Methotrexate vs Mycophenolate?

[PositivelyLupus]

Hi all, would anyone be able to tell me the difference between Mycophenolate and Methotrexate as they seem very similar apart from the Jaundice from Methotrexate.

I'm 21 and was diagnosed at 16, currently on Mycophenolate and have been for 1-2 years now, I don't really have any side effects from it however this year I have been feeling not quite myself health wish. I developed pericarditis in February and have been suffering with foot inflammation this year, plus the normal lupus symptoms... fatigue, rheumatic pains in fingers, knees, neck etc... but worse than it has been in the past.

My Rheumy suggested that I change to Methotrexate but I feel a bit worried about it as it seems stronger and the effects seem a lot worse. I even need to attend a lesson about it before taking it! Anyone had any experience with either / or both medications? It would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Ruby

[Ashleye]

Good day, sorry to hear about your discomfort, i take Folic acid with the Methotrexate and it really helps a lot, hope you feel better soon Methotrexate is hard on the liver mine is damaged but it seems that it is the only medicine thus far that really help with Lupus. Hope it will help with your concern about Methotrexate.

Take care

[Kjmarsh]

Diagnosed with RA 30 years ago(aged 30), and eventually SLE, 10 years ago. Was on Methotrexate until diagnosed with SLE, didn't find it did anything for my joints. Then put on Mycophenolate with SLE and am much better. Drugs affect different people in different ways. Try it, you may find it works well for you, but remember, it's your body, you can always say you don't like it and ask to change

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Welcome to LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) at HealthUnlocked Ruby!

The question you ask is dependent on the symptoms you have. Only your own lupus specialist can give you the information you need and they are the only person you should listen to!

What I can say is that Mycophenolate is usually used where there is lupus nephritis, that is, when lupus affects the kidneys and has proven effective.

The symptoms you describe may indicate to your rheumatologist that MTX may address your symptoms better than Mycophenolate.

It is not the case that one is "stronger" than the other. It is about which medication is better to alleviate your symptoms and having experience in MTX, I can understand why you are being asked to consider MTX. I assume you will be having the injectionable form, ONCE a week. I recommend this since MTX can cause nausea/sickness. You will also be asked to take Folic Acid every day EXCEPT on the day you take the MTX. MTX has also been used successfully for treating rheumatoid arthritis and for inflammatory bowel disease.

As always, listen to your own doctor and have a list of questions you want answered.

I hope this is helpful to you.

We also have another website called the LuPUS Message Board where you can also post questions and talk to other people. Registration is FREE and we offer free information and free online psychological support. We specialise in psychological support with our own counsellor/psychotherapist available.

By becoming a Member, you will have access to the private forums and because they are private, only Members have access and even bots and search engines are forbidden.

When you register, please use the following format for entering your date of birth: nn-nn-nnnn where n=number. Please use the "-" separator and not "/".

Finally, please go to: lupus-support.org/LuPUSMB and Sign Up.

I look forward to talking with you more!

Sometimes we need to talk to people who understand and who are not family or friends.

With good wishes!

Ros

Disclaimer: No attempt is made to diagnose or to make any medical judgement. You are advised to seek the advice from your own physician. LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) is not a substitute for your own doctor.

[claretech]

I had/have CNS Lupus and used Methotrexate for a year and a half. I had no side effects and it has put my Lupus into remission. My neurologist believes that it is now completely under control and is unlikely to flare again. I had to take folic acid with it, but not the day of my dose and for the day either side of it. I was very nervous of taking it at first, but was very fortunate that it worked for me with no side-effects.

[PositivelyLupus]

Hi all, thank you for your help! In the end I decided mycophenolate was not right for me, but I also felt that methotrexate didn't feel right either. So my doctor switched me back to azathioprine (which I was fine on before I can't remember why I got taken off it) and I've been totally fine ever since! *touch wood*

Thank you all for your knowledge and information it has been really helpful xxx