So I've been experiencing a lot of pain in some joints now for almost 2 weeks, barely sleeping, so I decided this morning to visit my gp for some stronger pain relief. Currently I've just been taking paracetamol and ibuprofen. So it was a new doctor that I saw and he just did not know what was what. So he decided I could try naproxen but then the computer flagged up that this was a warning. So he decided to look up 'methotrexate' and he was like oh this is a hospital drug you really should see your consultant? I also explained that on my sore joints there was slight bruising and I definitely didn't knock them (both elbows and both knees). To this he told me to stop my methotrexate immediately and do not take it again until I speak to my consultant, and definitely do not take anymore ibuprofen. I was also sent for bloods which I only got done last week even though all my bloods have been completely normal? So I'm completely confused why have I been told to stop methotrexate? I've responded really well to it I have no nasty side effects, it just isn't helping the joint pain enough yet. And are you really not allowed ibuprofen? I know no one is medically trained but people on here would certainly know more than the gp I saw this morning.
Advice needed: So I've been experiencing a lot of pain... - NRAS
Advice needed
Hi I get told to stop methotrexate when after blood test something not rite with them hospital usually ring me , they say keep off 1week then have another blood test if that’s ok they ring to say go back on them,
My bloods have all been fine, they are checked every 2 weeks, I rang my rheumy Secretary someone will hopefully be in touch before Monday as that's when I take my tablets.
Yes theyil probably be tday it’s important
Hopefully so I can get some answers as I'm just baffled with the gp.
Unexplained bruising can be a red flag symptom, so your doctor is being very careful and thorough with you. And if there is some underlying issue - which is hugely unlikely - then taking any kind of anti-inflammatory is not recommended.
So very frustrating, but he is just being cautious. Which he should have explained!
If it was large black bruising I would fully understand his concern but it really is only minor bruises around the joints that are causing pain. He was referring that methotrexate and ibuprofen should not be used together but I am certain I have read other posts about people taking them together. He prescribed co codamal instead. It is frustrating because I feel a big fuss has been made over nothing but it's like you said he's only be cautious.
Beware Ibuprofen and all other NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause ulcers and internal bleeding, so your GP is right to be cautious.
Thank you I won't be taking it again since I've been instructed not to.
Call your rheumy nurse & get her advice .....she may be able to get you an appointment quite quickly with your rheumatologist . GP’s .....experienced or not .....on the whole do not have the knowledge to deal with the drugs used for RA.
Yes I got that feeling today with him and he did admit himself that methotrexate was a specialist hospital drug so I did ring my rheumy Secretary explained everything to her and she told me I would get a call back before Friday. However the gp I saw this morning did ring this evening just to check I was ok, told me my bloods will be back by Friday as he marked them urgent, so overall it was thoughtful of him. He did explain on the phone he was concerned about the platelet count.
Most Gps know very little about RA and they tend to be more cautious. A GP will get flustered over a blood test as a Rheumatologist will just say with in normal rang. Ibuprofen can be taken but not on the same day that you take metherdrexate as you can bleed if your blood is too thin ( bruising) any adverse reaction then you should stop taking ibuprofen. I had an unexplained allergic reaction a very serious one and I had to stop taking ibuprofen and put on an alternative. Which is on prescription . Don’t rely on your GP unless they are up to date on RA. Do you have a rheummy nurse attached to your clinic ? If you have then they are great for help and information.
Thank you I have been told I will receive a phone call by Friday as I need permission from rheumatologist that I can continue my methotrexate, I take my dose on a Monday so hopefully I can continue. I got a script yesterday for co codamal he told me to take that instead of nsaid's and do you know I actually slept all night last night (not sure if it was cause I was so exhausted). I doubt all tablets have hidden dangers and affect everyone different so I'm glad you found an alternative.
Ibuprofen isn't good for your stomach and should only be used very short term
Methotrexate comes with a warning card please read it it's a very powerful drug contact your RA clinic
Thank you they have been in touch and told me it's ok to use ibuprofen, I don't use it often anyway.
how long have you been on methotrexate? I have been on it for 5 months, began to see some positive results--only to get hit big time with a flare up of the RA.-- I saw my Rheumatologist and we have decided to add Enbrel if my insurance company approves it. Will be interesting to her what your Rheumy will say....
She rang this afternoon told me my bloods etc are all completely normal and to continue methotrexate as normal. I've been on it now 3 months and my dose was increased to 20mg only 3 weeks ago so she said I should see benefits soon. To help me in the meantime I'm starting a months course of oral steroids tomorrow and I can take ibuprofen when needed. Oh I hope your flare doesn't last too long and that you get to start enbrel.
I too, just started Prednisone. Day 4 on it and I am getting great relief! Hope you do too!
Oh that's brilliant! She told this time next week I should be a new woman so hopefully 😊
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