Worsening Side Effects after 2 years
Posted , 5 users are following.
I have been on 15mg of oral methothrexate (normally Friday evening) for 2 1/2 years and in recent weeks and months the side effects have been getting steadily worse: stomach pain after dose, feeling wiped out for the whole weekend, today dizziness for the first time (assume it is to blame!). Sometimes I wonder if my right side pain (liver?) is also brought on by the drug combined with stress. I have checked a few academic papers for the side effects again and these seem par for the course. Will they keep getting worse over time? Is there anyone out there who has been on it for longer or as long or do most people come off it after a couple of years due to not tolerating teh worsening effects?
0 likes, 26 replies
Lisa_Batts robertcosmos
Posted
Three weeks ago I took it as usual and it hit me like a bus. Right back to the beginning. Nausea, brain fog, mouth ulcers, stomach problems blah blah. Thought I was a one off but this is week 3 and every time it's knocked me for six.
Not helpful because I don't have the answer but maybe helpful in knowing this has happened to somebody else.
26th April I see my Rheumy... My doctor will just refer me there anyway so I'm going to keep a diary and perhaps whoever gets an answer first can help the other?
I will say I am particularly run down and have a lot of stress at the moment. Also I know it's a heinous crime but I've not been getting my bloods done... For many reasons... So may be time to book one and see if anything shows up there.
If I get any answers I will let you know.
Lisa
Ever_hopeful Lisa_Batts
Posted
robertcosmos Lisa_Batts
Posted
Very helpful. I think that stress levels do influence the severity of side effects.
Will keep in touch.
R
Lisa_Batts Ever_hopeful
Posted
I know. Unfortunately due to another health problem which has been neglected by the doctors despite my begging for them to help (I've had 8 cancelled hospital appointments on the issue and it has now left me with a lifelong condition because it wasn't treated) I've been very down. Also struggling and it is in my ankle so every time I put my foot on the floor for 5 months now it's agony. Cutting a very long story short I have actually lost the will to go on. Getting bloods done is not only horifically painful to walk there (even though it's just over the road) but due to being so stressed, I've lost a stone in weight too, the last two times I had my bloods done it was a massive chore and then they couldn't get any. I know how important it is but I've just had this 'don't care' attitude.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. You've nudged me to grow up 🙈🙈 and I will be booking a test for next week.
Bless you 😘
Except now I'm terrified!!
😂😂
Lisa
Lisa_Batts robertcosmos
Posted
robertcosmos Lisa_Batts
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Lisa_Batts robertcosmos
Posted
Bless Ever Hopeful
It was the push I needed
Will let you know if anything shows up that could suggest why we both suddenly feel like we've been hit by a bus on MTX 😊😊
Ever_hopeful robertcosmos
Posted
robertcosmos Ever_hopeful
Posted
I have been getting bloods and am having another due to a borderline reading. I gave up alcohol 6 months ago after trying to minimise the after effects of low consumption. I got out of the habit of taking folic acid over the summer and that made a big difference so went back on as soon as I realised what I had done! Will see doc next week.
R
Lisa_Batts Ever_hopeful
Posted
Thanks to you I booked a blood test. Unfortunately they couldn't get any blood (one of the many reasons I stopped going) so I persevered and went back 2 days later and am now waiting for the results.
I wanted to thank you because reading your responses to Robert and myself made me realise how important they really are.
Thank you 😊😊
Ever_hopeful Lisa_Batts
Posted
Lisa_Batts Ever_hopeful
Posted
I will go back next month
😊😊
Thank you
Sweetypi1 robertcosmos
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robertcosmos Sweetypi1
Posted
hope you're feeling better - sounds terrible.
l am surprised they did not prescribe a weekly dose.
R
annette25895 robertcosmos
Posted
robertcosmos annette25895
Posted
sounds terrible - I have not had that. I shouldn't complain compared to your experience.
R
Lisa_Batts annette25895
Posted
This is very common with this drug. Unfortunately it takes 3 to 6 months to know whether the drug is working for you and the side effects are going to lessen.
I would speak to your Rheumy to tell him how you are feeling though.
Best of luck
Lisa
😊