hi. Im Tracey. 36 years old. I was diagnosed with lupus in september. I don't know a single person with it and it would be lovely to talk to people with it.
Im quite mild i think. Just started on mtx and feel a bit sick but ok.
Does the sickness last?
Hi Tracey - welcome!
I was diagnosed in June 2014 after suffering for 2.5 years. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome along with suspected APS.
I'm not on mtx but Plaquenil. I know when I first started taking Plaquenil, I had stomach issues and it was due to the generic form of the drug. Once I went on the name-brand, I've had no issues with the meds. Perhaps it is the same with mtx?
If you fill out your profile then we would know a little more about you (symptoms, etc.).
Tracy
Methotrexate is different from hydroxychloroquine. It is used to treat forms of cancer but in lower doses is helpful for some patients with SLE, especially if there is joint involvement. One of the side-effects is nausea and sickness and sometimes anti-sickness medication is prescribed. In my experience, the weekly injection is far better. MTX is an immunosuppressant which means the person has less resistance to viruses because it lowers the immune system. It is ironic that SLE makes the immune system over work and attacks its own cells and bodies; and taking immunosuppressants which makes us vulnerable to infections.
MTX is also a steroid-sparing drug which means that doctors no longer have to prescribe high levels of corticosteroids daily.
Be well!
Ros