methotrexate- newbie

[HappyD34]

Hi everyone

It’s been a while since I posted . However 3 months on with a swollen knee after an injury led me to the Rheumatologist who has arranged an MRI within 3 days, great service from NHS. That said, she has said the swelling is synovial fluid and to prepare myself for leaving my faithful hydroxychloroquine and to start methotrexate . So , I’m not a happy bunny and praying it’s a mechanical problem but deep down as my RF is so high she said it was going to happen one day. So, I’ve read lots , some positive , some not so. Last year my gallbladder was removed after much stomach complaints and I’m wondering whether there is any impact on taking these tablets, or, whether injections may be better.

Any thoughts would be most welcome , and now I feel part of a very big family.🤪😁

Thanks in advance and best wishes

Denise

[virtualreality]

You ARE part of a big family, there are lots of us here and many taking methotrexate, so a very warm welcome to you (even if you'd rather not be!)

Personally I've been taking methotrexate for a few years, and switched from tablets to the injections at quite an early stage. For me that did reduce gastric (and other) side effects and I think a lot of people would probably say the same. You'll be prescribed folic acid to take alongside it which helps to reduce the side effects too.

Fingers crossed it'll be a mechanical problem, but if you need the stronger medication, maybe it helps to keep in mind that it helps a LOT of people (myself included) to get some pretty nasty inflammatory symptoms under control and reduce the risk of permanent joint damage - so there are a few silver linings

Wishing you all the very best, whichever way it goes with your scan.

[HappyD34 in reply to virtualreality]

Oh hello, oh that’s so lovely from you , thank you for taking the time to reply and for your warm welcome. I shall accept gracefully. Yes indeed , the meds are the best and thankfully we have them, a life without a form of medication for RA would I’m sure be utterly dreadful. All the very best

[Dixiedeane147]

Hi I’ve been taking methotrexate for a very

Long time

And have not suffered any ill effects

I also use a biologic which is injectable

I hope this helps you

Regards Vron

[stbernhard]

Hi Happy, sorry to hear that you have trouble with your knee. We're all different, so no hard rules for our medications. I've been on MTX(mainly injections) for 15 years and never had major issues with it. If you haven't already done so, please have a look on the NRAS website. There is a module on all available medications for RA. That might be helpful for you. There is also lots of other very good information to be had, rather than Dr Google.

I hope it'll turn out to be a passing problem with your knee. All the best.

[oldtimer2]

People vary enormously in how well they get on with methotrexate. Most of the comments on here are from people having problems - so a biased selection. You only find out once you've been using it! Injections do seem to reduce the side effects for most people. And you'll be taking folic acid on the days you don't take the methotrexate. Personally I didn't cope with the side effects - but there are alternatives remaining!

[Sebastian247]

Hi there. Hoping your knee improves very quickly. I'm one of those who did have problems with MTX after a year. But until that time it totally controlled my RA and I felt OK.

I did suffer from nausea until the folic acid was increased to six days per week. So if you're on a low dose of folic and struggling dont hesitate to ask for it to be increased.

I think injections can help avoid gastric problems too, but I was on tablets. Lots of people have no problems with MTX so keep positive.

Best wishes. Seb

[HappyD34 in reply to Sebastian247]

Thanks Seb that’s really good to hear, all the best

[Massienannie]

hello HappyD34😀……I have been on methotrexate for about 5 years injections 25 mg , I also take rinvoq tablets everyday along with folic acid, I was saying to my rheumatologist doctor. I think it’s stopped working for me, as my body is back to being sore, so I don’t know what is next for me, I have been on 13 different medications and had infusions…..everyone is different so it could be ok for you…..you have to get your bloods done every month to start with, then every 3 months……so good luck. 🤞

[HappyD34 in reply to Massienannie]

Hi there. Oh gosh I’m sorry to hear that your meds have stopped working, I guess like most things that our bodies get used to things so I’m sure your team will work with you to find the next suitable one. Wishing you all the best😘

[bakingD]

Hi

I've been on MTX injections 15mg for about a year- no real problems, take folic acid the second day after injection.Just feel a bit tired the second day nothing else.Am also on a biologic which I think is more effective ( for me) so have reduced my injections to every 2 weeks-It works really well for some.I have seronegative arthritis and was very ill last year after 5 years of rheumatologists thinking I had PMR.I would ask for injections, I pushed for that!!

[HappyD34 in reply to bakingD]

Hi , yikes glad you pushed and felt the benefits. Thanks for the tip. All the best

[Keepinmovin]

Hello HappyD34, I have only taken hydroxychloroquine, but a friend of mine has been on methotrexate for some years, injected and she says she has had no problem with it at all. I guess there are many factors that influence our responses to different drugs. Best wishes to you. Hope you find a good solution.

[HappyD34 in reply to Keepinmovin]

Hi there, thanks so much for responding and for the positive news. Fingers crossed I’m one of the lucky ones 😁. Enjoy your weekend

[Keepinmovin]

Best of luck (and best of health) to you.

[bookworm46]

Hi, just had my gall bladder removed in April as I was having terrible attacks through gall stone, thought it was impacting on the tolerance of methotrexate tablet form which I had been on for at least 10 years. Changed to injections and I must say if taking at room temperature and just before bed and drink plenty of fluids it seems definitely more tolerable. Good luck..

[HappyD34]

Morning ☺️, glad things working out for you now. Good tip, thanks very much