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Should I go with acitretin or methotrexate for Psoriasis?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Charlie.Chatz
Charlie.Chatz

Hello,

I've had psoriasis for about 16 years now. I used to be able to control it with Dovobet but for the last 5 years it got worst and now it covers around 40% of my body. 

I had a meeting with a dermatologist and they suggested to start acitretin or methotrexate. As I do like to go out on the weekend and have few drinks, I had a read online about the possible side effects of consuming alcohol and taking the medicine. 

Even though originally I was thinking of going for the Acitretin, the side effects of alcohol consumption scared me. I am not planning to have a child in the next 1-2 years but i've read that Teratogenesis can happen even after 2 years of stopping the medicine. 

Do you know if this is valid? Also if you take methotrexate and you are a social drinker does it have any serious side effects?

Thanks in advance smile

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • borderriever
    borderriever Charlie.Chatz

    Posted

    charlie

    Most of these types of medications effect the immune system as PsA  auses an overactive immune system and the drugs slow it down Methotrexate is used as a medication in the past to treat Cancer.

    I am unable to take DMARD and Biologic drugs as I become quite ill so I treat my condition in a different way.

    Many people take these medications over an extended period of time and they are ok. So under that premise carry on and give them a try.

    If you want a family you need to discuss that with the Specialists who are wathing over you, blood tests are undertaken on a regular basis so they do watch.

    You need to consider as well, cause and effect, does the mdications do all that you want them to do, are the risks worth the concern. Be proactive when asking questions and find out how long it takes to come of these drugs if you want to extend your family

    Good Luck

    BOB

    • Charlie.Chatz
      Charlie.Chatz borderriever

      Posted

      Thanks for the response Bob,

      I am not looking for a family in the 1-2 years but what worries me is that if you dont cut alcohol completely with acitretin then the teratogenic effects can last for up to 2 years after you stop the medicine. 

      I will need to have another chat with my dermatologist as I do still want to be able to go out and have few drinks every other weekend or so sad

  • lucynewas
    lucynewas Charlie.Chatz

    Posted

    Methotrexate is teratogenic too. I have a drink or two - I went off alcohol completely till my bloods had been clear for 3 months
    • Charlie.Chatz
      Charlie.Chatz lucynewas

      Posted

      Are you on Methotrexate Lucy? Do you mean you went off alcohol while you were taking it or just for the first 3 months while they run the blood tests? 

      What worries me with Acitretin is the long lasting side effects, even after you stop the medicine, if you consume alcohol.

    • lucynewas
      lucynewas Charlie.Chatz

      Posted

      Hi Charlie

      Yes, I take methotrexate (mtx) 20mg injections once a week - they're easy because they come in pre-filled syringe.  I take 5mg folic acid on non-mtx days.  I came off alcohol for the first 3 or more months till my blood tests confirmed that there was no negative effect on my kidneys or liver.

      Hope this helps.

    • Charlie.Chatz
      Charlie.Chatz lucynewas

      Posted

      Have you noticed any side effects or everything went smoothly? How long before you noticed possitive effects on your psoriasis? 

      Thanks smile

    • lucynewas
      lucynewas Charlie.Chatz

      Posted

      I started on the pills with quite severe side effects but a noticeable improvement but not resolution of the symptoms and then moved injections - far fewer side effects and improved relief. Had to take sulphasalazines too but that's been changed to otezla which has I think improved the joint pain

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