Methotrexate : Well today is the day I start my... - NRAS

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Methotrexate

Deejojo profile image
64 Replies

Well today is the day I start my

Methotrexate there just sat on the kitchen table at minute my

Nerves are on edge thinking 💭 about taking them

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Deejojo profile image
Deejojo
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64 Replies
JacquiThomas999 profile image
JacquiThomas999

Take them tonight with plenty of water. Hopefully any sickness will happen over night.

in reply to JacquiThomas999

Have some food with them stops me from getting nausea

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50

Morning

I remember that feeling of dread well. However, once taken a couple of times, fir most of us, they just become yet another tablet we take.

Deep breath......

Wishing you well

Marie

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo

I just don't want to be woken up with the sickness if u get me ?? As I take amitryptalime as well I know I'm such a scaredy cat 🐱 😔

in reply to Deejojo

Not everyone gets sick hun. I get sleepy and somewhat stupid...so I do not do any internet banking..... now that is a story I shall tell you about one day...

Joya_banerjee1 profile image
Joya_banerjee1 in reply to Deejojo

If Methotrexate suits you, hopefully you will not feel sick. It does wear out people in the long run but unfortunately that is one of the best medicines for RA. Dn't be scared i a on this drug for the past 5 years. It has its side effects but you will have regular blood tests.

Good luck !

I'm here with you. Just swallow the pills and take a big drink of water. I've got your back hun.

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to

Have u taken yours yet ??? Xx

in reply to Deejojo

Friday is my day.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Deejojo

Mine are due to be taken today. Get your glass of water and we can do it together?

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Eiram50

Ok but I think I'm gonna spread them out take 2 now then 2 with lunch and last 2 at bed xx

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Deejojo

I take mine all together- never been given the option of doing it differently?

I've got my water now and about to take mine; happy to do it alongside you but you take your time x

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Eiram50

There still sat there on kitchen table looking at me 🙀xx

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Deejojo

Taken mine.

You take your time. It's always a difficult one and whilst I understand the reasons why, I like many others have found it one of the most helpful meds.

When you do take it, just remember to drink lots of water throughout the day and also As Sue and others have said, other than tiredness, foggy mind and feeling a little sick, that eases over the day or so - most manage to take it with no further negative effect .

Take care

Marie

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Eiram50

Just taken my first 2 xx

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Deejojo

Well done ; I know it's hard but the hardest bits hopefully over for you. Now drink lots of waster throughout the day, take things easy and be kind to yourself. X

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Eiram50

WAter!

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Eiram50

Thank you everyone xxx

popsmith1874 profile image
popsmith1874

Sunday nights my night drink plenty off water and you will be ok

Swanky profile image
Swanky

Hi I have been on met ages little tip have they given you the gastro pills i.e. Naproxen and so on ? because I was not on gastro at first and felt sick a lot. also don't take folic with met ok fine any other day just not your met day ! How many you taking 6 ? Best of luck to you x Simon.

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Swanky

6 but I'm spreading them out over the day

Swanky profile image
Swanky in reply to Deejojo

Best to take them all the same time every week ok so you get use to it quicker x be better for you don't take folic with them. X

Swanky profile image
Swanky

Monday is my day and I always feel strange on a Monday to be fair x

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

Well done on taking your first 2 Denise. Now at lunch eat some food, pick up the next 2 & before you swallow pop them in your mouth & swallow with the food & have a drink. The first time is always the worst, you've done that so next time should be easier.... right?! Right! x😅

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to nomoreheels

Let's hope so xx

SassyRA profile image
SassyRA

Tuesday is my day I take 2 in the am & 2 in pm I make sure to always take with food. I have been taking them since 4/18/17

LizzieR profile image
LizzieR in reply to SassyRA

Well done Deejojo- it is scary x

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to LizzieR

Thank you Hun I take 6 a day but I just took 2 this morning and gonna take 2 with lunch and last 2 tonight feel a bit lightheaded is that normal ???? 😛x

SassyRA profile image
SassyRA in reply to Deejojo

I found when I don't eat enough I feel funny, when that happens I eat a piece of toast or crackers

Hobbledehoy profile image
Hobbledehoy in reply to Deejojo

Dear Deejojo, please check with your RA nurse, 'cos I don't think it is a good idea to spread them out like that - not to mention that you will make it complicated for yourself. We're supposed to take them about the same time each week; I take the Folic Acid at about the same time the following day - that helps me to get into a routine & remember it. And try to look on the positive side: you must be suffering for the MXT to be prescribed at all - just consider how, with luck, your symptoms will be alleviated! Down the hatch and Good Luck!

