Has anyone been advised not to take Methotrexate because of damage to the kidneys?

[John_Mills]

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed with WG before 3 months and I'm still using Cyclophosphamide, but I know that patients with even mild form of kidney damage should not take this drug.

[Albasain]

I was put on Methotrixate when was at first diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis. Within a fortnight I developed ulcers on both lower legs. Apparently there seems that on rare occasions Methotrixate can cause ulcers and it was thought that this was the case in my instance. Consequently I was taken off that drug!

[BronteM]

Yes. My kidney markers declined quite dramatically when I was on it, and I was advised to stop taking it at my first Addenbrookes appointment. The markers have since improved and I am back in the safe range.

Although my kidneys have been OK until the MTX, i come from a family with a history of kidney disease. Several family members are currently being treated and both my father and his father died of kidney failure.

[HiveMind]

I took Methotrexate for over 18 months until it stopped working. Since I stopped taking it I haven't had any further issues with my kidneys although they're still not back to the way they were before taking it and I am seriously worried they never will. I've been off it 6th months now.

In addition I had no end of chest/lung problems/infections whilst on this drug, although I didn't connect these issues to it at the time (I thought it was due to my CSS). Since stopping it I've had zero infections and no breathing problems at all. I do not think it is just coincidence.

I know taking immunosuppressants are fraught with serious side effects but there doesn't seem to be any other option open to Vasculitis patients.

[Juliew123]

I was on methotrexate for a while, but it upset my liver not my kidneys so they took me off and put me on azathioprine

[cedric in reply to Juliew123]

I cant take azathioprine but am on methotrexate 15mg per week I have blood tests every two weeks and the drs haven't said to come off them I have been on methotrexate now for five and half months and I have vasulitus in my kidney but I am going to ask the question when I go next week

[nannie]

My kidney function was to low so I've never been on it.

[AndrewT]

I'm on dialysis, the vacuities attacked my kidneys, and am also on azathioprine. Personally I've never heard of methotrexate but assume it does a similar 'job' to aza. I don't know if this will be any use to you.

AndrewT

[John_Mills Volunteer]

Thank you for all your replies.. there does not seem to be an exact pattern for using methotrexate but it may depend on how much kidney damage there is...