Rheumy recommends methotrexate.
Posted , 10 users are following.
I worked hard and for almost a year to go from 60 mgs down to 6 when I received an urgent message from my dr. Both my sed rate and my CRP blood work had gone up dramatically in just over one month on 6 mgs. He told me to increase my pred dose to 7.5 and then come in for further testing. He also mentioned methotrexate for the first time. Can anyone give me a heads up on this drug? What I have read online doesn't sound any better than prednisone! Thanks ahead for help, Ann11195
0 likes, 14 replies
MrsO-UK_Surrey Guest
Posted
Judyg Guest
Posted
I was however told from beginning this would be a minimum of 2 year., and possibly more treatment plan, with these rises and falls in steroids!
i doubt this has been of much help but hope it reassures you are not struggling with decisions alone!
i see my rheumy on Thurs, and know he's going to push me towards methotrexate, and I doubt at thus stage I'm going to agree!
will keep you posted.
Guest
Posted
mphooey Guest
Posted
Good luck to you.
Susanne_M_UK Guest
Posted
The reason I'm finally on MTX is because I am unable to get below 20mg pred without flaring. I've been on very high doses for over a year now, three times having to go back up to 40mg, and the preds are really having a bad effect on me now.
I've resisted MTX for a while, but have finally given in as I am desperate to lower my preds.
I have had GCA for about 14-15 months now and before that, PMR for about 5 years when I managed to get down to 2mg pres before the GCA hit me.
It's a very personal choice to start MTX, there are some alarming possible side effects and you are on a relatively low dose of pres.
Guest
Posted
Susanne_M_UK Guest
Posted
Let us know how you get on.
Grandpa_Pete Guest
Posted
FlipDover_Aust Guest
Posted
FlipDover_Aust
Posted
I have a similar story to Susanne M. I haven't been able to get my dose lower than 15mg at any point and wax back up to 29mg when the rheumatologist suggested I go on methotrexate. It's a 'steroid sparer' meaning you need less pred as it works better.
In four weeks I've managed to go from 20mg daily to 10mg. Pretty impressive.
I've had few side effects from either the pred withdrawal or the methotrexate, although I attest that I also feel wiped out for a day or two after taking the weekly dose.
I'm back to the Dr tomorrow so I'll see what the next stores are from here
Susanne_M_UK FlipDover_Aust
Posted
I had dreaded starting MTX, but your post has really encouraged me. :-)
FlipDover_Aust Susanne_M_UK
Posted
Susanne_M_UK FlipDover_Aust
Posted
Guest
Posted