[cjmclaughlin]

my rheumy just started me on methotrexate for the first time ever. We are hoping that this is going to help my severe joint problems. He has started me on 7.5mg for two weeks and then 10mg for two weeks and then I am supposed to see him. I also have to take folate on my off days. Can any of you give me some feedback regarding side effects and how quickly the meds make take effect? I know what I can read but would love some "real life" experience.

 

[keebler]

Hi,

I am a newbie on methotrexate too. Here is my post and replies about methotrexate.
http://www.thelupussite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73153

So far I haven't had any side effects.:fingers: I was on it for a month and had to go off of it for two weeks.(On antibiotics) Just started taking it the last two weeks.

I haven't seen any improvement from it either.
I see my rhumey in about 10 days and I am anxious to see what he has to say. I have been on 10 mgs since I started.

I hope methotrexate works for you.
Take care,
Lyn

 

[sunflowergirl2]

I've been on 7.5mg for about 6 mos. I take folic acid every day. I think it took about 1 mo. to start working. I had alot of nausea for several wks. My joints were feeling OK until last wk. I fell on some ice. Thought I broke my hand, but found out that my joint in my thumb is deteriorated and I injured it. Ortho says I'll need joint replacement. :sad: Sorry to get off the subject. Cathy

 

[cjmclaughlin]

Thanks for the link to the old post that really helped for me to see.

Sorry to hear about the joint replacement and that you are in pain from that. Thumbs are so important, you don't realize until you loose them

 

[beebee1]

Hiya, I have been given the choice of Methotrexate too, I've got to go back to the specialist nurse at the hospital on Monday to let them know and to set up the monitoring etc. I've been trawling through the net trying to make a decision as to whether it's a good idea to move on from just the plaquenil and nsaid's. The main reason I'm worried is that I'm really susceptible to cold virus's, (a simple cold knocks me off my feet for weeks). My rhuemi thinks that adding the Metho would help this but all the info I've found seems to say that you are more vulnerable to infection. Could anyone enlighten me?
OP it's nice to know that there's other people out there at the same stage as me. Thanks

Beebee

 

[cjmclaughlin]

I'm supposed to start it today and just wondering if I am going to get nauseau how long after taking the meds does it usually start? Just trying to time everything as best as I can and hoping I don't get any side effects.
Thanks so much

 

[LolaLola]

In my case I was a bit hot and nauseous for a day or so after each dose. This gradually faded so that by two or three months in it was no longer a problem.
Regarding infections, yes, you must seek help quickly if you think you are coming down with something, however I have been on metho for some years and am at a dose of 20mgms. I don't get an abnormal number of infections, despite having a house full of teenagers and going to all the usual germ laden places like Supermarkets etc. I do not worry unduly.
Hope this helps. I find Metho really worth having.
x Lola

 

[Smile Of Life]

I started methotrexate 3 months ago on 7.5mg weekly. I have had no sickness but just found the first two days I was so wiped out I couldn't even lift my hand to get the TV remote! But that was a one-off.

It started working after a few weeks and it did wonders for me. My previous multi-site joint pains went completely (I started my diagnosis last year unable to move from joint problems).

It has, however, reduced my white cell count down to minimum levels, so I may have to give it up if they get worse, but I've had no illness, and that's being around my three year old as well!

So whilst I was petrified to start it, it's been a god send in my life. Just a pain in the arse when you have to have a blood test every month, as I like to be out of the country a lot. So I spend a lot of money flying back in for a 20 second blood test! Cheaper than having the blood tests privately abroad, though!)

So purely from my point of view I'd recommend it.

Duncan

 

[cjmclaughlin]

Well, I took it Friday afternoon around 4:30 and by 7:30 I was completely exhausted and just fell asleep. I woke up Saturday feeling OK just not hungry but also woke with horrible cough and sore throat....guess I managed to catch a cold at the same time that I started this. However by Saturday night at 7:30, I was in extreme pain, even my skin hurt. Now on Sunday morning the pain is a bit less but still feel awful. Is this normal? Have any of you experienced this and how long does it take to go away?