methotrexate

[newfielupie]

Hey everyone,
I haven't posted in about 2 months, I wasn't feeling very well. I was wondering if anyone had any insight on methotrexate. Thats what my doctor wants to put me on. I'm worried about side effects and things like that.

Thanks,
Newf :P

[raggedyann1]

Newf,

Methotrexate is often the drug of choice when Plaquenil alone is not slowing the disease down and the main problem is joint pain. The first time I was on methotrexate I took it for about 5 years and then went into remission. This time around I have been on methotrexate for 2 years. At the lower doses 7.5mg I didn't notice any side effects. This time I have some side effects but nothing horrible.

Each change in dosage I would have nausea 36 hours after taking my weekly dose and the nausea would only last 12 hours or so. I still get nasal ulcers, mouth ulcers and sores in the outer part of my ears. They don't occur all the time and since I am on 19 different medications it is hard to say for sure the metho is the culprit. It is just those sores can be typical with metho.

Yes, Methotrexate is used in treating cancer. However for cancer the dose is much, much higher than what we take. For most of us metho is a fairly safe medication. It does suppress your immune system so it is a good idea to stay away from people you know are ill. I have also become a far more diligent hand washer. :blink:

If you page thru this medication forum you will find several recent posts on methotrexate and read all the different perspecitves about it.

Take care,
Karen

[MariaK]

Hullo,
I had a similar query regarding this because I have dished it out to my patients and as the Plaquenil is great for the tiredness, it is not helping my joint pain. I had a chat with one of my cancer patients and she did say the main problem with it was nausea, but generally it worked well for her. It is true that they put you on higher doses for cancer, so in a sense it should not have the drastic effects of chemo.
I am curious about it too, and I will be asking about it on my next rheumatology appointment. It's pants when you have to consider a more aggressive treatment isn't it?
Best wishes,
Maria :wave: