Starting Methotrexate, need opinions please

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I'm about to start my 1st methotrexate dose, I have palmar psoriasis, also on my elbows and groin  but that's it, since the topical aren't working, I'm starting mtx on a dose of 15 mg per week!..I've read of people on 15 mg or higher for e

severe psoriasis, my hands are 25% on both sides, mi find this dose is high, and I'm scared of serious side effects as it's to much Drug for the amount of psoriasis I have..I also started supplements and anti inflammatory liquids from the natural store 2 weeks ago and my groin is no longer itchy at least!..I think I'm getting somewheresmile any opinions on my dose??

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Mtx is skin cancer drug and I am quite sure it will give soo much side effects. I hope you get better soon with natural methods.
  • Posted

    Hi Jeff, I have psoriasis arthritis and I have been on Methotrexate for 2 years now, I was dignosed 5 years ago & it took me 3 years to decide to take it, I read reviews about it and was not comfortable taking it, used to go to my Rheumatologist , to inject steroids into my knees to help relief the pain & swelling, however my doctor advised me that can’t keep doing it and had to decide starting the treatment, have started at 10mg tablets per week & folic acid after two days, then my dose was increased to 20mg so all symptoms disappeared and stopped the swelling, however I felt sick every time after taking it and start feeling sick on the day even before taking it, but weird, so spoke with my doctor and switched to injection as was advised helps the sickness feeling, still feel sick on injection but less than I used to, I have to do blood test every 4 weeks and my doctor has to have the results in order to issue another prescription, but annoying as time consuming every month, I wish I can find an alternative and going to discuss this further with my doctor as still not happy taking it and wish this can be cured just by diet & exercise , sorry for the long reply , good luck 

    • Posted

      Hi Amy I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 2 years ago and was taking methotrexate (17.5 mg ) once a week, and also hated taking it due to sickness and overall miserable feeling it caused . Tried injections but like you not much changed either !

      I’m now waiting to hear back from the specialists about going onto a biological treatment , as you probably know they are the gold standard of treatments, and have great results with usually no side effects . 

      The only reason methotrexate is used still in the uk over biological treatments, is they are much cheaper , so to get them you have to try methotrexate first .  Perhaps you should ask your doctor that’s what you want to try as you’ve tried methotrexate and can’t stand it anymore :-) 

      I’ll report back once I’m on some and let you now how they are going 👍

    • Posted

      Hi Richard, 

      I have have been on leflunomide for about 3 months now, I am not feeling sick as used to be on Methotreaxte, however I have experienced dizziness and I am worried as I am working and have to drive every day , also this drug didn’t help the psorisis on the skin as the Methotrexate does, when I spoke with my doctor before, she advised that I have to try it at least for 6 months and see how I get on , and if any further issues then she will change it for me to the biological one, as you said this is the most expensive one with less side effects and they tend to try all other options before they authorise this one, I am still not 100% on leflunomide and hoping that I will get an alternative.

      Could u pls let me know if you have started the biological treatment if so how did u get on with it.

      Thank you 

      Amy

  • Posted

    Go for it I wish I had when it was first offered but I waited years until it was severe and progressed to psoriatic arthritis before I started Methotrexate!

    It’s good it prevents/slows joint deterioration and clears skin very very well. I couldn’t stomach oral Methotrexate so take 1 wee injection once a week easy peasy speak to your GP and ask if there’s any other patients on it in your area who would be willing to discuss it with you. Good luck xx

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