METHOTREXATE Injection or Pill form

[Blomps]

Been on Methotrexate 15 mgs for a good while now 5 months. Always had nauseasness problems even taking Folic Acid the day after. Its been suggested I change to self injecting the liquid variety of the drug. Anyone else gone down this path please and with what results. Not bothered about actually injecting as Im using Insulin to control Diabetes flare due to Steroid Prednisolone. Any suggestions or experience would be very much appreciated. Blomps

[Hidden]

Hi Blooms

Yes there is at least one person on the group who does, l’ll see if l can find her by checking through my Methotrexate Posts.

MrsN

[Blomps in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the help, had a few replies already, Blomps

[Hidden]

I found these on NRAS Sight which may be helpful

healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

[Blomps in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks will look now. Blomps

[PMRpro Ambassador]

One day a week folic acid probably isn't enough for a start. Some people take it every day except mtx day.

However - sorry, can't help with mtx injections. Strangely, nausea was the one mtx side effect I DIDN'T have.

[Blomps in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks Doc has never suggested daily Folic Acid only the day after. Maybe worth a try. Blomps

[Hidden in reply to Blomps]

I took a simple antiemetic & after about a month it passed. It was if l smelt anything ‘fatty’ or ‘fried’ see if those links from NRAS are helpful.

[Blomps in reply to Hidden]

They are very helpful thanks. I have the pens just have to be instructed on how to use. Seems simple enough with all instructions given a d I also inject insulin too without any problems. Thanks Blomps

[Hidden in reply to Blomps]

Good Luck 🍀 & let us know how you get on! 🍀

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blomps]

Everyone is different (where have I heard that before). My rheumy suggested splitting the dose, 10mg at night and 10mg the next morning and said he'd found that reduced the nausea. I certainly didn't have any! I started with 5mg folic acid the next day but had a couple of problems so I doubled it to 2 days. I felt a bit better but never got as far as every day to see what that did.

[Blomps in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks all so helpful. Blomps

[Suet3942 in reply to Blomps]

Hi. I takeep Folic acid every day except on the dosage day. Never had any nausea.

[Blomps in reply to Suet3942]

Ive heard that several times, not sure why it was never prescribed by my specialist. Seeing about injections today. Im told they are more effective so may go down that route. I already inject for diabetes so one more jab is not a problem. Thanks again. Blomps

[5lupins]

Hi, I have taken methotrexate for a long time and I was instructed to take 5mg of folic acid 24 hours before the methotrexate. I have never had any nausea so maybe worth a try when you have checked with doc. J

[Blomps in reply to 5lupins]

Many thanks for the reply thats interesting, another worthwhile way of looking at it. I will ask when I see the doctor. Thanks Graeme

[cornishjan]

I was on the pills and hated them! They made me nauseous for about three days, I couldn't concentrate enough to read a book I hadn't read before or do the crossword and I even stopped dreaming. I would take them on a Saturday night and by 11am Sunday morning I was asleep on my feet, would crawl into bed and sleep for six or seven hours - and still sleep well that night. It got so that the sight of the pills made me feel sick!

I was off the Methotrexate for a few months as they hoped my inflamed arteries had improved but another Pet scan showed they hadn't so back on the Methotrexate again. This time I asked for the injections. Although normally compliant I would have refused to take the pills again. I hoped the injections would make me feel less nauseous but they are great.

No nausea at all. I can read and do the Telegraph cryptic crossword. I dream. I find they make me feel a bit tired the following day but it is minimal. The only alteration to my lifestyle is that I try not to drive for 24 hours after I have taken them as I feel it does affect my concentration a bit. I also take two 5mg folic acids tablets the next day. I realise that everyone's reaction is different but I hope this helps.

[Blomps in reply to cornishjan]

Really helpful and reassuring many thanks. Blomps

[dancersize]

I've not had any nausea on six months on 20mg MTX once a week, but I do take folic acid the other six days a week, as recommended by my rheumy.

[Blomps in reply to dancersize]

I hear that from so many users of Folic Acid. I wad only prescribed 1 the day after taking the Methotrexate and its never even been suggested when I have raised the nausea problem. Weird? Thanks for the input, this site is so helpful. Blomps

[FRnina]

I take 15mg MTX once a week using a pen for self-injection. Have no problems. The injections are on Mondays and these are followed two days later (Wednesdays in my case) with 15mg of Folic Acid (that is 15mg once a week). I haven't noticed any nausea. Probably the difference between absorbing via the stomach (pills) or the muscles (injection)? I live in France so methods slightly different maybe?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to FRnina]

That is a new way of using folic acid to me - makes sense though.

[Blomps in reply to FRnina]

Thankyou really helpful. I had blood tests for Methotrexate use whilst in France at Dinan. Great hospital in Lehon very helpful.

[FRnina]

Yes, I have the highest regard for all the treatment I've had in France so far. The only hiccup at the moment here is a rupture in Prednisone supplies (have to go round various pharmacies until I find ones with stock). Bit of a scary problem for patients.

[Blomps in reply to FRnina]

That is scary so easy to get a flare up if missed. Blomps

[Cannes4me]

Hi yes, I was on tablets and am now on methotrexate injections, I still felt sick so had my dose lowered from 15mg to 10mg and I am fine now. I have been given Hydroxychloroquine to run along side with the methotrexate and I am fine. Hope this helps.

[Blomps in reply to Cannes4me]

Hi there, Many thanks, I have been with Rhumy Nurse today going through all scenarios. Im hoping I get away from the sickness still. Will let you all know how it goes from Next Monday when I change over from Pile to Injections. Blomps

[Cannes4me]

Fingers 🤞 Blomps.

[Blomps in reply to Cannes4me]

For sure, many thanks

[Rene20]

I am starting Methodist on Monday 1mg have been told by rheumatologist to take 1 folic acid tablet 5mg 2 days before so taking today Saturday. Am dreading it! Heard so much nasties about the drug. Fingers crossed.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rene20]

BEFORE? Wonder what that logic is.

[Rene20]

Rheumatologist advised Friday Folic acid 5mg before Monday Methatrxate 15mg at present seems to working no side effects. Not sure if it is helping PMR SYMPTOMS. Still have steriod injection in my system.