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[Mimmieblue2]

Hi y'all Mimmieblue2 I was just diagnosed in April 2016 I'm 59 yrs old. Not sure how to take this all in about RA my Rheumatolgist just changed my meds from taking 3 to taking 6 of methotrexate once a week . Are there anybody taking that much or more . What do I need to watch with my blood work any help would be appreciated 😕

[Preacherman]

Welcome to the club!!! :). I assume your taking the 2.5 little yellow football type pills. If so, then as far as I know you taking within the normal range for those that take it for R/A. Years ago I started with four with no success, went to six and had success, then finally went to injections as the pills seemed no longer to work and had success again. As far as I know your doctor will be checking your blood work for cbc, which is a complete blood count, your sed rate, which measures inflammation and he or she will check white and red blood cells and other blood tests which will tell them how your liver is doing, they'll be checking your liver often with probably a liver biopsy every few years. Hope this helps, taking methotrexate with proper blood work is considered safe. Blessings!

[tselph]

Hi! I am 59 also & recently diagnosed. I take 6 methotrexate once a week along side leflunomide daily. I started out with 3 & now take 6 also. Make sure you take folic acid along with it or your hair will fall out. I also take leucovorin because I got mouth sores. The blood work is to monitor your liver & blood count. Mtx is hard on the liver.

I hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Welcome Mimmieblue2,

Always remember, you are NOT alone.

I have been taking 8 MTX tabs once a week for 9 years.

I've tried injections but the pills work just as well for me.

I also take them at bedtime so I can sleep through the nausea.

Hair loss has happened several times, but usually goes away without too much damage.

Folic acid tabs help with this.

My Rheumatologist monitors my lab work on a regular basis.

Hope this helps!

Doe1

[happyme]

Hi Mimmie I was your age when I was dx with RA. I have been on many medictions and all I can say keep trying to find ones that work for you. Unfortunately methotrexate does not work for me . Been on planqunil and Orencia which is a biologic and still nothing. I have been on prednisone for the past 10 yrs which really helps me the most but causes other problems. Some days will be better than others. Good luck to you. Be brave. God bless.

[CherylDV]

My rheumatologist told me that 25 mg is the highest dose that is prescribed for RA. That is 10 2.5 mg pills once a week. They can be toxic to your liver but the odds are fairly low, the odds do rise if you mix alcohol with the MTX. Wish you luck with this medicine and ask your doc for a prescription of Folic Acid.

[Uneekcheryl]

I take 10 a week. Just make sure that you take the folic acid with it.

[Norma_Back]

I started out taking 8 methotrexate,but my liver enzymes shot thru the roof! I am now on Arava,which has helped,but it's almost been a year,n I'm having flares again.plus horrible stomach problems n blisters in my mouth.

[Dandylioness in reply to Norma_Back]

I could not take methotrexate either. It hurt my stomach so. It's time to talk with your rheumatologist about some new/different meds.

[Deidrebr]

I also take 6 once a week. Watch out for mouth sores. Mine got pretty bad. I had to up my folic acid and use magic mouthwash. I also take plaquenil. I'm pretty sore most days tho

[MvrwBegs]

I take methotrexate 20mg weekly....8 tabs. Also take hydroxychloroquine 200mg twice a day.

[Mimmieblue2]

Appreciate all the info yeah I got one mouth sore . I just can't take the predizone making me gain weight