Reducing on MTX

[Abbey17]

Hi, I’ve been reducing on MTX successfully, I have come down from 11 mg to 7 mg (last mg I did in halves) felt great , although more tired on last reduction. I’ve now been on 7 mg for 4 weeks. Yesterday pain in both legs at the very top only, today very painful to move, no other symptoms. Normally my main issues are chronic stiffness and fatigue, none of that. I am guessing I need to increase again, but not done this since being on MTX. I thought I wouldn’t get these symptoms yet being on MTX & pred. Is it worth waiting a few days or am I being naive?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"I thought I wouldn’t get these symptoms yet being on MTX & pred"

MTX often doesn't make a massive difference and even more often doesn't get you to zero - many people manage to get a few mg lower, some more. some less. It does seem to make the steps down a bit easier but the absolute end result figure varies.

I wouldn't wait too long - give it a day or two perhaps to see if it worsens, in which case go back and regroup. It might not - but I would be in no hurry to go for the next 1/2mg.

[Abbey17 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for this, I will follow your advice. I don’t want to go up unless I really have to. It’s weird, when you have a good period, your brain tricks you into believing you’re fine, then little reminders burst through the door.

[piglette]

You may find that you would have been able reduce as you have done without the MTX, you will never know. If you add 5mg for a week to hit the PMR on the head and then drop down to the dose where you were last happy and go from there. 7mg is often a problem area, but you will get there. Take it slowly.

[Abbey17 in reply to piglette]

I good idea didn’t think of that, MTX has made reducing so much easier, had real problems reducing before 🙃

[piglette in reply to Abbey17]

That is good that MTX helped you.