Brand of Methotrexate 2.5mg tablets

[MJSlide1958]

Dear NRAS,

My daughter is used to taking the above tablets by Pfizer Matrax, but Pfizer have now discontinued, therefore I am asking whether there is a brand which is popular to typically work well? This would be very helpful to let her Pharmacist know as he is willing to order in in time for her next batch. She is a full time worker and cannot afford to be affected by side effects which may cause her to stay off of work.

So grateful for any advice from you or others on Methotrexate who are getting on well with a particular brand.

Kind regards

[KittyJ]

I seem to get two different brands and haven’t noticed any difference in them. They’re still mtx so she shouldn’t get side effects unless she is allergic to any ingredients in the other one of course.

[Runrig01]

There are 12 different manufacturers that produce methotrexate for the U.K. I’ve had quite a few of them, and haven’t found one superior to the other. I really wouldn’t worry.

[MadBunny]

I've had different brands in the many years I've been taking methotrexate, but they all contain the same drug-2.5 mg., they all work in the same way, and have been effective.I've never noticed any difference or had any problems.

[bakingD in reply to MadBunny]

Hi

I’m on methotrexate by injection- I bypassed the tablets as had stomach problems at the time-I feel pretty good on injections,feel a bit tired the second day after but otherwise no problems

[MadBunny in reply to bakingD]

I've been fortunate that I've been able to tolerate tablets

[bakingD in reply to MadBunny]

That’s really good news

[MadBunny in reply to bakingD]

I am only on a low dose now , 10 mg as I'm also on a biologic.

[bakingD in reply to MadBunny]

That’s good glad for you-I’m very unstable going onto biologics have seronegative affecting knees,shoulders all rubbish!!!

[MJSlide1958 in reply to MadBunny]

Wow 10mg is low, how did you manage to work well?

[MadBunny in reply to MJSlide1958]

Only because it's in combination with a biologic.I started on a biologic ( Cimzia)9 years ago. At the time, I was on sulfasalazine and 20mg of mtx, and they stopped working for me. The sulf was stopped completely and once the biologic started working , the mtx was gradually reduced. It was suggested that I stop the mtx altogether but I refused. I didnt want to risk it. And thankfully, I'm still managing quite well.

[Hightower62]

Same here, different brands different sizes. As others have said, you shouldn’t notice any difference.

[Seatgeorge]

I use a generic methotrexate and haven't had a problem, just make sure they are in 2.5 blister packs and not given loose.

[Boxerlady in reply to Seatgeorge]

Mine were often loose - why would that be a problem please? 🤔

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Seatgeorge]

Thank you very much, what is the name of the brand you have please?

[Seatgeorge in reply to MJSlide1958]

Cipla EU ltd, Addlestone Surrey

[Thingybob]

Coincidentally.....I just had a text from my gp to say they are changing the brand of my mtx to a generic one as it saves the practice money. I was going to ask the same question but it sounds like itll be ok . Thanks all

[Hopeful1]

There are perhaps other ways to help? If working on a regular schedule some folk take metho on a Friday night to get over any side effects over the weekend. The day it is taken each week can be changed by one day per week till she gets there. Many take metho at night to sleep through the worst. Does she have folic acid prescribed as many of us do?

Always drink plenty of water especially on metho day. And I have seen a suggestion that at least 2 coffees that day helps as well.

2.5 seems a very low dose.Many are on 20 or 25? If she is on a higher dose a change to epi pen type delivery also helps many. Quick and painless not fearsome as it sounds.

Hopefully she has a hospital rhumy clinic helpline to talk it through with them.

Good luck anyway.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Hopeful1]

Thanks, she is on 15mg per week, they come in 2.5 blister packs by Pfizer, but now have to change to generic.

[welsh12 in reply to Hopeful1]

Why does coffee help

[Hopeful1 in reply to welsh12]

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This is an Egyptian research study

[helenlw7]

I’ve had two different brands of mtx. The only difference I’ve noticed is the size - one brand is the size of a pinhead, but they work the same.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to helenlw7]

Thanks, what is the name brand please?

[Seatgeorge]

It was for.me as I couldn't see any manufacturers name or value on the tablet,I told Lloyd's I didn't want them,they said there ok so I said you take them then ,I contacted the PPA in London and sent pics etc and told them bucks health authorities had issued a document stating they must be 2.5 blister pacs. Well cut along story short, amazing Lloyd's dispensed the correct tablets so there you go.