Methotrexate Useage

Grana · 11-07-2006, 01:11 AM

My doctor is fixing to start me on methotrexate for reactive arthiritis and I am wondering about other people's experiences with this drug. I have not been able to tolerate the inflammatory agents and worry this will be even worse. Also I would like to know at what point in treatment was the methotrexate introduced---in that what else was tried prior to using it? He tells me all I will have to do is take 4 pills per week. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Deeder · 11-08-2006, 05:17 PM

Hi Grana, I take methotrexate and have been for 2yrs. It was the first drug he put me on and I take 10 pills a week. I didnt think they were doing any good until he lowered my dosage and I noticed a difference in about a week so he raised the dose back to the original its a pretty slow acting med but after 2yrs and still not getting good results from it the Dr. added Hydroxychloride. The methotrexate will make your hair fall out, my hair was in and on everything so make sure he gives you folic acid to help with that. This med will also cause mouth sores as well as sores in your nose, those didnt bother me as much as my hair did though, it got so thin you could use infant barettes in it but now it is back and fuller than before this all stated. hope this helps some good luck and take care

DeeDee

ToBeFreeToRoam · 11-09-2006, 02:55 AM

Hi Grana,

I was on Methotrexate for about 4 - 6 mo. I had to get off because I was having a hysterectomy. And am now off for a good while, because I have a skin problem, with sores on many parts of my body. Am going to a dermatologist for the sores. The Methotrexate was just starting to work, when I had to give it up. This was probably about my 3rd med, my rheumy dr. likes to start off with the lowest you can stand (meds) and then go up. I wish I could be on it again. No side effects and I think that I was at 6 pills.

I do and did take tramadol and skelaxin and prednisone and nabumetone. I cannot take most anti-inflammatory meds. That is because of my stomach.

Right now, I am on the same pills, except a new one, we are trying called: sulfa_________ (cannot remember the name). They are huge and I take 3 pills 2 x day. I must eat when I take most of my pills. This med is safe for pregnant women. Hopefully I will get to eventually try the methotrexate again!

Hope it works for you. But give it months.

Wannabe

Megan :D · 11-09-2006, 05:51 PM

Hey Grana

I'm 16, and have just started a course of Methatrexate. I have juvenile idiopathic arth in my neck jaw knees elbows hipa and shoulders. My doctor says it could be for a minimum of 3 years, i started 2 weeks ago. I was really worried about it because i heard lots about side effects, but apparently they only affect 1 in 10. So far ive had nothing (luckily). I think the worst it gets is mouth ulcers and hair thinning.

I was on naproxyn before that, and before that it was dicloflex or something :s i also do lots of hydrotherapy- maybe try exercising/ stretching in the bath? it always hurts me less.

So far, methatrexate has been good. It takes ages to work, my doc said, and ive been told to have a folic acid suppliment. every 2 weeks they are upping the dose a bit until it builds up enough. I think 15mg is going to be my max.

I hope it all goes well for you, remember that its not only you that suffers!!

Grana · 11-10-2006, 01:31 AM

They are starting me on a prednisone tomorrow and I have NEVER taken it at such a dosage. Starting me out at 8 per day for 2 days , then 7 per day for 2 days etc etc..............How much prednisone have they given you in the beginning of therapy? This is to be done prior to taking the methotrexate.