Is it just me?

[Hels1989]

Or does it seem weird that taking Mtx just once a week can do anything. I know it takes 12 weeks to kick in properly or whatever but I think because all my other meds’ I take every day it seems weird that a medication that is only taken once a week can work efficiently. Just sat here wondering about things and it just popped into my head 😂 sorry for the random post x

[helixhelix]

It's basically because it works so well that you only need to take it once a week....it tweaks a bit of your immune system, and it's not good to over tweak it. So then you have 6 days that you leave it be. The idea is to calm the immune system not suppress it, so just once a week works fine.

[Hels1989 in reply to helixhelix]

Yeah true. I think it’s just because I take hydroxychloroquine twice a day and that’s a DMARD too so seems strange xx

[SoulmanPaul in reply to Hels1989]

Hi Hels. I googled 'why take Mtx only once a week' and found very little. Just that taking it daily was extremely dangerous. Re: mtx/Hydroxychloroquine.......theyre both dmards true but they work differently...mtx is a cancer drug....hydroxychloroquine is a malaria drug used for its anti inflammatory properties.

Paul

[Hels1989 in reply to SoulmanPaul]

Ah right ok. Strange how they all work isn’t it!

[nomoreheels]

It's only taken weekly because it's a such a strong med which was first developed as a cancer drug, though used daily for a specified period of time in that form & with a recovery med to reduce toxicity. It's not particularly pleasant reading but I think this link explains some of your question Hels theconversation.com/weekly-.... It's not a UK publication so some brands, costs & such may not be familiar.

[Hels1989 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks Hun x

[nomoreheels in reply to Hels1989]

How's things? Still feeling ok?

[Hels1989 in reply to nomoreheels]

Surprisingly absolutely fine!!!! Tiny bit more tired than normal but that could just be a coincidence I guess! Will see next Tuesday night and Wednesday how I get on. Thanks for asking Hun. I’ve always said I have a strong stomach though and maybe I am right haha xx

[nomoreheels in reply to Hels1989]

Good! Don't want to be a Debbie downer but the next few weeks will tell, that said you're not guaranteed to get any! Being a little more tired the following day is one of just two minor ones I have, prob mentioned this though. x

[Hels1989 in reply to nomoreheels]

Yeah I kind of already told myself next week may be different. X

[Ali_H]

I think it’s probably something to do with the 1/2 life of the different meds and how quick/slow they are at being metabolised by the body... that’s a semi-educated guess!!!

Ali

[Hels1989 in reply to Ali_H]

Sounds like a good guess to me Hun x

[Stacy31]

I started my first injection on mtx on Tuesday. Was very tired and disoriented Wednesday/Thursday, took my folic acid tablet Thursday and perked up on Friday. I'm on 7.5mg. How !such you on? They are increasing me to 10 soon x

[Hels1989 in reply to Stacy31]

I’m in 10mg tablets honey x

[Hidden]

I've only been on it 5weeks, dread taking it every Sunday night but can't say I've noticed a difference yet, guess I'll have to sit and wait for it to kick in and do it's bit.

[nattynooo]

i was on methotrexate from the beginning of March tablets for 6 weeks then switched to injections. (with sukfasalosine daily) I didn't really honestly notice the difference till about 18 to 20 weeks. so stick with it. i moved last week to benepali (biologic) as my rheumatologist wanted my the have better results then what I was getting. but the mtx was good. I have had one benepali Injection and I can feel it helping already. Amazing. good luck x

[Diane004]

Just watch hair loss and mouth and nose ulcers. I have always had monthly blood tests and had to stop the MTX for a couple of weeks because of liver spikes, then start again. I have 20mg MTX weekly and Paquinol daily. I take 2 folic acid every day now and that seems to have stopped the hair loss. I take the MTX on Thursday night. I work full time and that seems to be the best night for me.