Can I delay methotrexate?

[ddwyer]

I take methotrexate tablets once a week on a Saturday. I have run out and can't get to the chemist until Monday. Will a delay of two days matter?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes, you can delay it - and in fact you should do so any time you have an infection, especially if it requires antibiotics.

[ddwyer in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks.

[Hidden]

No problem but as the PIL (Patient Information Leaflet) says MTX should only be taken once a week but l personally wouldn’t be happy to take it 5days apart therefore l would choose to leave 7days between doses but it can mess your schedule up a bit.

I have taken MTX since 2014 with two separate breaks each of approximately a year. I have extended my ‘week’ by Plus One Day each week to move from a Saturday to a Wednesday or following cold to get me back on track but that is my own personal choice from experience.

Please refer to PMRPRO’s reply with advice from the NHS

Regards

MrsN

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

This

sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

says

Methotrexate once-weekly: doses should normally be taken on the same day each week (11,12). If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as it is remembered if this is within two days. For instance if a person normally takes their methotrexate on a Tuesday, they could take it on Wednesday or Thursday (12). However, if the dose is three or more days late then a doctor or the rheumatology clinic should be contacted for advice. A double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed dose (11). It is unlikely that a disease flare-up would occur as a result of a single missed dose (12)."

So if it should have been Saturday night, Monday night is OK and go back to normal. Have you ever been told that?

[ddwyer in reply to PMRpro]

No, I haven't been told that before. Many thanks for your reply, it's really helpful.

[granofthewest in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for that, take mine on Sunday and missed once so took on Monday, glad to know that was ok

[ddwyer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply, it's very helpful.

[ddwyer in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply and for the information. I'm very grateful.

[Suet3942]

I was advised by my rheumy nurse that you can miss alternate doses of Mx and it won’t make that much difference because it stays in the body for about 4 weeks,

I stopped taking it last year because I wondered If it was really doing anything.

Felt ok for 3 weeks and the pmr pain cane back with a vengeance.

Big mistake. Took 3 months to get back on track.

[ddwyer in reply to Suet3942]

Thanks for your reply. That's interesting as I've often wondered about stopping it. Looks like I won't be trying to do that!

[Hidden in reply to ddwyer]

They stopped mine in August 2018 in the September l didn’t notice anything but by October the difference was extremely noticeable. My Pred has to be increased & still l suffered symptoms, l’m back on MTX again but still not as good as l was previously.

I suspect another Flare, I’m having my bloods done tomorrow & go from there......