Medication

[Wrexlu]

I have a question to ask. I am starting on the Methotrexate today just once a week. I have been given 10mg dose but 4 tablets at 2.5mg. Am I to presume that I take the tablets spaced out througout the day. 2.5mg 4 times a day?

I haven't been told how to take them other than once a week.

Lucy

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Wrexlu ,

I'd recommend speaking to your local pharmacist for advice about how best to take your medication. Have you also been prescribed folic acid?

[PMRpro]

The usual way to take mtx is as a single dose on one day of the week. The reason it comes as 2.5mg tablets and you take multiples is so there is no confusion about the dose in a single tablet and overdose is avoided. It has its downsides as several tablets to take but it is safer - it can also be obtained at 10mg tablets but NEVER from a GP, only a specialist and mostly for chemotherapy where much higher doses are used.

This is the handout from Guy's and St Thomas's hospital:

guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/reso...

It is very clear and easy to understand.

Remember, the folic acid is only to be taken on other days - not the same day as the mtx and mtx is only taken one day a week - never more.

[Ianrussell69]

I was told single dose but ring Rumi nurse or pharmacist

[HazelW]

I have always taken mine as a single dose & take folic acid every day except Saturday - the day I take the methotrexate.

[tdbsnoball in reply to HazelW]

I take folic acid too nd i have lupus also

[Joy_1]

Hi

I have UCTD and MTX is my saviour!

Yes do get advice. I was told to take them in one hit. You should also get a 2 or 3 page side effects sheet from the Pharmacist. Do read it carefully and stick to the rules. If you don't understand anything then go back to the Pharmacist they are fab and I find they are keen to spend time with you.

Don't freak out by the list of side effects. I did get about 5 of the side effects but not at 10mg. My side effects kicked in when I hit 15 mg. So hopefully you will be fine. If you do get any side effects then come back to us as we all have hints and tips that work wonders at reducing or getting rid of them.

Hope MTX works its magic for you too!

Joy

[Wrexlu in reply to Joy_1]

Thank you lovely xx

[Tiras]

I also take the methotrexate once a week. I take 12.5 mg (5 tables) every Sunday morning. I take mine all at the same time.

Hope this helps some?

[Wrexlu in reply to Tiras]

Yes thank you it did. The next time I will take it all in one dose.

[Tiras in reply to Wrexlu]

I’ve been talking my methotrexate like this for 7 or 8 years.

[Tiras in reply to Wrexlu]

I will tell you this, between Lupus and methotrexate you will probably experience hair loss. I have absolutely no body hair, and I had thick hair on my head, and it is going fast!

Don’t want to alarm you, just kinda let you know what to expect.

[Kath1]

Hi Lucy, I started with the tablets and would take them all after dinner once a week. I was told it takes a little while to build up in your system and for you to get use to it. The tablets did make me feel a bit sick so I have now switched to the injections. My advice would be to drink lots of water and if you feel a bit sick try to eat as that seems to help me. Keep in touch with your doctor/nurse as they help a lot. Just a note as I read the last reply, I have the 20mg injection and I have no hair loss, it can happen but everyone is different so don't worry. I have taken methotrexate for well over a year now and it works really well for me. Take care and I hope the tablets work well for you!