Just wondering if anyone knows about the effectiveness in methorexate in treating arthritis? Methorexate is a drug commonly used in treating cancer but my father was prescribed this drug after predinosone (because it was such a high dosage) caused bone deteroriation.

Hello, C. Reid I'm also from Nfld. Please go to the www.roadback.org (http://www.roadback.org) website and ask that question on their bulletin board. You'll be totally amazed at the immediate answers you'll receive from all kinds of caring people. I'm their as Lizzie. Myself, I wouldn't go near mtx. too many bad side-effects.
Liz

C. Reid,
The drug you mentioned is often prescribed for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. I've heard some people have good results with it and some people suffer from too many side effects. It can take anywhere from 5wks. to 3 months before you see any results with it. Because the prednesone is a steroid, it can start to do damage to the body with long term use. Hope this helps some, Ann

My father has been on prednisone for way too many years and 2 years ago he was put on methotrex to get him off the prednisone. Unfortunately, he is still on both and every time he tries to back off the prednisone, he complains of pain. I think it's a lot of "mind over matter" and at this point he'll always be on both until a doctor takes him off.

Originally posted by C Reid:
Just wondering if anyone knows about the effectiveness in methorexate in treating arthritis? Methorexate is a drug commonly used in treating cancer but my father was prescribed this drug after predinosone (because it was such a high dosage) caused bone deteroriation.
I have using methx since july of 2000...i am able to get up in the morning without all the pain and swelling, i take 20 mgs, i also take plaquenil,and milk thistle and liquid chlorophyll for my liver, i get tested every two months and all is well...no changes....im getting ready to do self injections at home (eckkkkkk)since its so hard to get to the hospital for my shot....im really pleased with methotrexate, i have had RA for 2 years...really bad in my hands....and it had started in my feet...i am 44 yrs old....i hope this helps, feel free to email me with ?'s at ALCW4U@YAHOO.COM

I am using Metho 5 pills at once weekly and vioxx daily. If I don't take the vioxx I am still stiff in the morning. My Doc talked about increasing my Metho to discard the vioxx, but i think there is a lot more risk with increased doses of Metho. I haven't had any side effects, but if you are going on it make sure you get your blood checked monthly. Blood tests are the 1st sign of problems. Good Luck - StiffJim

If someone is taking Methotrexate and Prednisone.....for years, does anyone know why they would also be put on Fludrocortisone Acetate? Pred and Fludro are both corticosteroids....why both?? My father was put on Metho to get off the Predno, but everytime they stop it he complains of hurting. He's been on Prednisone for about 10 years and it has destroyed his immune system and his bones. Now he's had one more added to the pile....along with the heart meds he's taking. I had never heard of this Fludrocortisone Acetate and the info I got of the internet wasn't all that informative. Thanks for any suggestions.

My son is 37 and has psoriasis since he was 4 yrs. old. He now has psoriatic arthritis for the past 7 years. he has it in his neck, wrists, knees and ankles. My heart goes out to him. He is now on the max. amount of Methotrexate and there hasn't been much of an improvement. He signed up for a program and i think he will be starting on Embrel. There has to be some hope somewhere. I pray for him along with the othe other PA sufferes.

For MAMABKLYN,

I read your posting and my heart goes out to our little one. Please read my posting on the main board called Psoriatic Arthritis Remicade. I hope it helps you !
StiffJim

hi all
i have been on methorexate since August last year. my dosage has increased from 4 weekly to 8 weekly.

i have seen a great improvement within myself and can do things i couldnt do before i started taking it, like opening jars and using a tin opener.

There are side effects but the improvement out weighs those as far as i am concerned. if you take care of your self and keep having check ups on a regular basis all should be ok.

take care and speak soon

Good Morning,
I have been on Methotrexate for 2 years now, I am on the max dose and I do see some improvement but there are side effects at this high dose. I am losing my hair and
make sure that you take folic acid along with meth because you can begin to have sores in your mouth without the folic acid. I have had RA for 21/2 years that has become severe. I take Humeria every week without the amount of improvement that one should be seeing. There is a new infusion that has been approved (Can't remember the name but it will be on the afternoon news today) my Doc is going to put me on it and I hope that this works. It is a monthly infusion with less side effects.
I wish everyone a wonderful day!
Deb

I have been on it for over 2 years for psoriatic arthritis. After about 7 mths. we had to add Enbrel also. This combo works well for me. I've had no adverse effects.