Why mtx

[Buckybri]

After being on mtx for a year and going through hell with the side effects then put on the injections which were more bareable but didn’t do anything to help my condition, so then put on biological meds to which pretty much gave me my life back , so if mtx didn’t do anything why are we still on it ?? the only thing I can think off is that it stops the disease progression, am I right in thinking this ?.

[cpr02]

It may not have worked for you but for other people it will different people will respond differently to drugs what works really well for one person wont for another x

[KittyJ]

I was told my biologic would work better being on mtx too.

[ruth_p in reply to KittyJ]

Me too, I would stop it if I could

[rounder]

I had huge struggles with mtx, tried several other meds before arriving at abatacept which suits me well but could only be prescribed with mtx......My consultant prescribed the lowest dose, I don't take it, he no longer prescribes it, we played the game needed to get funding for my abatacept.......seems ridiculous to me!I know we all respond differently to drugs, but no one size fits all. It took years to find the most effective med for myself and I really am hugely grateful for a rheumatology team who mostly listened to my concerns, and one particular department matron who met me at my lowest ebb and fought for me to get abatacept, it has helped so much.

[Jollygoodglyn]

I had a rough couple of weeks on sulphsalasine (excuse the spelling), and mixed reaction with mtx. What I have found with mtx is that the brand differed significantly. I’ve found a brand that works for me and feels as if I’m on a placebo. - that said, I reduced the dosage, partly by accident and partly as an experiment. Within a few days I’m aware of those nerve tingling feelings in the dark of the night, or the difficulty lifting a kettle from the wrong angle.

So, in short, it works for me.

[helixhelix]

The doctors prefer that you stick with a small dose of MTX alongside biologics as this helps stop you building up antibodies against the biologic so that it stops working.

[medway-lady in reply to helixhelix]

Yes I take the AZA with Benepali for that reason. It was explained too. x

[RAexperiences in reply to helixhelix]

Oh my goodness so helpful to know! I had no idea and was wondering the same thing. Many thanks Helix for you always great responses. I’m about to start entanercept and I’m beyond terrified.

[Boxerlady]

I'm one of the lucky ones for whom Methotrexate has worked well (in combination with other DMARDS) and I've had minimal side effects.

I think that it's a very good medication re joint protection and that it's probably successful for the majority, it's just inevitable that we hear more from those who are struggling, which is natural.

Sorry to hear that it took you so long to find "your" medication but great that you finally have 😊

[Buckybri in reply to Boxerlady]

Yes I just didn’t understand why they would keep people on mtx when obviously it doesn’t work for many people it just gives nasty side effects . But as someone wrote it’s probably because the long term effects may be good . I just don’t see the point of putting that stuff in yr body if it’s doing nothing just making you worse .

[Hidden in reply to Buckybri]

It’s a fine line. I’m of the opinion if effects your quality of life then it’s not for you. RA is bad enough but if the medication adds to the misery why live a long miserable life. There has to be a total positive result not just stop the attack at all costs

[Jillyanne]

I came off mtx because of the side effects , awful 🤢🤢🤢 and I am on a biology drug , which works really well.

If you contact your rheumy team and discuss it

[lilyak]

Mtx does indeed work for most people. But its more than that, its a cornerstone treatment. one problem with biologics is that the body may build antibodies to the treatment ( and then the biologic no longer works), mtx has been shown to prevent that.

bottom line? Mtx helps your biologic treatment work for longer. Trust your rheumatologist. Most people tolerate mtx very well, for those that don't, its really worth persevering. Unfortunate that rheumatologists aren't great at explaining this to people. Mine was fantastic, despite having terrible side effects, my rheum explained the importance of this medication, and so I persevered. And it was worth it.

[Buckybri in reply to lilyak]

Thank you sounds a plausible answer .

[medway-lady in reply to lilyak]

Yes I take AZA with Benepali same reason. It was explained and I've never given it a second thought.

[Jacey15]

It means your biologic will work for longer as it prevents your body making antibodies against it.