MTX injectable side effects?

[catmom57]

I was taking mtx tablets for 3 months without relief. I had a gastric stapling almost 40 yrs ago, & it affects how my system digests food. So i spoke to my doctor about the possibility that the pill form wasn't getting into my bloodstream & he switched me to the injectable version, which ive now been on for just short of 2 months. I inject myself. So my question is, 1) could i still be experiencing side effects from the pills? & 2) could my current nausea & vomiting post injection, be from the current form of mtx?

I was hoping to be experiencing some relief by now but my pain has not backed off & i dont know if the mtx is worth it.

Thanks for letting me rant 😬

[Amnesiac3637]

Sorry to hear you’re in pain. Doubt very much if the MTX pills would be having any effect after two months of being off them and it’s possible that you could be having nausea and vomiting post injection but if that’s new you may have a virus and it’s got nothing to do with your methotrexate unless being sick and nauseous is usual for you…………

You haven't been on MTX long enough for it to make any appreciable difference to your condition as it can take months before it works effectively but if the nausea and vomiting is interfering with your quality of life and your pain is increasing it’s always worth checking with your doctor. Other things apart from RA come and get us now and again so don’t leave yourself in pain and miserable for any longer than you need to. All the best.

[welsh12]

So are you saying you didn't have any sickness and nausea before taking methotrexate

[Hollybob1001]

Mtx made me feel sick for about 3 days after the injection then is eases off. Are you taking folic acid on the days when you don't inject?It's opposed to help.

It's supposed to take around 3 months to start seeing results and NICE recommendations are that you try this drug for 6 mths before alternatives are tried if it is not yielding results. That obviously only counts if you are in the UK. I also had rashes and itching skin from MTX.

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Hi id ask for a referal ,to get another appointment with rumatologist, time that comes through if things are the same ,you should get the methotrexate halted ,Clearly not helping and the side effects

It's 5 months now as well

[WilfDog]

It's hard to know whether the gastric band had an effect or not, however, if you have been off the tablets for three months it will be out of your system if it was ever there in the first place.

As others have said, you need to stick with the injections for a few more months, but obviously you have to way up the balance with the side effects. Did the nausea start as soon as you started on the injections? It is worth seeing if there is a pattern, but as somebody mentioned, make sure you are on Folic Acid. This was a game changer for me in terms of the nausea when I was on the tablet form many years ago. It may be that you can't tolerate it, but it would be good to know if the side effects came on straight after your first injection.

It is worth speaking to your rheumatologist to see what they say.

I hope you start to feel better soon xx

[MistyDay]

I could not tolerate methotrexate. There are alternatives that might suit you better.

[Happy5]

Not sure about effects on your system but can tell you being on injection MTX improved the efficacy. I was advised to take folic acid except MTX day. Also I'm prescribed an anti-sickness med I take the half prior to injecting. Plus I find taking my MTX before bedtime, and sleeping through worse of possible side effects.