Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 14.06.2012
From: Joseph B

Subject: Should I take Methotrexate?

I've been diagnosed with non-specific arthritis (hands, feet, knees) which is painful and difficult, but not (yet) debilitating. I also have type-2 diabetes, diet controlled. I take a statin, bisoprolol and asprin daily, and brufen-retard and paracetemol when required. I'm 57 years-old. I've just been prescribed Methotrexate (2.5 - starting with two and increasing to eight) and I'm very concerned at reports of its potential side effects, especially the link to pulmonary fibrosis which seems undeniable. My friend has PF and I certainly don't want it - the arthritis would surely be the lesser of two evils, at least it might not be fatal. I really need some advice from you as a peer group as the doctors seem unconcerned and simply trivialise the dangers - they seem almost puzzled that I'm concerned. Help!
reply | back to forum

Date: 14.06.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Should I take Methotrexate?

hi Joseph

been on Methotrexate a long time , about 14 years , its a very good Immunosuppressive drug & pretty standard in its use , the side effects look bad but most of us get on very well with it

most the drugs for arthritis has loads of side effects one thing about mtx is to treat cancer they have a lot stronger dose like 100mg a week compared to 25mg max for arthritis so side effects are not as bad
reply | back to forum

Date: 17.06.2012
From: Paula-R

Subject: Re: Should I take Methotrexate?

Sorry this reply is a little late.

Like Colin said every drug that we take for RA and I am assuming here it is RA with you having to take MTX runs the risk of side effects. It is a worry I must admit reading what could happen. All I can say here is that RA is a serious disease and it has to be treated with serious drugs, simple as that. If this disease becomes severe it can cause heart and lung problems. It is a systemic illness, it effects all of your body, internal organs included. Don't want to frighten you here, just telling you the facts.

I knew an elderly lady who developed Pulmonary Fibrous from taking antibiotics. A very rare side effect, the odds of her being run over by a bus would of been less. I did google the illness when I found out what it was and read that RA can cause it, then later in the text, yes I read it could also develop from taking MTX, but like Colin said, we only take small amounts of the drug unlike cancer patients and we are monitored very closely and are told any problems with our chest must be reported immediately.

Since reading your post I've googled the illness again and to my surprise they treat it with MTX, I wish that links on here would work because I would put the link up for you.

I was scared about taking MTX, said I never would never take it, but I read about it on RA Warrior website, (if you google it you will find the link across the top of her homepage). Reading that changed my views. I can't remember if it was there or somewhere else I read it, but over 90% of people with RA have at sometime taken MTX (it is classed as the number one drug for RA), so if you read forums, you will read more reports of people having side effects because more people are taking it.

I've been taking it for two years and have only just started having problems, my dose was too high and my liver didn't like it. I came off the drug, liver returned to normal and have just started taking it again. This picked up with the monthly blood test, didn't feel ill at all, bit of a shock really, so that just emphasis how important it is to have blood test done. Apart from that I have had no sickness at all and none of the most common side effects that people report when they first start to take it.

I have read of people taking this drug for over 20 years and having no problems at all. For some this drug has given the their life back.

I keep putting this phone number up for people with RA to ring, but I've found them most helpful in the past. They will talk to you about the drugs, answer any questions you have, if you ask, get a volunteer to ring you who is taking the drug for you to talk to.

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society 0800 298 3969.

There is other drugs available to take for RA, I didn't take this one at first, if you are still not happy to take MTX why not ask for one of the other DMARD's?

Hope this helps.

Paula
reply | back to forum

Date: 17.06.2012
From: Joseph B

Subject: Re: Should I take Methotrexate?

Thanks Paula and Colin, that has helped me. My arthritis diagnosis is seronegative, but I don't suppose the absence of the Rh factor matters a great deal. My close friend developed PF following cancer treatment and he blames the chemo regime (including MTX). He was completely cleared of the cancer (testicular) and he sees it as ironic that this cancer has a high recovery rate anyhow and yet he thinks he has been killed by the cure. He likens it to a sledgehammer to crack a nut (if you'll forgive the play on words!). His advice to me is to avoid MTX, and part of the problem is that many other contributors to the PF forums and people who have experience of MTX convey similar thoughts. Having learned about PF (which typically gives you 3-5 years, tops) and when I think about his condition then I struggle with this decision. However, I'm aware that, ultimately, it's a judgement call only I can make and I get the general sense of that from your posts. But this information at least allows me to make an informed decision, however existential! I'm going to mull it over for a while. Many thanks again, and I'll keep in touch.
reply | back to forum

Date: 17.06.2012
From: Paula-R

Subject: Re: Should I take Methotrexate?

Just to add something here Joseph. I did read several months ago in a daily paper that a man who had undergone treatment for cancer with MTX and developed PF. The cancer had gone but he died from PF. It was in America and if I remember correct his wife was pregnant and they induced her so the baby could be born before he died. Very sad indeed.

Did it put me off taking MTX......NO....In cancer the dose is so much higher than what we take and from what I know they take it everyday, then have a rest and start again. We only take small amounts for RA.

Do look on the RA Warrior web page. Please also remember that there is life with RA. Forums like this are good, but you have to take a step back and realise that most people who participate in forums are normally the ones who are having problems and need support.

You may like to look in and ask a question on HealthUnlocked. I think there will be a drop down box that says My Communities and find RA. Lots of advice on there about RA, it is more of an active forum than this and I am sure that you will get many replies from people taking MTX.

Take Care

Paula
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

1+1=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board