About to start Methotrexate.....

I'm about to start Methotrexate in a month's time, I'm having to stop Sulpha due to some side effects, tomorrow I will have blood tests & a steroid injection.

What reactions can I expect, both good & bad,from Methotrexate?

[Beth58]

Hi Pauline, hopefully none however, a lot of people do suffer from nausea after taking their meds but that eases after taking the folic, sometimes there's also slight hair thinning but nothing to worry about.

Most side effects are listed on the information sheet or you can find them on the internet, but do bare in mind a lot of the side effects only affect 1 in so many hundred people and the more serious side effects are quite rare.

Beth xx

[Hidden]

Hi Pauline, sickness and nausea are quite common at first. And if they are too unpleasant then MTX by injection is an alternative as it bypasses the liver and so causes fewer nausea problems.

[Hidden]

Side effects aside this drug can provide good results for many people x

[Hidden]

Thanks for your answers.

I suppose I'm a bit concerned as I've had a reaction to Suplha which is supposed to be rare! I've had a really bad taste & smell which is making a lot of foods impossible to eat - I know it's good for the diet but it's unpleasant to live with!

[kerylouise11]

I have been no methotrexate for 4 years now and i have had a few side effects but the effect the drugs had on my arthritis ways them out.

I have experienced: a slight hair loss, first couple of week sickness feeling but no actual sickness, regular cold and flu symptoms and discoloration of the nails.

of course everyone's experiences are different and depends on the dose you are taking.

i would recommend on experience to stay away from cheese and to not drink alcohol, but to drink a lot of pure fruit juices and stock up on honey and lemon products.

I hope this helps you.

[helixhelix]

Building up the dose slowly seems to work best for most. I started on 7.5mg and worked up in 2.5mg jumps. And you'll need to work out what works best for you -I prefer to take it in the evening so I go to sleep a few hours after taking it and don't notice any nausea or headaches or anything. I feel slightly groggy the next morning, but I don't like spoiling my weekend so take it mid-week & just tell myself to deal with it. I had other side effects for the first 8 weeks or so, but these have largely worn off now. And I don't drink, except for very special occassions. Polly

[moo1965]

hi , i have been on methatrexate for nearly 6 yrs when i knew i was going on them i was terrified will all the side effects but i started takin them anyway within 2 mths i lost nearly two n a half stone ( that bit i liked) then on came the dizzy spells the nausia was dreadful but the doc upped my folic acid and it cleared up the dizzy spells and the nausia and i must honestly say takin methatrexate has made my life so much better i don,t have pain on a daily basis and i,m more active but sayin that i,ve hit a snag at the moment as i have been off work for 3wks with my shoulder but i,m due a steroid jab on thu to see if it will ease my pain i hope this has helped u a wee bit take care x

[shoebox]

Hi, I have been taking Mtx for just over a year now (diagnosed last year and was put straight on MTX and folic acid, now take 20mg once a week). I have read some of the previous posts and has different effects on many people. Personally I was terrified when I was first prescribed, i was just diagnosed and put straight on MTX, which the booklets state are a strong medication. I have noticed that my hair has thinned alittle, but nothing drastic. My face is nowrounder and for the day i take them and the day after, i feel like i'm having a flare. I have also put on approx 7lbs. Apart from when I have a flare, i feel relativley good. I have joined a gym, and do gentle exercises 3 times a week to which seem to help a great deal. I wondered has anyone else had weight gain due to the medication? Overall, my view is that this medication works well. I'm going back to see Rhumatologist in May - finger crossed it's working well for me.x