I have seen my rheumatologist who suspects I have early rheumatoid arthritis. He has suggested that I start on methotrexate, and I am to be put on it in two weeks time. Has anyone any experience of this drug, I understand it can make you more prone to infections. As I am diabetic as well,I am not sure what implications if any this has.

Good for your rheumatologist for getting aggressive with your RA early on! I started MTX 2 1/2 months after being diagnosed and after the Plaquenil didn't help. Be sure your doctor prescribes at least 1 mg Folic Acid a day to take. It helps with the side effects. If you can give yourself a shot and can locate the injectible form of MTX, injections are the way to go. The MTX is hard on my stomach but in the shot form, it doesn't cause a problem. I hadn't notice that I catch things easier than before, but I surely am tired for a couple of days after the dose. It has helped my joint pain tremendously and it's worth the side effects I have had. Also, I take my MTX on Friday nights at bedtime and sleep through the worst of it. I have the weekend to recover.

I read so many horror stories about methotrexate on alot of boards that I visit, that I just don't want to scare people that have to start this med. I've been on 3 pills a week for more than four years now. I have NO side effects. I'm not tired, my stomach is fine. I do drink it with as much water as I can stand but it really was a wonder drug for me. The first day I took it I was as scared as hell, just waiting for something to happen but nothing did. Good Luck.

glyndore-From what I understand methotrexate is one of the more serious medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Just be sure to let your doctor know if you suspect ANY side effects while on this medication:

~Possible side effects of methotrexate:

• Methotrexate may cause side effects that could be dangerous or life-threatening. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using methotrexate before starting treatment. Methotrexate has been reported to cause blood and bone marrow problems (fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, black, bloody or tarry stools,); lung problems (unexplained shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing); stomach problems (diarrhea, abdominal pain); sores in or around the mouth; liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, unusual fatigue); kidney problems (blood in the urine; darkened urine, swelling of the feet or legs); and others. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
· joint pain; or
· confusion, unusual behavior, or seizures.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methotrexate and notify your doctor if you experience
· nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
· itching or a skin rash;
· hair loss;
· boils or acne;
· dizziness;
· increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;
· headache;
· drowsiness; or
· blurred vision.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

~What to avoid while taking methotrexate:

• Do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), and others except under the direction of your doctor. Although these medications may be prescribed together to treat certain conditions, methotrexate may interact with aspirin and NSAIDs, and possibly cause serious side effects. Discuss the use of aspirin and NSAIDs with your doctor.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking methotrexate.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Methotrexate may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Hope all is well, let us know how you do....much luck to you!

South

Good for your rheumatologist for getting aggressive with your RA early on! I started MTX 2 1/2 months after being diagnosed and after the Plaquenil didn't help. Be sure your doctor prescribes at least 1 mg Folic Acid a day to take. It helps with the side effects. If you can give yourself a shot and can locate the injectible form of MTX, injections are the way to go. The MTX is hard on my stomach but in the shot form, it doesn't cause a problem. I hadn't notice that I catch things easier than before, but I surely am tired for a couple of days after the dose. It has helped my joint pain tremendously and it's worth the side effects I have had. Also, I take my MTX on Friday nights at bedtime and sleep through the worst of it. I have the weekend to recover.
Are you still taking the Plaquenil? My Rheumatologist put me on the methotrexate also and I quit taking the Plaquenil on my own. I just assumed that he gave me the MTX in place of it but I never actually discussed it with him. I had quit the Plaquenil for two weeks when I read your post and was wondering if I should be taking it along with the MTX. I really hope not as I seem to have blurry vision with the Plaquenil. Are you taking both??????

I was on that for a couple of weeks and it made my immune system weak.

Yes, I took both for almost a year. The plaquenil started giving me neurological problems and I quit it on my own last month and my doctor agreed. I am able to tell now exactly how much it was helping. I just didnt' realize it at the time. Many DMARDs are used in combination therapy. The addition of MTX is generally in addition to whatever you are taking instead of in place of. At one point I was taking Plaquenil, MTX and Remicade.

Glitzybel, MTX is an immunosuppresant. It has to work on your immune system because your immune system is attacking your joints.

All I am taking at the moment is tramadol, a painkiller. I was taken off nsaids as I appeared to be having adverse reactions from them, although I am not convinced they were the problem. I have my first dose of methotrexate on friday morning so I dont know how that will go. As a matter of interest I appear to be coming out of this flare. Apart from awfull morning stiffness for about two hours, or if I remain still for any time, and painfull feet, al of my other symptoms appear to be improving, except that I am tending to sleep and feel tired most of the day. Dont know if the methotrexate will aid or hinder this

Teachergirl - Are you still on the Methotrexate? I am taking 6 pills a week and experiencing stomach upset, not nausea but sort of a bloated feeling. Also, I am tired even after the 6th day.