Pred V Methotrexate

[Estellemac]

Do people take Methotrexate instead of Prednisone? Or do you have Methotrexate instead of Naproxen and take Pred? Just a bit confused wondered who did what don't need any medical advice.

Thanks

Yvonne

[PMRpro Ambassador]

For some people methotrexate modifies the way pred is metabolised by the body and means you get a bigger result for a given dose. - so maybe you can manage on a lower dose. In PMR it doesn't replace pred - pred is the gold standard treatment in PMR and GCA. Using methotrexate doesn't work for everyone.

Naproxen is a pain killer, an NSAID (Non Steroidal AntiInflammatory Drug), like ibuprofen and aspirin are NSAIDs. It isn't generally recommended that NSAIDs and corticosteroids be taken together - the risk of gastric irritation is increased if you take both together.

[Estellemac in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks that's much clearer

[Estellemac in reply to PMRpro]

I take Lanzaprosol is that what others refer to as PPI?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Estellemac]

It is a PPI yes, a proton pump inhibitor, stops the production of gastric acid. Ranitidine (Zantac) does the same but in a different way.

[Hidden]

Yes it is

[Akino]

Hi Yvonne,

my doctor wanted me to take Methotrexate to improve the Prednisone effect for GCA. I took 60 mg Prednisone for three month and the CRP number didn't improve much. I had temple ache, headache and stiff jaw every day. Now I had six injections of 60 syringe units once a week, take 40 mg Prednisone reducing further and feel a difference. No temple ache, no headache and no stiff jaw. Better than ever before. I did have a few bad fatigue days after injections, but not this time. I read it takes up to six weeks for the Methotrexate to do it's job and one can feel a difference. In my case it seems to be like it. That's all I can tell you about it. It's a first for me, and it seems to work. I can't say anything about Naproxen, I don't take it. For back pain I take Tylenol, or I believe in Europe it's called Paracetamol. Monika

[Estellemac in reply to Akino]

Hi Monica that gives me a better understanding. I take Naproxen for Arthritis but it's not advisable to take it with Prednisone. Methotrexate is also used for Rheumatoid Arthritis but I have Osteoarthritis. Gives me more info to discuss with the Dr. Thanks Yvonne