Date: 19.05.2010
From: Teresa
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Subject: Methotrexate
Hi all. I saw my Rheumatologist yesterday and he said that he was only going to give me another 6 weeks on Sulfasalazine (been on them for 2 weeks) as he was not happy with how swollen my hands were etc. He said if there is no improvement after 6 more weeks then he will try me on Methotrexate. I was worried enough about taking sulfasalazine, but now after looking up Methotrexate on the internet, im most definatly not looking forward to trying that drug if it comes to it. From what i gather there are 2 ways of taking it, by tablets or injection. I wondered how everyone here takes it?
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Date: 19.05.2010
From: Jeanie
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
I`ve been taking it in tablet form <20mgs a week> for over two years and can honestly say have had no side affects whatsoever :)
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Date: 19.05.2010
From: louloubelle
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
I was on methotrexate tablets (20mgs a week) for a couple of years during my late teens and the only side effect was that my liver function tests had a little wobble if I had a little alcoholic drink or coffee. The great thing about them is they're really tiny tablets and you only have to take them on one day a week (probably a good idea to set a reminder on your mobile phone)! If your rheumy has tried you on sulfazalazine and methotrexate without success I understand you may then qualify for biologics (subject to other factors, such as number of joints involved, etc) and they often work a lot better, quicker and with fewer side effects so I think it's definitely worth moving onto new drugs - if it works, brill, if it doesn't then possibly biologics are the next step! I can't highly recomend those enough (I've been taking enbrel for 7 years and it is incredible) Good luck
Lou x
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Date: 19.05.2010
From: Verity
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
I take 25mg of MTX in tablet form. I take it on aweds and feel pretty dreadful until about Sunday. Sickness, tummy upset, headaches etcs It wasnt holding my condition so have started etanercept (biologic) and its done wonders! Still takin the MTX aswell unfortunately but it works together! Had to stop taking etanercept for a while coz Im havin my hips replaced but am lookin forward to goin back on it lol!
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Date: 20.05.2010
From: Abbie
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
I started on 10mg of mtx pill begining of Aug last year with Only the classic tiredness and day after headache. Went up to 12.5mg begining October with no extra side effects then up to 15mg begining of November. With this dose was feeling sick constantly and usually sick in the evenings. Because of this I split my dose to 7.5mg weds and 7.5mg Sun and then felt right as rain straight away. Begining of Jan went on to 15mg injections because symptoms no better and CRP And ESR on the up. Now as symptoms worse and CRP and ESR still on the up and going up to 17.5mg injections for 4wks then up to 20mg and waiting to start Remicade/Infliximab infusions (a biologic). I hope your treatment brings you some relief. Go well X
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Date: 20.05.2010
From: Abbie
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
PS One other side effect I get are mouth sores. You should be on at least the same dose of folic acid a week as mtx. I was but mouth sores where quite frequent. I've now gone up on my folic acid and mouth sores have improved.
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Date: 21.05.2010
From: Phil J
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Have taken methotrexate in tablet form but always had problems with stomach. Been on 15mg injections now for 2 months and find the effects slightly easier although really hate having to self inject but hey can't have it all ways. Had Infliximab infusions now 8 weeks ago and am seeing gradual results although must say I now know which joints are weakened now they are less swollen as they now just creak lots....onwards and upwards and best of luck with your treatment.
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Date: 22.05.2010
From: Jill
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Sulpha is far far worse than MTX side affects r.....my personal opinion of course.....im on MTX tabs at mo, but going onto injection form as I have Gastritis of the stomach....which is causing me Hell.....guys please please remember to take PPi meds with the MXT and anti inflams....they r Gastro resistant tabd top protecvt ya stomach with the toxic meds we take....
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Date: 22.05.2010
From: KayJay
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Hey Jill nice to hear from you but sad to read you have still got the gastritis :0( Yes a defo for the PPI'S [ Proton Pump Inhibitors ] - even if you are on the anti inflammatories. I've been on them for about 9 years now and there's no way I could have taken Diclofenac even - if I hadn't had the PPI's to protect my stomach.
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Date: 22.05.2010
From: Jill
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Hi KJ, i thought once had the GB out, rest wld settle, surgeon thort the same, but no...being referd back...sick of it...on bland boring food, cant eat randomly, at all....have to plan, and becos that is boring, i dont bother cooking for me, my fella will, if he shere, other wise i just et porridge, or honey wholemeal sarnies....sick of it! even if I dont eat, the gastitis happens....had 15hours of pain other day...nitemre....im doing my bit by controlling it by eating bland food, no fat diet(allergic to dairy) so eating hardly a thing in comparrison, plus scared to eat sometimes..... been going on now for 4 months.....howeverm after my car crash, saw a private medical expert(orthopeadic) cos i got whiplash, and im suing the gits ass off(the driver that is) anyway the expert told me taht Shock can bring on Gastritis....and i believe it too, cos if I get stressed now, i get ppain in tum.... anyway claiming for that and the bulging disc in my neck, that was never there b4!..,....so Gastritis can happen due to meds we r on, but also thru shock....anywa hop[e ya coping, havnt been on a while, things get to me after a while.....so i take a break fromn all this, can make me miserable, so i bugger off lol.....Verity has had her op...doing good by sounds of it...speak to her on fb....going away on whitsun week...so wont be on then..... couldnt even celebrate my birthday laast week, , no wine, no Nuffing!!!! honey and granary brady Yayyyyy lolol tc ok xxxxx
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Date: 22.05.2010
From: Teresa
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Hi thank you all for the info on what you all take and how you find it affects you.
Jill, im sorry to hear how much you have to deal with. I do take ppi's now, but I didnt at first! Not because I didnt have them, but because I was fed up with all the pills and didnt realise how important they were. I used to work in an Endoscopy unit and after seeing Gastro's done I started taking them!!
Im not finding the Sulfasalazine too bad at the moment. Just lots of headaches, but I can put up with it if its only temporary while I get used to the medication. I kind of got the impression that the rheumatologist didnt hold out much hope of them working though as hes only going to give me about 8 weeks on them and if there is no change at all change me to methotraxate.
Hope your all enjoying the lovely warm weather!
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Date: 22.05.2010
From: KayJay
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Jill just keep thinking - once you have the gastritis sorted out you will be able to celebrate your birthday then ;0) You really have suffered this year havn't you ? I can't understand why they don't make you a priority case seeing as you have been in pain for soooo long ? Hope you enjoy your break. Take Care luv kj xx
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Date: 22.05.2010
From: KayJay
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Forgot to say send our luv to Verity as well ;0)
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Date: 23.05.2010
From: Jill
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Subject: Re: Methotrexate
Tru KJ...thanks for that...im sure \verity will give u all update real soon tc xxx
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