Two days back i went to a doctor for second opinion. He over ruled the diagnosis of gout by the previous. And instead opined that had synovitis. Also he prescribed methotrexate 10mg weekly along with folic acid and a food supplement.
I'm scheduled to start methotrexate from sunday. I'm scared as methotrexate is touted as a very dangerous drug with a lot of side effects.
I would love to have some feedback about it from people who are on it. Also any helpful tips which might reduce the side effects will be also be highly appreciated.

Regards,
Faisal

Two days back i went to a doctor for second opinion. He over ruled the diagnosis of gout by the previous. And instead opined that had synovitis. Also he prescribed methotrexate 10mg weekly along with folic acid and a food supplement.
I'm scheduled to start methotrexate from sunday. I'm scared as methotrexate is touted as a very dangerous drug with a lot of side effects.
I would love to have some feedback about it from people who are on it. Also any helpful tips which might reduce the side effects will be also be highly appreciated.

Regards,
Faisal

hey susan u forgot to write the reply...

:bouncing: I'm finally going to answer your question. Don't know what happened last time. I must have zoned out or something. I have been using Methotrexate for three years with no side affects, I also use enbrel. When your Dr. tells you to get you bloods checked every two months so your liver panels can be checked she is not kidding, do it, it is very important. My liver is fine, but I was found to be very anemic. RA can cause anemia and it must be treated. Good luck. PS these meds can keep your RA from progressing and this is what you want. ;)

I started MTX in July. I took the pills and they were brutal on my stomach. I switched to injections in October and have no side effects at all except being a little tired the next day. My dose has just been increased to 20 mg a week and I take 4 mg Folic Acid every day.

I was afraid of it when I first started to take it. I think everyone is. I just had to get to the point where I was more afraid of RA and what it can do than the side effects of the MTX. I didn't lose my hair and once I switched to the injections, I feel pretty good most of the time. It is really important that you go and get your lab work done when your doctor orders it. I could tell a difference in about 6 weeks. I do recommend you take the MTX on Friday nights if you are off on the weekends. That way you will have time to rest and take it easy if you need to.