Hi there!

Have just been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and start on MTX next week. Scared - read too much about it? Is there anyone with good views on this treatment? I have had psoriasis for 29 years (I'm 36) and have been told it may clear it (this would be wonderful)? Is there anyone who has experience of Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis on MTX?

I have visions of taking the tablet and feeling really ill most of the time. (starting on 2.5mg!) - have I read too many bad things!!??

I take 10mg of mtx once a week for my arthritis. It has me in remission. I have Reactive Arthritis. 2.5mg is a tiny, tiny dose. Do you take it daily or once a week? It's a good drug when handled appropriately. I did not notice any side effects at all. Again, how often do you take it?

I was taking 5 - 2.5mg (once a week) for a few years. It was a god-send in the beginning. I had no side effects from it. But like everything else I started to become immune to it and I also thought it was the cause of my hair falling out since it is a chemo drug. So I had the doctor take me off it. I then went on Imuran which wasn't as good. I didn't feel the rheumatologist was helping like I thought he could so I went to another doctor who started me on Enbrel injections. This seems to be going well. (By the way, after a few months of being off methotrexate I believe my hair loss is/was due to hormonal changes). Also, metho will deplete your folic acid so your doctor probably has prescribed this also, right?

I am a 28yr old female with psoriatic arthritis..
I take meth (20mg by injection once a week)...and I swear by it.... I was taking it in pill form and found that the pills often made me feel sick so my rheumatologist switched me to the injections..... I go for bloodwork once a month to make sure there is no ill effects...and have been on this med for 2 1/2 years with no problems...... Good luck... I hope it helps you as much as its helped me.....

I am 36 and recently diagnosed with RA. I was on mtx at first and my tongue swelled and tingled. That is with 7.5 mg. So my rheumy took me off and put me on plaquinil. I also understand that mtx is a more aggressive treatment, meaning it takes shorter to work than plaquinil. I understand that everyone has different reactions to medications and you have to find the right "cocktail" for you. Good luck. I hope it works for you.

I started at 7.5 mgs weekly and at first felt queasy and sick. After a few weeks, that passed. Doc increased to 12.5 after awhile and I tolerated it well. I've never really had a problem after that initial queasiness, although sometimes that night or the morning after I'll have a little diarrhea.

I always drink plenty of water and I get lots of cardio exercise and sweat, so I think I cleanse the side effects out of my body before they get too toxic. I also eat a very healthy diet high in organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; I limit dairy and eat no meat or chicken, and rarely eat sweets.

My only indulgence is alcohol which you're not supposed to drink on MTX, but my blood tests all come back in healthy ranges every month.

Over all, it has made a world of difference in my life. I honestly believe if it were not for MTX I would be in a wheelchair now or I would have done something drastic to get away from the pain.

I had been on meth. (12.5 per week) for a year or so and found it really helpful. For me the mix of meth. and di-clofinac (volterol - 100 dailiy) really works - I lead a normal life. I too indulged in the odd alcoholoic drink but had monthly bloods and no side effects.

I came off of meth. about 5 months ago as I am hoping to start a family and I really miss it but hopefully it will all be in a good cause!!

Good luck

Tracki, if you're still visiting the board, i'd be interested to know how you got on with the mtx. I'm in your boots now, but with RA and just about to take first dose (3x2.5mg) and terrified about the side effects but had no luck on the less aggressive drugs such as plaquenil so far due to allergic reactions. There's not many other options for drugs at this point in AUS so i'm hopeful. No more net searches though, too scary!!!!