Methotrexate ???

[mickyb]

Hi all.

I’ve been on methotrexate for 6 years now. Started with 25m oral,have slowly reduced it and I inject 10m once a week now .

I also take 4x500mg of sulphasalzine daily.

How long can you stay on methotrexate ?

Is it forever?

Mick.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Mick. I suppose the answer is as long as it's effective for you & not causing troubles hepatically or indirectly, by increasing your BP, renally. I've been on it since 2009 & it still works well, better than the other 3 DMARDs I've tried, 1 before & 2 since starting it. That's good news you've been able to reduce your dose though, even with the support of SSZ. With the support of low dose pred I remain on 17.5mg, unable to increase the dose as it upsets my liver but I do take quite a few meds which are also having to go through it so I guess it's acceptable!

[helixhelix]

Someone on here has been on it for over 20 years....so don't think there is an upper limit.

[helenlw7]

I would think for as long as it is still working - I’ve been on it about 13 years.

[Riedenise]

As the others have said as long as it is working for you and also isn't causing you any trouble. I have been on mtx 5 years now. Firstly on tablets and now injections ( 4 half years) I am on 22.5 mg down from 25mg. Rheumy has tried a couple of times to reduce it to 20mg but it sends me into a flare. Iam also on 4 Sulfasalazine aday, folic acid and Rituximab.

[mrdiggs]

Have been on Methotrexate for about 4 1/2 yrs. now along with Prednisone and have tried coming off of it twice but not successful. Always end up with a nasty flare up and then they increase my dosage and I have to go through a long period of trying to cut the dosage down once the flare up has calmed down. Right now have cut back a little on the Meth. and having very sore wrists , feet and knees.My biggest complaint or problem with these drugs is I have had a terrible loss of hair to the point that I would guess if I stay on them I will be pretty close to totally bald in another 6 months to a year.The Meth. also makes me totally exhausted for about 2 to3 days after I take it and I developed a tear in the right ankle tendon which they think is due to the prednisone. Which also means it could happen in the other ankle and then I will be in real trouble. Now have a leather brace for right foot/ankle which most likely will be with me for ever.I'm really thinking of trying Embrel but have no idea if it will work and if I could get off the prednisone with taking that drug. I'm above ground, breathing and still pretty mobile and taking Advil when the pain won't let me sleep so I guess I'm doing pretty well. If anyone has any ideas would greatly appreciate.I think Micky the DRS. pretty much put you on a drug and if it seems to work they don't change a thing unless you raise hell bec. of something that only you can see or feel.It would appear that they all have drawbacks-----some worse than others.I really don't think they understand or know the cause of this disease, the long term use of most of these drugs on people (esp. with each person being a little different ) and how long they will work or what they are doing to your internal body.We just have to keep the faith and be aware of any changes to our physical being and let the Drs. know. Be pro-active and aware . I wish you good health and high spirits-Pam-------(otherwise known as " The Gimp: -bec. of ankle----LOL--keep laughing -good for the soul )