Methatrexate side effects

[Den73]

Good morning..looking for advice please.I was put on Methatrexate last week, took my first dose on Monday ...8 tablets=20mg and I am still on prednesolone 40mg was 60mg in the pricess of decreasing, which is going ok.

But I have experienced and experiencing such severe side effects I suffer IBS anyway so thats worsened severe nausea, my head feels really odd, kidneys are sore, just feel really awful. Meant to be having the first blood test 2 weeks after the first dose, tried to book a blood test which should be around 13th March but was informed they can only do it at the end of the month....so it seems I am not going to be supported by the surgery so if any damage to kidneys or liver will not be revealed.

Has anyone had this sort of experience and if I decide to stop taking Methatrexate can anyone recommend what drug they are taking?

Thank you in advance.

[weathervane]

Hi Den , i dont take MTX myself, but my son did and initially the nausea was awful but it did settle down after 4-5 weeks. Are taking folic acid with it ? The Lupus page is worth posting on as alot of people diagnosed with lupus take it and might have more advice.

[Den73 in reply to weathervane]

Thanks Weathervane , I eventually had to stop taking MTX I developed MTX toxicity, was really unwell, yes he prescribed folic acid once a week and I had taken one the day after the dose of 20mg didnt make any difference,had sores on my tongue within days of the dose.Feeling slightly better now although every now and then feel awful so my GP has sent email to Rheumy ......I have a friend who has lupus and has taken it fir over 20 years with absolutely no side effects, I was so encouraged by her experience and positive this was part of my answer.

I am also in the process of decreasing preds which is a challenge on its own.....and of course he wants me off completely but after reading comments here not always a good idea, everyone is different, such complex conditions no rule fits all and sometmess I dont think the rheumy's realise that, very difficult🤔

I will take your advice about asking my question on Lupus site good idea thank you.

Take care and stay well x