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Hobbledehoy

It was how I was recommended to me when I started on MTX tablets, take 2 with the three main meals & it worked for me, no side effects of note. They'll still be taken at the same time each week. What leads you to to think it's a not a good idea if you don't mind?

Hobbledehoy profile image
Hobbledehoy in reply to nomoreheels

Only erring on the side of caution because, as you will realise from others' posts, this is not the usual way of taking them - only said I Think it's not a good idea, not making a flat statement of contradiction. Matters rarely set in concrete! Any concerns, though, should be talked over with our RA nurse as well as our friends. It's their job to be "bothered" by us! Best wishes.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Hobbledehoy

If you do a quick search you'll find the dose is often recommended to be split, for two reasons. The first is that it's considered side effects may be fewer or less troublesome by not taking all the dose in one go. The second is splitting the dose increases the bioavailability compared with a single dose, by 28%. So absorption relative to delivering MTX subcut is 76% (single dose) as opposed to 90% (split dose). But of course we always recommend if unsure always check with the initial prescriber, we can only share our experience.

Hobbledehoy profile image
Hobbledehoy in reply to nomoreheels

I stand corrected! This is all new to me, so I'm on a learning curve thanks to you guys! Will ask my RA nurse/Consultant if that would be even better for me.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Hobbledehoy

On the contrary, you should always question any advice which differs from your Rheumy's. That said if the advice applies to self help & possible continuation on a med when side effects are being tricky it's worth asking your Rheumy about it. If it's agreed well that's good, if not at least it shows you're being proactive about your condition/s.

Pleased you found my post about sulfasalazine helpful too!

LizzieR profile image
LizzieR

Yes! But the longer you take them for, the more you get used to it I think. If it gets bad ( I'm sure it won't) you can ask for injections x

Ceddy123 profile image
Ceddy123 in reply to LizzieR

I believe the injections work better and faster and won't irritate your stomach if you have a sensitive stomach at least that's what my experience has been I'm sure it's not the same for everyone . Good luck and well wishes

Well done on the first two. Keep us informed though on your next challenge.

Remember. IF NEEDS, MUST.. 👍

Ruth x

Seashoreshanty profile image
Seashoreshanty

Hi well done taking the mtx. I started mine tuesday. Took folic acid on monday then six mtx all together on tuesday morning. Will see how it goes may change to taking the mtx at night. But i feel ok. Maybe a bit more tiredness on tues / wednesday. Stomach ok at the moment. Also on prednisolone at the moment for another 15 days, gradually reducing them. Good luck.

enthusiatjc profile image
enthusiatjc

Good luck! Try not to think about it. I have noticed that it helps when I keep myself distracted. I take mtx on friday nights and try to keep myself busy on the weekend. Some side effects are hard to ignore, but it gets better with time. I have been on mtx for 15 years (at varying doses). I get nauseous just thinking about it, but I have come to believe that the benefits outweigh the side effects. I stopped mtx for about 3 years because I got to a point where I was so fed up of the meds, esp. mtx. But it didn't do me any good. It was during those 3 years that some deformities started setting in. I am back on it now with a lesson learnt :)

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

How are things this morning Denise?

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to nomoreheels

Been on toilet 🚽 all morning felt a bit queasy and a headache but ok now xx

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Deejojo

Some do report the same but usually it eases. Take it easy & rest over the weekend. x

Seashoreshanty profile image
Seashoreshanty

Hang in there! It will get better.

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Seashoreshanty

Thanxs hun I'm ok will help with the weight loss ha ha xx

walterine73 profile image
walterine73

My husband is 82 and has been on (4 )metotrexades for about 6 years.Works well and doctor instructed him to take 2 folic acid pills before he takes his methotrexade.That blocks the toxins.He is doing well.I was afraid just like you.He takes his once a week.My pharmacist says that is the oldest and safest.

