methotrexate

[MorganCat]

hi . I was previously on hyrimoz and methotrexate and was ok on them both . They found cancer Feb 2023 so had to stop the medication , I had platinum chemo last year and started back on methotrexate this week . Side effects are as bad as the chemo I can’t tolerate it and tbh I can’t relive chemo side effects again .

Can i refuse the methotrexate? What alternatives are there . Already been on and failed sulfasalazine .

thanks for reading

[Amnesiac3637]

So sorry you’ve been through the mill and can totally see why you don’t want to re-live the effects of chemo 😞.

You have every right to go back to your consultant and ask for an alternative to MTX. Many people are fine on it but many are not and can’t tolerate it. It’s still the drug most readily prescribed as it's cheap and effective and when it works, it works but there are many alternatives now so no need to stick to one that makes you sick!

It’s your body, it’s a two way conversation and so go and see what else is on offer and the very best of luck to you in getting the right treatment very soon.

[bpeal1]

As mentioned above you can definitely ask to try something else. Contact your rheumatology team and ask for an appointment to discuss it.

In the meantime you may find the NRAS website useful to see what else may be available. nras.org.uk/information-sup...

[Artfanatic in reply to bpeal1]

Hi I had a look at the link you posted but couldnt identify anything about Methotrexate or substitutes for it? Any idea where to look? Thanks

[Boxerlady in reply to Artfanatic]

If you click on the "read more" tab under DMARDS, I think that there's a list there 😁

[Artfanatic in reply to Boxerlady]

Ok will do thanks very much

[bpeal1 in reply to Artfanatic]

Yes Methotrexate is a DMARD so click on the read more button under that to find other DMARDs which could be substituted for Methotrexate. However, I linked to page showing all the types of medication to show there are other things too.

[Artfanatic in reply to bpeal1]

Ok great thanks I'll have a look.

[GinnyE]

Yes, it's not a case of "refusing", you're just not suited to it any more and your team should acknowledge this and help you find something else. The link for information should help you. Goof luck its not been easy for you.

[DaliLove]

Hey. Sorry to hear you've been through this. I'd say you have the rights not to take MTX. I asked to stop having taking it for 14yrs, they didn't want me to but I was so insistent as it was making me feel rubbish. Don't be fobbed off, do what's right for you.