Experience with Methotrexate

[Kerjo530]

I was recently diagnosed with PSA and guven methotrexate. I started my first dose yesterday and promptly threw up.....all day on &I off. I'm still feeling waves of nauseousness today. Will this get better?

[Pat9442]

Not for me it didn't! But for many others yes it does

[helixhelix]

That's quite an extreme reaction. Can you get in touch with your rheumy team before your next dose is due?

[Barrister]

I restarted it a couple of weeks ago, added to enbrel. I was very nauseated with the first dose, lasting 5 days. I was dreading the next dose so saw my GP who prescribed cyclizine ( anti nausea medication) I took both the MTX and cyclizine just before going to bed - didn't feel sick at all the next morning. Clemmie

[AgedCrone]

If you literally threw up straight away it was probably not the Mtx....but your apprehension about taking it.......then feeling nauseous afterwards the same!

Try to get over the idea that it will make you sick.....I Ummed & Aahed in pain for years before taking Mtx....then when I eventually took it I had seven wonderful years....life was almost back to normal apart from the regular blood tests,

OK I eventually had to stop because of side effects......but I wouldn't change a thing.....except I should have taken it sooner!

If it's any help I took it at bedtime (having eaten dinner earlier) with plenty of water, then folic acid every day except Mtx day.

I worked on the premise that if I felt sick whilst I was asleep I wouldn't know about it & it would have settled before I woke up! That worked for me & a lot of others I know.

I do hope after the nausea subsides you will give it another try......because if it works for you....it is great........& if it doesn't don't stress, there are plenty of Dmards you can try.

I really hope you are writing in a few months time that you are sorted!

[nomoreheels]

How promptly were you sick? Transit time varies but if it was oral MTX it's not immediate. Did you take your dose in one go? I started MTX back in 2009 & to avoid reactions I was advised to take my then weekly 15mg dose through the day around mealtimes so I took two with breakfast, lunch & dinner. How often were you prescribed to take folic acid? It may help if one is the day before your MTX day, as I was prescribed when I had some nausea at the very start.

I hope it eases daily & next week you don't have a repeat. It would be very unusual if it's such a severe intolerance but if it eases your mind do contact your Rheumy nurse tomorrow.