Methotrexate

[krishwain]

I’m getting ready to add Methotrexate to my list of medicine. I currently take Plaquenil and will be adding the metho. Any suggestions on taking this medication? I’ve been reading a few things about it and as a teacher I’m concerned about being around kids and all their germs; should I be? What kind of side effects should I prepare for? Starting a 20 mg dose 1x a week

[kattat7]

I never could tolerate the mtx. I was exhausted for days after taking it. I only ever took the pills, splitting them. I think part of the problem was having a full time demanding job. Maybe if I worked part time it would have been better. I was worried about infection initially (I am a veterinarian) but I must say that was never an issue. I didn't have any side effects other than extreme fatigue. Good luck!

[Kai--]

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[krishwain in reply to Kai--]

Thanks for the info I will definitely look at it

[Kai-- in reply to krishwain]

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[Pmmw]

I’ve been on plaquenil and methotrexate for two years now. I had to double my folic acid to tolerate it. Severe nausea and exhaustion until I doubled the folic acid - now nausea is tolerable but I take on Saturday’s and always plan on needing a nap or down time on sundays . Spent slot of time last summer on prednisone as well and so looking into humira. Things have settled down now so we are staying the course with methotrexate and plaquenil for the time being . Was really scared of infections but has not been a problem. Made it through two flu seasons with one bout of bronchitis that antibiotics took care of, haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary infection wise.

[krishwain in reply to Pmmw]

Definitely see what everyone means by the fatigue. Felt like I had a hangover the day after I took the methotrexate. Seemed to do ok on the nausea front, probably the multi vitamin I take which has folic acid plus the additional folic acid prescribed helped with that. Next weeks dose I’m going to try a bit earlier in the day so I can hopefully sleep through most of the fatigue and perhaps be able to work the next day.

[Tracy127]

It’s a harsh drug and I knew this when they put me on it. I’m a nurse and took a week off work because I was afraid I’d be sick. I got very sick. I ran a 104.0 fever for days, couldn’t get out of bed, became dehydrated, got IV fluids, of course they stopped the methotrexate. I have never felt so bad. I hope you do well. Stay away from anyone sick because it weakens your immune system. I’m not sure why they still use this drug with so many new medications out there.

[krishwain in reply to Tracy127]

For me, I’m allergic to many antibiotics and medicines; methotrexate should be one I should be able to take without allergic reactions coming into the mix. I just hope I can personally tolerate it. I definitely noticed the fatigue, the nausea seemed tolerable. But I didn’t like the hangover feeling it leaves

[NanaRizzo]

Ive been on MTX for 4 years along with Humira. At the beginning i was given MTX in pill form. I was sick as a dog and begged for injections. They prescribed it for injections so now i have hip injections once a week at home and handle it pretty well. I also do Humira injections in my stomach once a week. I hope all goes well for you kirshwain

[Chelle0801]

I didn’t do well on Mtx pills. Nausea and severe fatigue. Recently, with health insurance changes and having to back off infusions as cost prohibitive, I’ve gone backwards and back to Mtx. Now doing 25mg/ml once a week injection. Some diarrhea, appetite suppression and some fatigue, but no nausea. Honestly, after all the weight I gained from being on prednisone for 2 1/2 years, I’m okay with appetite suppression. I’m currently on plaquenil 200mg/2X a day with the Mtx and yes, take folic acid. Forgot to mention, last time I was on Mtx, I was also on arava, prednisone and plaquenil. I developed mouth sores. Folic acid seems to counteract that type of side effect.

I’ve been on a lot of immune suppressant medications. Best advice for preventing infections, get the flu shot and wash your hands...a lot. Overall, been okay. This past December I somehow developed bronchitis and it turned into pneumonia, but my family doctor, understanding my health history and medications, treated me with pneumonia protocall so overall, I was okay - I recovered without terrible complication.

[kevg]

You will be tired no energy . It will bloat you uo. The biggest thing it does is mess with your memory . You will forget people'S names and things. Gets worse under stress . I have been on this drug for over a year . I am getting off of it because it is hurting my professional career . Hope this helps

[Chelle0801 in reply to kevg]

Do you think it’s your disease messing with memory or the medication? I’m curious because my flairs cause brain fog that’s interefered with memory function, but I don’t think any medication I’ve tried has affected me that way.

[krishwain]

Second week wasn’t as bad as the first. I adjusted the time I took my Mtx from the week before. Took it at 12 pm on Thursday was able to finish out work and do a few things in the afternoon before the headache and stuff hit. Basically slept through most of the yuckies and fatigue. Was actually able to work on Friday was a bit lightheaded until about 10:30 am. Only thing I really struggled with was the headache. Definitely felt a bit tired but nothing I couldn’t function through. The first time I took if it wiped me out, but I took it much later in the day. Hope this isn’t a fluke and works this way next week as well. Although not sure if I want to deal with this weekly headache on a ongoing basis.

[Mlagypsy]

Methotrexate gave me awful brain fog & severe fatigue which resolved after stopping the MTX. I did not recognize the severity until I was off it for a couple weeks.

[helixhelix]

Drink lots of water, and discuss how much folic acid you need to take with your rheumy. You might not be on enough. That sorted my headaches and for me the side effects generally wore off after a few weeks and I've been on it now for 7 years with no problems.

[krishwain in reply to helixhelix]

I have noticed many of the other side effects slowly going away as well. Which is nice! I do still suffer from the headache, I think my folic acid is plenty since it’s in my daily multi vitamin plus an additional daily folic acid pill. I thought I drink enough water but I will increase that some more( try to get up to 2 liters daily) and see if that helps

[Lynzyfitz]

i was on methotrexate , it did nothing for me but caused me lung inflammation , good luck