Starting methotrexate

[Scuba-phil]

Hi people. Just took my first ever dose (15mg) of oral methotrexate.

I'm aware they can make you feel a bit off. But if I'm going to suffer how long does it take for them to upset my body?

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi there Scuba-phil. I was started on 7.5mg and then went up to 15 after a few weeks but had to come back down two 10mg and move back up slowly when my liver played up this time a year ago. I'm now on 15mg injectable MTX with 200mg of Hydroxichloraquine. I have to say that I never noticed any side effects for ages - bar a couple of weird pimples on my face each week the day after taking my dose and feeling a bit sub par the next day. It only got nasty for me with nausea after I had started the Hydroxy as well - and then only when I moved up to 17.5 of MTX - which is why I now take it by injection. The first six months were fine without any problems at all apart from the fact that I still had some active RA. I'm now in remission I think - so give it a good chance and don't expect anything bad to happen and it probably won't - on the whole MTX is a very well tolerated and very effective drug. Tilda x

[helixhelix]

I think everyone is a bit different, but most people don't get any side effects at all so try to concentrate on being one of them! I did get some side effects right at the beginning, as made me feel a bit queasy and headache'y the following day. But still managed to get up to an effective dose of 20mg and overall the side effects only lasted nine weeks and was then fine for ages. Like Tilda, I now inject as eventually got mouth ulcers. But chances are you'll be fine. Polly.

[Scuba-phil]

Excellent. Feeling ok up to now. I'm stil taking sulfasalasine but have dropped the dose as that was making a bit sick. Hope the mtx works and I suppose your right, don't look fr side effects and there won't be any

What's the advice for alcohol with mtx? Teetotal or within moderation?

[Kathyfitz12 in reply to Scuba-phil]

I have been on 20mg Mtx for about 4 years and it has been completely succesful for me. I drink wine in moderation and my rheumy is happy with that, but some Rheumies say a complete ban on alcohol is the way to go.I think it's a bit of "try it & see" and if you Blood tests are OK, have a glass when you fancy it..... Merry Christmas - try a glass of Champagne & see how you go !!!

[Hidden]

Don' t worry, many people tolerate mtx perfectly. It is only a few of us dodgy folk that get probs! I was very happy on 20mg orally for about 18 months before the dreaded constant nausea started. I now inject 20mg each Sunday and it is wonderful. Might feel a bit grotty next day, but nothing to complain about. My uncle has been on 10 mg for a few years and is fine.. Ignore horror stories as they might not happen. Good luck, Virge

[Hidden]

On the booze situation, I still indulge but don' t go mad. You will get to know your liver' s tolerance levels at your blood tests. Virge

[shirlthegirl]

I've just started my MTX a few weeks ago, have taken my third dose this morning, I suppose apart from a bit of a stomach pain every now and then i have been fine, I Had a bad day yesterday, but this was down to having a bad flare,and feeling depressed which happens with this rotten decease anyway,, Some people want to give the MTX time to kick in before they start any drinking, but everyone is different and as Virge has said it will depended on your liver function test's, Are you taking anything else?, As i am also taking Hydroxy everyday and folic acid 2 days after MTX Shirl xx

[shirlthegirl]

I am also on 15mg x

[Shell1967]

Hi I am on 15 mg and on week 14 and been absolutely fine.good luck and happy Xmas Michelle xxx

[Shell1967 in reply to Shell1967]

I drink but am careful,2 -3 wines at a weekend or Malibu,if blood tests prove otherwise I would stop,but hasn't changed upto date.you will be fine but in moderation :))) happy tipple tomo lol xxx

[Scuba-phil]

Hi guys, I'm havin a bad day. But was wondering, can you take your painkillers (tremadol for me) when your on mtx?