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Posted 2/19/2007 9:40 AM (GMT -8)
Hi everyone-hope you are feeling well today.  I have posted this question on the Crohn's Disease website before, but I am hoping to get a few more replies...I am starting Methotrexate today, to go along with the Humira for DC and RA.  I had severe side effects to Remicade.  Can anyone...everyone let me know their experiences with Methotrexate?  Thanks :-)
Posted 2/19/2007 9:49 AM (GMT -8)
Hi.... I can usually be found over on the lupus board but your post caught my attention. I am on Imuran which is similar to Mtx and have had good / great results! Try posting your message over there too, you may get some good responses as it's used to treat lupus too.

I hope it works well for you! Take care
Posted 2/19/2007 10:00 AM (GMT -8)
Stacey-thanks for the reply!

Posted 2/19/2007 12:11 PM (GMT -8)

Hi! I had been on mtx for over 12 years. It was doing a  great job controling my RA. Several times over the course of treatment my liver enzymes became elevated and had to go off the mtx for several months until the liver enzymes stabilized.  During one of the episodes where the enzymes were elevated, I had a liver biopsy which is recommended after long time use because there is the possibility of liver toxicity with mtx. I have been off mtx for a year and a half because I developed a form of TB which may have been related to the long term mtx supression of my immune system. Embrel, Humira and Remicade have also been linked to TB. It is unusual for mtx to be linked with atypical TB, but in my case there did not seem to be any other etiology. Good luck with your treatment!

Posted 2/19/2007 2:20 PM (GMT -8)
Hello Kronestoolong,
I have been on methohextrate for almost five years now. I have had some problems so had to be cut back. It has caused me lung troubles. I am currently on three every Wednesday. That seems to be all I can stand. Some weeks the day after I feel just lousy!! I am also on remicade for the RA and the rhumy says they have to go together. I have blood work often and go to see her between remicade treatments. Good luck with your treatments and I pray you feel better soon. I feel better than I did last year at this time. Take care and many blessings.
AkiPuppy
Posted 2/19/2007 4:43 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you all for your replies
Posted 2/19/2007 6:23 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Dawn,

I've had great success with mtx combined with enbrel for my arthritis. Enbrel was halfway hitting the mark, but it wasn't until I went on the mtx about 3 months ago that my arthritis came almost completely under control. There is the possibility that I will have to stop taking mtx and/or enbrel, though, due to a possible tb infection--but probably only enough to be treated for the infection, and then I can start again if I want. As someone already pointed out, immune suppression is linked to tb, especially latent tb infections that are reactivated because of the immune system being suppressed. The tnf-inhibitors are famous for it--I don't know how common it is for mtx, but as an earlier posted warned, it happens.

Best of luck to you!
El
Posted 2/19/2007 6:36 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Dawn -- another MTX w/Remicade user here. I've been on it for over 2 years now. We added it when I was on Enbrel and it really helped. I started on the oral mtx, but had some side effects and it didn't agree with my stomach! We switched to the injectible form and I've been fine ever since. My rheumy kept me on the mtx when he & my GI switched me to Remicade after my crohn's diagnosis last year and I'm still doing fine. I'm on .7 ml which I believe is equivalent to 17.5 mgs. I'm also taking 2 mgs (prescription strength) Folic Acid which is an absolute must to take. OTC Folic Acid is measured in "mcg's" and isn't enough - you'd have to take quite a bit to help. I have blood tests monthly and I've been just fine. As I mentioned, I did have some side effects in the beginning (nausea, hair thinning/loss), but those went away after we increased my Folic Acid to 2 mgs and switched me to the injectible form. It's just another med that I take and hey, it helps tremendously!

Good luck and don't forget the folic acid! :-)

~S.
Posted 2/22/2007 4:04 AM (GMT -8)
Can I ask what strnegth MTX people are on ? I have RA and been taking it for about three years now and was wondering how my dose compared to other peoples. I have been as high as 20mg a week but am now down to 12.5mg once a week. Is this average for RA ? I don't take anything else apart from the folic acid....

I also find that the side effects are less (eg nausea) if your stomach is as empty as possible when you take it, ie first thing when you wake up.
Posted 2/22/2007 12:12 PM (GMT -8)
hi everyone, i have been on mtx for a year now and although i have good and bad days i think i have more good than bad? i take 20 mg once a week and i take it at bedtime. i was taking it in the morning but i found i was tired all day from it so i take it at bedtime and sleep the majority of the side-effects off. i found it hardto come off the prednisone but overall i think i am doing ok now without it. i do pop a tylenol still but that is all i seem to need to take the edge off the pain.... uaually. good luck everyone with the mtx. yalinda
Posted 2/22/2007 1:24 PM (GMT -8)
Hi All,
I think your comments about MTX were all very good. I gather from the posts that a affects everyone differently. Good luck to all of you and G God bless.
AkiPuppy
Posted 2/23/2007 11:08 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you all for your replies.  I really appreciate it.  For whoever asked...I am taking 0.6 ML injectible once a week.

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