methotrexate

[hornet2525]

does methotrexate cause weigh gain? Does anyone know

[Jacki08]

Hi--- to be quite honest before I was diagnosed I put about 12 lbs on as my inflammation got worse. I've been on mthx for a year now and as my disease is " under control" , my weight has gone back to normal. The weight seemed to dissappear with the swelling. 😊

[Suebouncer]

That's somthink I'd like to no too, been on it for nearly 2years, I'm now on a diet, it might just be me thou, I do like a bit of choccie and cake,

[helixhelix]

There are some drugs that make you retain water, or stimulate your appetite, and are renowned for weight gain - like steroids. But MTX isn't one of them. I think the most likely is that if you feel rubbish then you can lose your appetite, or just go off food a bit. And if MTX makes you feel better then you start eating happily again, but perhaps with less exercise than you used to do so you gain weight.

[calflo]

I've gained weight on methotrexate but don't believe it's the drug. For me it's the side affects. The day after taking my methotrexate I suffer from terrible nausea which makes me want to eat all day!!! X

[Sooty-2 in reply to calflo]

I also was nausea the day after taking methotrexate. Changed my time of taking them, l take them half an hour before going to bed and l suffer very little the next day.

It's worth trying this it may work for you, l feel so much better having a 7 day week instead of 6 and a nausea one. Hope it works for you.

[calflo in reply to Sooty-2]

Hi Sooty-2 I take my medication on Monday half an hour before going to bed too. I still suffer nausea on a Tuesday, however some days are better than others. I try to drink plenty of water and keep busy to take my mind of wanting to eat!!!!! That said I can't complain as apart from the odd flare up I can't complain as my RA seems to be relatively under control. I do go to the gym and try and eat plenty of fish and veg which I think helps too, x

[Sooty-2 in reply to calflo]

Hi wish l knew why some seem less affected by mex l also want to eat to get rid of nausea. Have been on it for nearly 4 years in the early days l used to feel extremely off it on the day l took my meds, pleased it's not as bad.

I like u go to gym and Pilates and feel this keeps me going.

Will not let it win. We just have to keep fighting it as best we can xx

[Lexiemay13]

Not that I no of X

[Jora]

I wish I could blame my weight gain on Methotrexate, but I don't think I can. I am also on 10 mg Prednisilone, which supposedly leads to weight gain as it makes you hungry. But in my case (I can't speak for anyone else), I'm sure the main culprit is a huge reduction in exercise. I used to walk a lot, but now it's bus, taxi, a kind friend. I make a point of walking a little every day, but it's not at an aerobic rate. J

[Karen77]

Since I switched from tabs to injections (16 months ago), I've gained 10 kg. But I've also slept poorly, eaten poorly, and done little to no exercise, so I feel it's unfair to blame the MTX and in fact, I recently sent out the same post & got the same response. So no magic wands here, unfortunately.

[Hidden]

Hi- I actually lost weight but I think it was for two reasons, the inflammation from the RA and secondly the nausea and diarrhea from the medications including Methotrexate, Plaquinil, Sulphasalazine & Leflunomide. Now I am on Methotrexate (inj) and CIMZIA and my weight has stabilized and I have no systemic side effects! What a relief. Take care, cheers Doreen

[Dianemikey4948]

I lost a stone when I started on Methytrexate four years ago and have to say that my appetite never returned to what it was prior to taking the meds! Good for me though as I always struggled to maintain a healthy weight, good luck😀

[Sharon56]

I changed from Methotrexate tabs to injections. The tablets caused me problems with my bowel. Also nausea I'm much better now although I don't like giving myself the injection.