MTX ADMINISTRATION

[meelfyn]

I am about to start taking MTX I tablet form tomorrow I understand I will not feel any benefit for some time. My question is how long is ‘some time’? Also I request to have the injection form of MTX administration and is this form a more efficient way of getting the drug into your system?

[Hidden]

Good morning

Methotrexate dose Is slowly increased over time and by 12 weeks you should see some improvement. For some it’s earlier others it’s later. We are not generally given the option of injections to begin with. I was on tablets for 3 years doing ok no side effects. My RD started to spiral out of control and I changed to injections. I do prefer the injections and yes they work better as our digestive system can destroy or weaken the medication so generally the dose is lower when using injections. Unfortunately they are more expensive than the tablets which is why we are generally given the tablets first. Good luck

[meelfyn in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks

[AgedCrone]

Mtx can start to work quite swiftly for some... But if you anticipate 12 to 16 weeks you won’t be disappointed.

The tablet form is by far the easiest way to take it ......wait and see how the tablets suits you before you ask to change to injections. ...in fact injections aren’t just an automatic option, your rheumy doctor will decide whether he will prescribe injections if the tablet form does not suit you.

Injections are a bit of a palaver when you go on holiday.

Both methods work equally well for particular individuals.....I took the tablets very successfully for 7 years, no nasty side effects at all ......some members here have been on methotrexate for 20/30 years.

Do read everyone’s opinion on this drug.....but don’t be influenced by those who had a bad experience with it ....very few people write in saying how good it is but you will find a lot of comments here that aren’t very complimentary.

Trying it with no preconceived attitude is the way to go.I hope it is very successful for you. Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before and if you have been prescribed folic acid ....only take it on the day you DO NOT take the methotrexate.

Good Luck

[meelfyn in reply to AgedCrone]

That’s good information Thank you very much.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya meelfyn, welcome. All DMARDS, including MTX can take anything up to or even over 12 weeks to be fully effective if they're going to work for you, although often you can feel some benefits before then, within 3 or 4 weeks for some, but it's so individual how we respond to meds it's impossible to predict I'm afraid.

As you realise as there are two delivery options (plus another less often prescribed) the least expensive is prescribed first because if you don't respond negatively side effects wise then money is saved, tablets are very much cheaper than injections. Usually we only change to injections if we respond well to MTX but side effects not eased by increasing folic acid are problematic or at least tolerable. I had a year on tablets but when I needed an increase in dose side effects increased so I was offered injections. I've now been on them 11 years, along with 5mg folic acid 6 days a week. You could always ask your Rheumy, see what he/she says, no harm asking anything, they have your interest at heart.

I hope MTX works well for you, there are plenty of us it does.