methotrexate taken one day earlier than normal !

[Feelingpoorly]

Hi

Just a quick question for advice please

My husband takes methotrexate (tablets) 20mgs weekly. He has just taken his usual dose but it’s a day earlier than normal - should he contact GP or 111

[JenniferW]

I've taken my dose after only six days before now (usually when I had it a day late the previous week). I've been fine, but it isn't recommended, so do phone 111 if you are concerned, they can tell you what symptoms to look out for. I called them when I accidentally took two doses of hydroxy one evening.

[Feelingpoorly in reply to JenniferW]

Thank you so much for your reply

[Runrig01]

I’ve done this several times. Once when I had to hold off till hubby’s covid test came back. It meant I took it a day late. Rheumatologist said it was fine, to still stick to my usual day and take 6 days later. The doses we take are minute in comparison to those using it as chemotherapy, so he is unlikely to suffer any toxic effects. If your concerned ring 111. I was and still take 25mg when I was given this advice

[Feelingpoorly in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you so much for your reply

[Scottishlad]

On occasion I have like Runrig, I have varied methotrexate day for medical reasons. However I have never taken it closer than 6 days apart.

[Feelingpoorly]

many thanks for your reply

[Gottarelax]

When I switched from tablets to injection I had to change my day (nurse showing me how to use the Metaject). She said that it was OK to take 5 days after my last dose.

[Feelingpoorly in reply to Gottarelax]

That’s interesting…thank you so much for your reply

[RAGuy]

I was not only told it was fine to take early, but it was also ok to take it one day either side of my normal day. Over the 8 or more years I took MTX I used this to creep my day of use forward or back so I could make space to be away for a week without needing to carry my injection with me. It is easier now, but it was a proper syringe then and had to be refrigerated. All the same, it was never a problem and didn't affect me.

Also, I did this at times when I had a cold or similar. I would give myself an extra 24 hours to recover before zapping my immune system with another dose. I hope this helps manage the doses to fit in with life.

[Feelingpoorly]

that’s quite a revelation and a relief to hear….… thank you so much for your reply

[Amnesiac3637]

I no longer take MTX ( I loathed it and it was 25 years ago) but then no-one had any instructions about leaving gaps here and there and none of us then took folic acid but we all survived and probably worried less!

I was a Practice Sister and many people get terribly worried about taking their medications on the dot, not missing any on pain of death and accidentally taking either one less or one too many a dose.

The problem is that life often gets in the way of tailoring drugs to fit in when they should. One lapsed dose, one run into another, a few days totally forgotten - illness, accidents and nice things like weddings and parties all conspire to cause worry and anxiety. The manufacturers build all these slip ups into their formulations and the body is pretty good at sorting out the odd hiccup. Most of us are on drugs that stay in the system for many weeks until they’re stopped so a missed dose makes very little difference and an extra dose won’t do anything nasty apart from making you feel sick/dizzy which warns you not to do it again.

All the other posters have reassured you so hope you are and don’t worry.

[Feelingpoorly]

Thank you so much for your reply - truly appreciated 😊

[Happy5]

Can only say I move my taking MTX meds, day before or day after usual day to work round different commitments. Usually try to keep to usual routine so my body is used to it.

[Feelingpoorly]

thank you so much for your reply