Does methotrexate loose its affect?

[lance-c]

I have been on methotrexate 4 tablets 10mg a week for 15 years, I have psyriac arthritis. It seems like the arthritis is starting up again. Can methotrexate loose its affect?

[helixhelix]

I think it's that the RA, or PA in your case, is a crafty disease and it sneaks its way around the different drugs. That's why it's often said that taking several different ones together is more effective as more likely to fool the disease. I'm sure there's a more technical explanation for this, but that's the way it makes sense to me. But maybe it's just a short blip and it'll settle down again and stop bothering you. Polly.

[Calliope]

I asked my doctor that question and he said NO it doesn't. I am doing so well on it I was worried it might stop working. I have a fantastic doc who takes my RA very seriously. Hope this helps.

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi lance-c

Unfortunately people do find that a medication that they have been on for some time can start to be less effective. It may be that the body gets used to the drug, or simply that the disease is changing in your body and it's no longer responding to it. However, you can also go through bad patches, as the disease has its ups and downs, so it may not be a problem.

The dose you are on would certainly be low for RA (usually 7.5-20/25mg) but not sure if this is the case for the condition you have. However, hopefully if they decide a change is needed they will be able to up the dose a little, or add in another medication, and won't necessarily have to take you off of it altogether.

Best to see if you can get an appointment with your rheumatologist to discuss if you feel that things have worsened recently.

Kind regards

Victoria

(NRAS Helpline & Information Coordinator)