Vasculitis

[Westley]

I have been on methotrexate injections each week since coming off chemo but am told the 25mg I injections is a form of chemo obviously a small dose, my question is how long can someone stay on it and how do they come off it please

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The dose used in rheumatology is not really chemo - it is far far lower than that used in oncology although it may have the same effects in causing hair loss or mouth ulcers - which is why you take folic acid to reduce that. Rheumatology patients may remain on it for years if it continues to work for them as it is the first line treatment in rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritides.

If it decided you should no longer take it - you simply stop.

[Westley in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much

[WaltzG in reply to PMRpro]

Hmm have been wondering why my hair has thinned and getting mouth ulcers!!

[Rugger in reply to WaltzG]

Have you been given folic acid for 6 days a week, just omitting the day you take MTX? I had that and no hair loss or mouth problems. Best wishes.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WaltzG]

As Rugger asks - are you on enough folic acid? Some rheumies simply don't use enough.