METHOTREXATE AND AZANTHOPINE: GOOD OR BAD?

[Christophene47]

I was tried on Azanthopine about 3 months after my diagnosis of C- ANCA vasculitis. I took it and felt like it was killing me. I tried again, and constant vomiting. I stopped it. Several months later put on Methotrexate and have been on it since February 26. It has changed my bowel function and not too well. Two out of three doctors, unrelated to each other , have disapproved of this once a week 15mg prescription, one a hematologist/oncologist and the second a new rheumatologist with many years experience. I have stopped it. The pain remains as usual, but I feel less fatigued. It seems Azanthopine and Methotrexate are so ingrained in the treatment of vasculitis or PMR/GCA, I am wondering why I am getting an opposite reaction from 2 American doctors. Has anyone received this advice. ? The hematologist in particular showed me a screen with side effects and emphasized that Methotrexate can cause lymphoma or leukemia, diseases that , as vascultis patients, we are at higher risk for statistically speaking. Have anybody had a doctor with these same opinions?

Confused again. So much conflicting information tells me that these diseases are so poorly understood in general that doctors are not sure what to do. I had my own doubts about these drugs, but then to have my own doubts, without my saying a word, affirmed by 2 different experienced physicians, seems unreal. Has there been a rethinking of these drugs used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders?

[Hidden]

Hi. You don't say what they advised you to take instead??

[Christophene47 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Maria,

The new rheumatologist , after he has my new blood results, plans to increase dose of Prednisone and leave it at that. The hematologist's comment was more informational. I don't want to speak too soon, but my overall sense of wellbeing is greatly improved since stopping it. Also using topical CBD oil on painful areas, and that works too.

I know that things can change overnight with arteritis, but now 5 consecutive days feeling no fatigue and less pain.

We are all so different and everyone's reation to meds is different.

[Christophene47 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Maria,

I can say I feel greatly improved since stopping it; not completely, but the cytotoxics are not for me even in low doses. I am eager to see in what direction my new rheumatologist takes me when I return on 27th; he hinted at an increase in Prednisone.

I am not suggesting that anyone prescribed Methotrexate should stop it, but I went with my instinct after the 2 specialists disapproved. And at least my energy level and mood is definitely better.