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Starting Methotrexate

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Natalia97
Natalia97

Hi. I'm 17 years old and I'm starting methotrexate next week and I'm verry worried about the side effects. Would you recomend the injection or the oral pills? Pros and cons? And do you feel bad in the beging of taking the methotrexate and does it get better with time? Would be nice to know what to expect. Grateful for answers!

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  • mrsmop
    mrsmop Natalia97

    Posted

    The MTX takes about 12 weeks to have any effect.  And if you have a problem with nausea and only take Folic acid once a week, the Consultants usually suggest taking 5mg of Folic acid on the days when you don't take MTX, it helps a lot [with the nausea]

    Some people take the MTX just before they go to bed, so that you are asleep when the nausea strikes.

    Do you know what dose you are going to start on?

    I took MTX for 18 months and seldom suffered from nausea and it wasn't very bad.

     

    • Natalia97
      Natalia97 mrsmop

      Posted

      Hi mrs Mop. Thanks for the information, it helped a lot! I will definitely try that. I have not gotten to know the exact dose yet, my doctors are still discussing about it. But I have been on a chest x-ray yesterday and they took lot of blood tests, so get I will get informed on Monday! Oh okay, that's good! Thanks for your answer! Best wishes.
  • pippie56520
    pippie56520 Natalia97

    Posted

    I've been on it for three weeks along with other meds that reduce the immune system. I take meds to protect my stomach and folic acid daily that helps with side effect. The side effects seem to be warring off (drink water and painkillers for headache, deep breaths for sickness, mouth spray for dry mouth). I am going to give it some time and weigh up the pro's and con's as to whether to change to injections. Just had first blood test (very important) as started methrotrexate (had to do this with sulfasalazine as well every 2 weeks, then every 4 weeks, building up to every 12 weeks) HAVE to have regular tests, you will be given a patient record book to keep results in. Listen to YOUR body and do what's best for YOU.  Good luck.
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