hi I have stopped taking MTX now for approx 12 weeks
I feel better still have pain and feel sick sometimes
I have lost weight less headaches feel happier
Not taking any medication at the moment
Will not take MTX again still do wonder how long it takes to get out of the the system If ever!
It only takes about a week to clear your system. Speak to your rheumy team if you haven't already as just stopping medication can result in damage to your joints.
Morning yes they know I am not taking it
They were ok with it will just have y try o see how I go
People who want to get pregnant are told to wait 3 months for the MTX to completely clear their system. So yes the half life of the drug is quite short, but it will have affected the cellular processes in your body which can take longer to wear off.
Desperate measures....But I took same route last year . Really wanted to stop all the chemicals in my body .All went well for about three months , but gradually noticed pain in my wrist and ankles , then arms and shoulders . Carried on till I had to admit that I couldn't function i.e. Just move ! And now thankful to be back on methotrexate with a few paracetamol when needed , and able to move around . All I can say , is listen to your body and do what you think is right for you . If I'd not tried getting drug free , I'd never have know how thankful I am for methotrexate . Good luck .
Great answer! I tried going drug free by tapering down doses and like you things slowly crept back.
I too stopped MTX and informed my rheumatologist that I would not be taking it again. My issue was the upset to my gut, I was never off the loo and house bound for 3 or so days after injecting as i needed to be near a loo at all times. It took almost a year for my gut to recover.
Hope your keeping well without it
I've been on biologics and now JAK inhibitors since then. I also take leflunomide and prednisolone everyday too with moderate success.
Hi again
I was also on Filigotinib which was a JAK don’t think you can stay on prednisolone for a long time we’ll that’s what I was told
It isn't ideal to be on prednisolone for long spells, but I haven't been able to do without it. I've been taking various dosages for over 5 years. I had a spontaneous fracture of my hip last year and required a hip replacement. I'm still on prednisolone and not having much luck trying to taper down. But given the option I would still take prednisolone again as it has given me a quality of life I wouldn't otherwise have had. I hope you get an improvement.
Hope your keeping well without it
same as Mmrr I still take Pred as no relief from pain meds and it keeps me upright however it has done damage to some organs, so yes if you can be off it great!
It took 8 weeks to return with a vengeance for me. I truly hope you can manage without but never say never. Good luck.
thanks
Same, kept telling Rheumatology I felt dreadful and had swollen fingers for about 9 months, (bloods were ok) stopped it and felt great for about 3 wks and then went rapidly down hill, I've never been in so much pain all over! Had a steriod injection last week and now being screened for biologics. (I do gave fibro as well tho). However, I will say that whilst the pain has been excruciating the dreadful depression and anxiety has left me and am eating properly again!
Yer the anxiety is awful I didn’t know it was a side effect at the time thought it was just me
Feel better now but still have it slightly
Hope you can find a way to control your pain
Hi, i think i am having the same problems you have had. I honestly think Methotrexate is making my joints worse. I have been on it 5 months for RA and i am in agony and so down. When i said its not working and i am getting worse the nurses wanted to increase but i just can not face it. My GP saw me yesterday and agreed and said there were other options but the RA nurses seem to think i should stick with it. I dont know what to do, i know it sounds drematic but i feel like its slowly killing me both physically and mentally. I have no life at the minute. Any advice would help. Also your the first person i have seen that felt like it made your joints worse. I feel my team apart from my GP (who actually saw me) dont belive me.
feel for you it’s very difficult as they all sing praises for MTX At this moment in time I don’t feel any worse for coming off of it been off it now for approx 4-5 months I hope you find a way forward soo.
Swapping/stopping mtx 
MTX ADMINISTRATION
mtx
Post MTX days............
MTX and lung problems.
