I see that's so many people on different doses of the methotrexate and as you go up on it at some point you start getting more side effects

I wonder how you know when the doses right for you I take the injection

[Scottishlad]

Dose depends on your own RA and your response (we are all different) . For me 15mg was okay for a while, eventually reached 25mg but even that was not enough. Looking back side effects started at 20mg only mouth sores not sickness or anything else.

Been put on biologic therapy for last 6 months plus 10mg MTX. Going well fingers crossed that it continues like this.

Some people have severe side effects on quite small doses, so there are no hard and fast rules for methotrexate.

Many people do well on MTX for many years. Others cannot tolerate it at all. Please start with an open mind. Some take it at night to help with the nausea some suffer. Folic acid helps with side effects but make sure you follow any instructions about timing as it can cancel out the beneficial effects of MTX.

[Hidden in reply to Scottishlad]

Thank you for the info, I'll just play by year and see what happens.

[Hidden]

Hello BOB here

Tomorrow I will be starting Methotrexate I was supposed to start last Friday, it had to be put off as they had not given me Folic Acid to take with the injection, that reduces the contraindications associated with the drug.

Over the years I have been on this horrible medication several times. The cut for me cannot go above 10mg as I become very ill with this drug. as it effects the white blood count, as it touches the floor

Some people can take upwards 20mg of the stuff and it is stepped up in fives and tens, and many patients stay on it for quite long periods. Sadly I take a long time to recover my immune system, ten years ago they took me to 20mgs and it took an age to get back to normal

So taking a long time to explain, this medication does not work the same on many patient who are taking it.

All the best

BOB

[Hidden]

Guess it was a silly question just like everything else everybody's different so we'll see what happens thank you

[kernowapple]

When I started MTX it was 12.5mgs a week in the tablet form. I must admit that at first I felt sick and dizy with this for a couple of days after taking the MTX but after a short time this did stop my aches and pains started to subdue and my mobility improved over a period of time the dosage has come down now I take just 5mgs a week and I am feeling better all the time. MTX has worked for me and has given me am improved quality of life.

[bingochristine]

I was on 7.5mg on MTX once a week and found it really good, I was very fortunate I had no side affects. However, when I had my routine blood tests I was called by the hospital and told to stop taking it immediately as my liver function tests were extremely high. I have to say I was disappointed as MTX did seem to have really good affects on the swellings on my hand. I have now had a rest and have been put back on MTX, I now take two a week along with the folic acid, so really hoping things will be ok this time around.

[Pands]

I have been on varying amounts up to and including 25mg/week (had RA for 15+ yrs) and tolerated it really well until the last year or so where I have had to have it reduced to 15mg because of the nausea/illness/feeling rubbish. I also have been on Humira for over 5 years.

I now feel literally feel like I am poisoning myself with the MTX every week - and that is something that is new to me. Bloods etc are all fine so no toxicity as such that is is being measured - just me feeling rough!

[Hidden in reply to Pands]

I'm pretty new to the methotrexate. I could not tolerate the pills even 7.5 made me sick I use the Injection and now I'm on 13.5 a week I got a lot of side effects but not nausea thank goodness! Are you taking the pills or the injection? I understand what you mean about putting something toxic in your body each week. I don't sleep well Friday nights because I know Saturday I get the shot

[171142]

Going for bone density test don't know what to expect any info on this test

[Hidden in reply to 171142]

Ive had a bone density scan some years ago and im about to ask if this can be repeated. The thing is one scan will not give enough info unless the results can be compared (hence me asking for another one) well this is what my gp said. I have psoriatic and rh arthritis and it is the psoriatic that has gone into my hip bones...q painfull. I take 20mg of mtx tablet form and although I tolerate it well im still in psin so maybe they might change next time??? Good luckto you

[honeybee13 in reply to 171142]

First thing don't worry. I had one of these in October. Was very simple, laid on a bed in a gown. Did not have to go into a tunnel, the machine came over me, all done in 10 minutes...simples :0)

[Hidden]

It's a machine that scans your body it doesn't touch you it goes over you

It takes just a few minutes