Hi there. I was put on Methotrexate 7 weeks ago. I take my 7th dose tomorrow. I am currently only taking 7.5 mgs a week, though I go back to my Rhuematologist on Thursday, and he will probably increase that dosage.
I was on Asulfazine (sp?) before Meth, and was extremely allergic to it, so had to stop taking it. ( I was allergic to the sulphur in it).
My Rheumy said that I could start feeling some relief in as little as a month, but after suffering with MAJOR joint pain and stiffness for so long, I was skeptical.
I also feared losing my hair, getting rashes, having the Meth affect my liver....any of the 'possible' side affects that could happen while on this drug.
As of today, I am moving freer and with less pain than I have in 2 years. It was a gradual thing for me - it didn't happen overnite. One day I just realized "hey, I'm walking further distances and this doesn't hurt at all - woo hoo".
My Dr said that, after/if I tolerated the Meth well for 3 months, he would also add Plaquenil (sp?) along with the Meth. I am also taking an anti-inflammatory called Relafen.
My hair has not fallen out, I have not gotten rashes....about the only thing I had was diarrhea for about 2 weeks after first taking it. The extreme fatigue has lightened up a lot, and in general - I am feeling pretty good.
I had to get blood work done before starting the Meth - and will be getting bloodwork done before going back to see the doc this Thursday, to make sure my liver is still functioning okay. While on Meth, you will need to get your bloodwork checked every 5-6 weeks or so.
My Dr did say that the Meth could/would make me feel better for only a short time, or for a couple of years. Hey - at this point, I'm glad to have found something that is finally working.
Hope this helps answer you a bit.
HUGS to you.
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