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to walterine73

I thought u couldn't take folic acid with your methotrexate I take mine the days I don't take methotrexate x

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Deejojo

Normally we're asked not to take folic acid the same day as MTX Denise you're right. This is because it reduces the effectiveness of the MTX. There may be a specific reason this gentleman's Rheumy has asked him to take his the same day. x

Damaged profile image
Damaged

Hi Deejojo, welcome to the club lol The tablets may cause you some side effects but they are generally mild. If the side effects get worse you can switch to injections. With injections the side effects are far less.

If you have no allergies you should do just fine. Remember when you are reading that everyone is affected in unique ways. My Rheumy and I just discussed the need to tolerate some side effects. When you consider the damage this disease can do internally you need to weigh pros and cons. Not so long ago , people with RD ended up in institututions and wheelchairs. The drugs do suck! But the diseases sucks more lol

I find I need to treat myself. On injection days I will buy a dessert or do a spa day, nails, something to reward myself for doing injections. Be good to yourself. They are developing all kinds of things these days. Soon they will create a little nano bot that can go in and fix everything lol 😂

Damaged profile image
Damaged

I always make MTX day Saturday so that you have Sunday to rest.

FatJoints profile image
FatJoints

Hiya, I understand completely! I read so many scare stories online before taking methotrexate - sometimes scare stories are the worst bit lol. I've only been taking it a few weeks but my stomach is so fussy I didn't even try tablets and instisted on injection straight off, even though I'm squeamish. Definitely something to think about. If I can self-inject I promise you anyone can, it's easy.

Hope all works out well :-) x

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to FatJoints

Thank u soooo much xx

SueB profile image
SueB

I've been on mtx since 2009. I had some nausea at first but increasing folic acid days helped that. As far as I'm concerned it is magic medicine. With it I lead a normal life. When diagnosed I couldn't hold a pen ( I'm a teacher!) and my first question was would I end up in a wheel chair. Today I mostly forget I have RA. Just take the tablets and go for blood tests. Long may it continue.

Sue

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to SueB

Thank u xx

Blythegirl profile image
Blythegirl

It really does get better. Beware- sometimes anxiety leads you to experience being lightheaded, nauseous and some other things. Relax...you're on your way to getting better.

I have taken MTX for 6 months. My side effects faded after 2-3 weeks. Mild occasional side effects now.

LyndaKenny profile image
LyndaKenny

I'm in my 6th dose now. I take two tablets after breakfast and two after dinner and so far no side effects that I know of. I was exactly like you, very reluctant to take any meds.

Swanky profile image
Swanky

#Deejojo how did you get on with your Met hope your feeling ok x Simon.

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Swanky

Felt

A

Little sicky and Tummy a bit upset

But ok

Selbel profile image
Selbel

Hi chick, I started mine Monday and been fine so far I have been drinking plenty of water wether that's helped? Hope all goes well I take my next batch Monday xxx

Roggles profile image
Roggles

Good luck please let me know how you get on. I start my Methotrexate on 20th July 17.

Deejojo profile image
Deejojo in reply to Roggles

Will do hun

L-DL profile image
L-DL

Hi Deejojo,

I have been taking Methotrexate for a couple of months now. I found the nausea wore off after a few days, but it's not the same for everyone. Eating immediately before you take it is definitely good advice. I have been told by my nurse that if nausea is a problem, you can have the drug in a subcutaneous injection weekly, thus bypassing the stomach.

Hello. Don't worry about methotrexate. I have been on it for over 30 years snd I am still here. It works. Good luck. Don't miss the blood tests.

Kolson27 profile image
Kolson27

I was diagnosed with Lupus 5 years ago and I put off going on MTX for 2 years. I was so afraid of how it would make me feel and the side effects. Then I had 2 straight months of the worst flares of my life; so I went crying Uncle to my Rheumy and told him I would take MTX. He took one look at my joints and said I had ALSO developed RA. I beat myself up for a long time over my hesitancy to go on MTX. He was trying to save my joints, and I dragged my feet. The truth is, the side weren’t that bad. I do feel sick for 2-3 days, but NOTHING LIKE those bad flares I was having. I had a follow up today and I’m better but not good enough and he put me on injections. I opened my mouth to protest, wanting to stay on the pills as long as I can; then promptly closed it. He’s trying to save my joints, I told myself.

Best of luck to you!!

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