Anti TFN and Methotrexate

[0411tm]

I have just received an appointment from my Rheumatologist to attend an Anti TFN clinic. I have done some research on the internet and it all sounds a bit scary to me. Has anyone had this treatment, and if so, can you tell me more, for example side effects etc. Many thanks.

[Jensue]

I have been taking Methotrexate for 2 years now in tablet form and it has helped me. I felt so much better since taking it.

My dose was started on the minimum of just 7.5 mg & gradually upped over a period of 4months to 17.5mg, at first it made me feel very queasy but by taking it in the evening & having sips of flat coke a cola (Rheumatologist suggested it this & it does help) those symptoms settled. Now a rarely get any side effects from it.

I have monthly blood tests but after about six months they normally put you onto 3 monthly bloods if all is ok, its just my bloods are a bit erratic so they keep an eye on it (Rheumy wanted it done like this & my GP agrees). Blood results are recorded in a special booklet which you take each time you go to have bloods done - my GP always fills mine in & I get a prescription on a monthly basis from the GP for the MTX. You also need to have a pneumonia vaccination & of course flu jabs each year because your immune system is dampened down.

Hope this helps.

[0411tm]

Thank you very much for the info Jensue, it was very helpful. Did it cause you any other side effects, in particular fatigue?

[titanicus]

The danger with information(overload), via the internet etc, is detrimental in the sense that it can cause you to worry. Worry is the enemy. When I first saw my Rheumatologist he said, 'don't worry,I will keep an eye on you'. It is difficult to cope a lot of the time, but it is important to know that health professionals have 'got your back'.

[Carrie37]

My sister is on rituximab and on azathioprine and is very well. The thing about these drugs are they are only considered when necessary. Usually all alternatives are exhausted first and then the benefits outweigh the risks.

Sis has kept out of hospital for 3 years plus with no emergency operations. Hers is a different condition.