did get a steroid injection 3 weeks ago and thought it would take more effect, body is aching all over! Thanks for advice Tarun x
  • baarmychris
    baarmychris

    Posted

    Hi, I've been on Methotrexate 20mg for a while now and haven't had those symptoms. Could you be having a flare? Those symptoms usually come with a flare too. I would seek advice from your GP just to be safe. The side effects I have is hair falling out and thinning. I also feel nauseous. Good luck.
  • susanne27195
    susanne27195

    Posted

    I have been on these methotrexate 6 tablets on a wed sulfasalazine 3in morn 3at night. Folic 1 table fri sat sun mon tues ..glad to know it just not me i feel tired sum time realy tired....stifness in my joints. can.t sleep trying had to do my job in factory...people do.nt know how dred full i fell some morning.till i come around my husband very good and understanding...i go for bloods every 6 weeks just been today iv had rashs all over my legs and arms.last summer dredfull...but now clear up.just good to know im not alone and makeing my problems up.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.