Methotrexate

Update to my post about being scared to take methotrexate, took my second dose on Sunday and can report that I've had no side effects as yet.

I've had pmr for over 5 years and have been up and down on pred doses for all that time despite DSNS tapering after last flare which saw me back at 15mg again and a continued crp of high 20s for nearly 2 years rheumi put methotrexate in the mix.

Hoping it will help I will keep updating my progress or not.

Fingers crossed.

[EdithWales]

Well done, that’s encouraging 🥂😇

[Soraya_PMR]

Well done, hope you continue without side effects and it does the trick for you.

My rheumi has mentioned mtx a couple of times, but I’m only nearly 2 years in, and down to a steady 6mg/trying 5mg. (Which I think is entirely fine from 20mg in April 2017). I countered her last time with ‘but I’m at physiological levels’ to which she gave me a pained ‘OMG she’s been reading up on it’ look. It stopped the conversation though.

That said, 5 years in I might agree to try it like you. So good luck, keep us updated with your progress. It helps to have balance when there are so many scare stories.

[SheffieldJane]

Thank you for posting 5757.

[Marijo1951]

Good luck on your journey. I've been taking MTX for 14 months and so far haven't had any nasty side effects, and I haven't had any further flares when reducing pred. I've just reached single figures and go from 9 mg to 8 mg in 4 weeks' time. It's important to go for the monthly blood tests so any unwanted effects are monitored.

[Hidden in reply to Marijo1951]

Yes I have my 1st blood test tommorow and another in 2 weeks time.

I'm currently on 8.5 of pred and will start my Slow taper to 8mg on Sunday.

All the best to you on your tapering journey too.

[Blearyeyed]

Good to hear about someone who has tried MTX and are doing well on it so far.

It does make a positive difference for many , despite people's reluctance and fear to try it.

Hope it keeps going well , and makes your reduction easier .

Hugs , Bee xx

[GerriMc]

Good luck with the MTX! I’ve found it very helpful. I couldn’t get past 17.5 mgs Pred.

Are you taking Folic Acid? My Rheumy prescribed 5mgs of Folic Acid per day (not to be taken on the day I take the MTX). It protects against hair loss etc.

One other tip is to take the MTX last thing at night, then if there’s any tiredness, you sleep through the worst of it!

Hope it all goes well! X

[Hidden in reply to GerriMc]

Thank you for your reply, I have been taking folic acid but only told to take it the day after the methotrexate.

I have been taking methotrexate in the evening as I had read it would be better to do so.

Thank you for replying,all the best to you x

[GerriMc in reply to Hidden]

If you’re taking it in the evening, I wouldn’t take the FA the following morning.