hiya is methotrexate a good drug: - NRAS
hiya is methotrexate a good drug
Methotrexate is one of the best and more well known dmard's used in the treatment of RA. It as been used for many years in both tablet and sub-cut injection form and many people on this forum take it, everyone is different though as to how it works for them as regards side effects etc.
Mandy xx
thank you for your reply. i am on my 3rd week of taking methotrexate and i woz very scared of it because so many people say bad things about it
Hi Jaqi
As Mandy says Methotrexate has been around for a long time and is the gold standard drug used in the treatment of RA. It has its side effects like any other medication and we all respond differently.
I have just restarted methotrexate after a problem last year but have been taking it for 9 or 10 years without too many issues. It is a drug that I would recommend if I was in a position to do so! Bear in mind the regular blood tests will pick up any problems at an early stage when dosage can be changed or the drug stopped if necessary. It's certainly nothing to be afraid of.
It can take 3 months or more for the drug to build up in your system so don't expect too much too soon or believe it isn't working! Hang in there and be positive, 
Lyn x
thanks lyn. i just needed to hear something good about the drug x
Hi Jaqi & welcome newbie,
i am taking Methotrexate since diagnosis 3 years ago building up to a weekly dose of 20mg, I have never had any problems taking it, other than tiredness in the 24 hours after taking it, so take it on a Friday night and have a lie on on Saturday! I take a couple of other disease modifying drugs with it now. My aunt has been taking MTX for 20 years. You have to be careful of alcohol & your liver. AS said previously this is a tried & tested medication, we are all afraid of taking these drugs, but the alternative is to let the disease run along uncontrolled.
Gina.
hi thanks for answering my questions. i feel tired on the second day after taking my pills. i'm building up to 20mg as well im just worried because i do like to go out on an evening and have a few pints of larger. but i guess my blood test will tell me if there is anything wrong
I've been on mtx injection for 4 yrs with very few problems, mainly feel a bit sickly and get a headache afterwards but other than that it's doing a fairly good job. I also get very tired but I think that's just the combination of the drugs, the RA and the children! Hope it works well for you too x
Hi Jaqi
I was very wobbly about taking methotrexate because of all that was being said about it and the side effects etc. However, I have been on since dec 2010 and having upped the dose to 20 mg which I have been taking since Feb this year I am really feeling the benefit. I too went through sickly days and having banging headaches, but they are getting fewer and farer apart and can link it to what I eat and whether I am stressed or overdone it. I take the folic acid every day except on the day I take Mtx and I take a stomach protector (1 20mg Omeprazole per day) too which helps stop the acid build up... My bloods have been fine so far.
I consider myself lucky to be part of the present approach to early RA by treating it aggressively with this drug. So don't worry... but at the same time I know how you feel and how daunting it looks at the beginning. You will be fine.
Take care
Julie xx
I think its a good drug in that it has been used for many years therefore has a good safety record. I cant take it due to side effects. I think its very important to monitor your blood results . There is a good leaftlet on Methotrexate and patient safety advice on the NHS patient drug Safety website. I hope they gave you the booklet for patient monitoring etc? Most people seem to be able to tolerate it well and are pleased with the improvements it makes.
Good luck
fiona
xx
Hi Jaqi. I have been on MTX for 3 1/2 years since being diagnosed. Initially on tablets which did make me very sick (dosage was quite high at 22 1/2 mgs) - consultant reduced it down but then had to go back up to 15. I now have it by injection and side effects are much less with very little sickness or nausea. Do persevere - it is a good drug for controlling RA symptoms and helping to prevent further damage by keeping inflammation down. Do mention any side effects to either your GP or consultant. Mine gave me some anti sickness pills which helped enormously. good luck. LavendarLady
it a good drug for most people and as lyn-w says it is what they use a "standard"
all patients should be counselled and given a monitoring book as it is part of my job,
note of caution keep to a few pints only methotrexate is bit harsh on the old liver and too much alcohol will aggravate the situation
I have been taking methotrexate for about 3 years now and it works wonders on me. Good luck
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