How has methotrexate helped you?

[chelleD]

I understand that mtx slows down the progression and therefore decreases deformities and disability but what day to day benefits(if any) can I hope to get. I take 25mg weekly tablet form and am tolerating it well now with no side effects since taking folic acid daily except mtx day

[net2012]

Hi Chelle. I am on MTX 20mg. Been on it for 2 years. My consultant said my RA is grumbling so I had sulphasazaline added which to be honest I never felt any difference on that. I have moved on to biologics only recently but had to stop all meds as on antibiotics for 4 weeks and boy do I miss MTX I never realised what a good job it was doing until I came off it. All the joints that I have ever had flares in are now hurting every day and all day and it is not the grumbling that I had before. So I would say mtx is a pretty good drug and like you I tolerate it well. You may get the odd flare on it I hear people still can have flares which ever drug you are on. Hopefully you will be well monitored and be able to tell your rheumy if you feel it is not working. My rheumy nurse said she does not get the patients in with the deformities that she had a few decades before, so certainly think it does keep RA at a certain level and for some people mtx is the only drug they need. Each of us with RA is very different and goes on their own journeys. Good luck and hope the mtx is good for you. Jeanette

[Hidden]

Hi Chelle,

I have put a link about methotrexate here for you, it is from our site and I hope you will find helpful.

nras.org.uk/methotrexate-in...

Glad to hear that you appear to be tolerating the MTX well with no side effects. I'm not sure how long you have been on the MTX but it is also worth bearing in mind that it can take up to 12 weeks to feel benefit from the medication, however although you may not notice any benefit during this time, it is likely that the MTX will still be working. It can be prescribed on its own but often if will be prescribed with another DMARD , which is then known as combination therapy.

Hope this has helped. Do give us a call on helpline if you need any further information.

We are here Mon - Fri 9.30am -4.30pm Our freephone number is : 0800 298 7650

Regards

Sally

( NRAS Helpline)

[chelleD in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sally thats really helpful