Methatrexate

[Aimz91]

Hi there was anyone prescribed methotrexate? I was on 6 tablets 1 day a week bit fewl they never help?

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hello how many weeks have you been taking them as can take 12-16weeks to start kicking in.

[Ali_H]

Six is 15g which is what I am currently on. I had to go as high as 20mg for several years to get a good control and then lower back down to get to my optimum dosage.12.5mg proved too low which was disappointing as I was hoping to sit at 10mg - don’t know why I chose that figure to aim for, just did!. So it may be that MTX isn’t your ‘golden’ med or that you’ve not been on it long enough or that you haven’t found your optimum dosage, either way best to speak to your rheumy and explore the options for you.

All the best

Ali

[ColinRR]

Hi Aimz91, it is a very slow process and it may be that you need to ask your Rheumy team if they can increase your dose or give you something to help but they are unlike to increase your dose until you have been on methotrexate for more than 3 months. It’s very difficult to be patient when you’re in pain I know.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Aimz91, welcome. I'm afraid without understanding more about your history... when you were diagnosed, how long you've been on MTX & such, we'd be guessing so may not give accurate or appropriate advice. As it is we can give some general advice; that if you've not been taking it long it can take up to 12 weeks to be effective, longer in some. The dose you're on is mid range so it may be the option to to increase it, therefore if you've been taking it a while it could be the dose needs tweaking, or another DMARD adding. I've been on MTX 11 years & been on various doses over the years, my starting dose was 15mg but had 17.5mg & 20mg, currently back down to 17.5mg. I also take an NSAID, it may be that if you have excess inflammation not being taken care of by MTX & you aren't prescribed one this could be another option.

There are plenty of us prescribed MTX, it's the DMARD most often used as the first treatment as it's considered the better of the ones available, so you may receive many replies from others taking it, or injecting it.

If the above aren’t helpful or you'd rather not divulge further info then you’d be better speaking with your Rheumy Nurse if you don't have a Rheumatology appointment any time soon. I'm sure if they knew how you are currently they'd rather you contact them than suffer in silence. If we can help further then hopefully you'll let us know some more. 😊

[turtlemom2]

There are a lot of different medications for RA. If you see no relief from MTX then tell your doctor to switch to another. It may take a while of trying different ones to find your relief

[DebiBodyhatesMe]

It helps me a lot. I graduated to 7 pills a week. Tell your rheumy or doc that prescribed it and you can prob increase dose but get doc advice.