Hi all , this is new to me I'm taking mtx 20mg once a week with 15 mg prednisolone daily and 5mg folic once a week ,my first went ok and today I just to my second MTX as well as prednisolone etc except I got a bladder infection thru week and doc gave me some antibiotics which I also took today , feeling a bit spacey and tired .is that normal or ok , I'm just alittle wary of the walk in medical centers advice atm as I dont see my specialist for another 6 weeks , can I also take other pain killers with this treatment to help me sleep.
TIA
Written by
SmithsOriginal
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi, the meds are what a lot of us here are on, they’re usual RA meds so try not to worry about that. Did your GP check that the antibiotic had no contraindications with Methotrexate as many of them do? I’d ring the out of hours doctor to ask their advice to allay any worries.
Oh and welcome to this site. It’s a great support network x
If you worry about the doses of meds you really should talk with you rheumie about it since there does seem to be different strategies. Very often mtx is started low and increased gradually. The same goes for pred. It all depends on your individual situation. But what you really nee is more info on why your doc has chosen your treatment strategy.
Simba yes that's right that is what is bothering me and what I need to ask, my rhuemy is only here in my town once a mth which is a bit frustrating , I will try get another number for him and ask a few more questions. Xx
The strategy should always be decided together with the patient.If you feel you are not geting enough info you can always try to get a second opinion. These meds are strong with side effects and you need to be comfortable with the treatment plan. Good luck. Simbq
Hi welcome here! I take nor mal painkillers such as paracetamol and over the counter drugs as suggested by the pharmacist. You could pop to one today or call the pharmacy and ask their advice. You can also call 111 the bus advice line.
I found GP the best at working out painkillers not the rheumy! And went at different times from paracetamol to ibuprofen to morphine as they prescribed it. So this weekend go to pharmacist and Monday I would try see up. You probably will need painkillers until RA drugs kick in and even after that.
I also find you water bottles and cold packs incredibly soothing.
Hope you enjoy the site and you get control of the RA soon Xx Xx
Good. It's so confusing and painful at the beginning. And unfortunately the RA drugs do take time to kick in. But hang on in their! You learn to be you own advocate in this game so call the gp and get hood painkillers some worked for me , others didn't. Call the rheumy helpline and tell them how you feel, occasionally they can even give you steroid jabs to tide you over. The NRAS page is brilliant as is their helpline....the number of times I've rang it just for some one to talk too!! And we are all here too for you .as they say ..been there, got the t-shirt!
Get your meds all together, then call your rheumy nurse.
Explain you have been given antibiotics .....there are some antibiotics that react badly with Mtx.
If you are in the UK....As it’s the weekend you could try calling 111...they have clinicians on duty who will know if it’s likely to be the antibiotics that are making you feel a bit spaced out.
If necessary they can get you an appointment at a local surgery to sort things out. If you do get an appointment...take all your meds with you.
I had a chest infection and the dr put me on a specific antibiotic that can only be taken with Methotrexate. I think he said penicillin reacts with methotrexate x
Hello All .I'm new to mtx had RA for twenty years the last five have felt dreadful been on these for 3 months and have felt A lot better . hoping I don't get any side effects as not so tired and aching bit queasy day after taking them but after reading posts on hear take them in the evening and not as bad so pleased I joined this site x
Hi, your Rhumatoid Nurse should have given you a contact telephone number, I remember reading that GP’s only have 6 weeks training for rheumatoid arthritis so the specialist Rhumatoid Nurses I have found very efficient and the GP’s will not overule them as they get their information and advice from their Rhumatoid Consultant with regards to medication these are the experts, hope that you get on alright.
Hi Sylvi, if you're taking Nitrofurantoin for your urinary tract infection, it's fine to take it with methotrexate. I was in the same situation over New Year, spoke a GP and consultant and they both said the same.
Hii it’s all such a minefield with RA. You WILL find the right meds but do as much research as you can, but on reliable websites as mentioned above.
Ask as many questions as you possibly want .. it’s your body and you need knowledge to help yourself. The medical teams are literally brilliant but not mind readers. I found taking charge of my own health the best way forward.
I also found 111 extremely useful they call you back if need be and will set you up an out of hours appointment if need be.
Ditto all that’s been said really but above all try to keep a positive upbeat outlook. Difficult sometimes, but helps in the long run. There is So much help out there. Good luck TTxx
Trimethoprim is the other antibiotic you should not take while on methotrexate. I speak from first hand experience as my GP prescribed it to me when was taking methotrexate and it was only thanks to my village pharmacist informing my wife that I only took 2 or 3 days worth and did not finish the full course.
I'm prone to urinary tract infections and have to stop taking all types of immune suppressing meds, including methotrexate, if I get an infection. I'm not saying that you need to do the same as different rheumatologists opinions on whether or not to stop methotrexate and other meds appear to differ. But I certainly would not take what your GP says as gospel and get in touch with your rheumy to find out what they want you to do.
I’m in the same dose of methotrexate as you (I inject mine), but I take 5mg of folic acid DAILY except for no dose on injection day, so that might be a query with pharmacist or rheumatology. With regards to antibiotics, always query their suitability with your other meds, the pharmacists are superb if you ask for help
I’m in a fairly good place with RA, but I do deal with regular fatigue! I was diagnosed about 15 years ago as a result of a dramatic flare up, but hydroxychloroquine sorted me out for a good few years. I started having flares again a few years ago.... coinciding with surgical menopause and some other health scares (ie a stessful time!). I’ve recently adjusted to working fewer days (job is physical and on feet all day). This change of hours and generally trying to manage stress and pace myself help a great deal! Best wishes x
Because she is not feeling well... so potentially her meds might need adjusting..... I’m not trying to be argumentative, different doctors follow different protocols.... it’s why it’s sometimes helpful to find out what is working for others.... 😊
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Timing of/taking supplements
skin flare up - drug side effects? Or just auto immune? 
Rheumy today - tests tests tests!
OMG Is Prednisolone a wonder drug?
