Methotrexate

[Kimu]

I would be very grateful for any information regarding any side affects, when taking Methotrexate

[Greenmil3]

I have been taking this for years now and although the first few weeks was a little run to the toilet like this soon settled down for me. Cant say I have noticed many more side effects although the amount of meds I am on it maay be they just all cancel each other out. Can I ask why you are being put on the Methotrexate?

[soul22]

Hi nice to meet you 😊I had tiredness day after dosage,mouth ulcers they increased folic acid that helped.

Some nausea, increased photo sensitivity otherwise that's it we all vary.

It worked well for me

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Methotrexate is an extremely effective treatment. My first question is to ask whether you discussed side effects with your rheumatologist?

Every person may have a different response to the same drug. It also may vary depending on whether it’s in tablet or injectable form.

If you are concerned, a perfectly normal response, go and talk to your doctor who will go through all your concerns.

I have taken MTX in an injectable form for many, many years.

Be well!

Ros

[Kimu in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you for your comments & information, very useful thanks

[Kimu in reply to lupus-support1]

HiThank you for your reply.

Yes I did express my concern regarding taking the drug before I started taking it.

I was told if I didn't take it they would dismiss me from the clinic.

But I have been taking it for approx

15 weeks & my symptoms have never been so bad

Kimu

[Kimu in reply to Kimu]

I am also on folic acid 5mg 3 times per weekWas diagnosed with aps & sle many years ago

Kimu

[Kimu in reply to Kimu]

I also have R&O

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Kimu]

Your treatment has been appalling. They have bullied you and you should make a formal complaint.

You didn’t mention how you take MTX. I couldn’t take the tablets because of nausea. However, the weekly injections were good! No nausea. It takes many weeks before it kicks in!

I would have a chat with your GP asap!

[Pooky7]

what is it used for?

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Pooky7]

MTX is used for many reasons. At a high level, it's used to treat some cancers. MTX stops cells from using folic acid to make DNA and may kill cancer cells. a much lower level, it is used in autommune conditions such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns, severe psoriasis etc. It may also lower the body’s immune response. In SLE, the body's system is overactive and unable to distinguish between one's own body cells and foreign bodies and thus attacks the body causing pain and damage, including internal organs. One problem is that because MTX lower's one's resistence to disease, extra precautions may be necessary to stop inventions, eg wear a mask around those with colds etc.

MTX is a type of antimetabolite and a type of antifolate.

MTX has been used successfully for many years and one's doctor will explain exactly why and how it should be taken. MTX is not suitable for every SLE patient. It depends on symptoms.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-metabolite most commonly used in chemotherapy and immunosuppressant in auto-immune diseases.

Read more here:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5...

With good wishes,

Ros

[Pooky7 in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you. Interesting. I try hard to stay away from big pharma. I only take warfarin. I have muscular dystrophy too. My naturalpathic doctor is awesome

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Pooky7]

Everyone has the right to determine what works for them. I can say that MTX is a very good drug for specific symptoms for some people.

I am sorry to read you also have muscular dystrophy.

I wish you a pain free life & to be able to enjoy life to the full - as far as anyone can!

With good wishes,

Ros

[Pooky7 in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you. May God bless you too

[MaryF Administrator in reply to lupus-support1]

Great Info! MaryF