MTX

[jane119]

Hi all I am changing my dose of MTX ( I use the pen) from 15mg to 20mg a week. This iso I can come off prednisolone.

I haven't had any previous side effects but I feel worried about the increased dose.

Does anybody else take 20mg and are they ok?

[Gameo]

Hi Jane I take both and my mxt dose is 15mg all I can say is my GP has said I should come off my prednisolone slowly as my rummy took me of them to quick and my pain returned so be careful with regard to the dose of mxt I have been told of people taking a bigger dose so 20MG is not to bad

[Rawelham]

I have used 20mg injection for several years after oral 20mg dose didn't quite do the job, then got Etanercept added in too. I didn't have any increased side effects from injectable, so hopefully you won't either, some people get swapped as it's better tolerated than oral. Good luck with the dose increase xx

[nomoreheels]

Hiya jane119. When I changed from MTX tablets to injections my Consultant increased the dose from 15mg to 20mg with the idea of tapering my deflazacort but my liver objected to the increase so it was necessary to go back down to 15mg & stay on low dose deflazacort. Do remember though we all have varying types of RD, differing severity & reaction to meds. If you experience side effects worsening due to the increases of MTX do contact your Rheumy team, you may need your folic acid increasing, that is if it's possible.

I hope you don't have any problems & the increase helps. I'm still on the syringes by the way.

[jaydeeh]

Hi Jane I've never used prednisolone but I do use MTX pen but only 12.5mg, I don't seem to tolerate it at higher doses. My new consultant was rather horrified I think as she said she never gives less than 20mg. But left me at this for the moment as I'm doing ok, I've been doing ok since my last flare-up in August. Otherwise my neutrophil count goes OTT! I also take 2 Hydroxychloroquine a day.

So I think it's a matter of seeing how your body tolerates it. They decided I could have a lower dose in a pen and still get the equivalent of 15mg, my tolerance level and started this in September.

I found that at first the pens gave me nausea but that's eased now and I find it a much better alternative than orally (no more mouth ulcers - hooray!)

[jane119]

Thanks all. Well I will start the higher dose come off the steroids slowley and see how I go.

[dleadley]

Hi I am on 22.5mg dose and have no problems it will probably be increased next time I see nurse specialist I have tried other meds to run along side but I couldn't tolerate them