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Methotrexate have you had any side effects?

Pumpkinseeds

I've been taking Methotrexate for 7 weeks and I've read a lot of accounts of bad side effects that people have experienced with it. It's still being described by the medics as the Gold Standard, but my own experiences make me think other wise. I'm just interested to know hear about positive or negative effects others have had with it.

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huskerdu

I have been on methotrexate for 3 years for psoratic arthritis.
I got bad nausea the day after taking it initially. It eased off slowly after a number of months.
After the first year, I don't get nausea anymore , unless I take it without food. Also I forgot to take it on holidays for 2 weeks and the first few weeks after that, it was much worse.

I have a liver function test every three months, and my liver function is fine.

The side effects differ so widely that I dont think that there is one right answer.
Everyone has to make their own decision on whether the relief they get is worth the side effects they experience.

morebarn2

I was using Methotrexate a few years ago. I started on the lowest dose, 10mg.,I think. At that dose I had no problems and it was reasonably effective at lowering my pain and inflammation. However, in order to completely deal with the arthritis, the dose is gradually increased. As the dosage increased, my symptoms began to get worse. I finally finished up on 20mg. At that stage I found the nausea to be quite bad. It would start the day after taking my tablets and last for about 4 to 5 days. Also my hair started seriously falling out and thinning!

On the positive side, my arthritis was almost completely under control,and I reckoned it was worth the side effects.

However, the regular blood tests showed that my liver was being pretty badly effected and I was taken of Methotrexate after about 9 months.

My Rheumatologist would still say it is the Gold Standard for most people, and I would know other patients who are successfully using it for 10 or more years. It really does vary hugely from one person to another. I guess I was just unlucky!

I should say that if the tablets cause problems, then sometimes the injection form of Mtx. can be used and it bypasses the digestive system and mostly eliminates the nausea. Also most doctors prescribe Folic Acid, it replenishes your system when you are on a DMARD like Mtx.

kitchenkid

On it several years, at 20mg dosage. Feel pretty nauseous for day or two, but worth it for almost full relief from RA pains.
reckon i would be suffering a lot more without it. Liver tests every 6 months.

Pumpkinseeds

I started on 10mg but moved on to the 15mg dose 3 weeks ago. I'm also having Infliximab infusions, which they won't do unless I take the Methotrexate. I've been on folic acid for years and with the exception of Thursdays when I take the Methotrexate I'm on it every day.

I've been having a lot of headaches and my moods are all over the place, I just don't feel like me. My teeth are aching and became sensitive so I changed toothpastes to see if that helps. I get stomach cramps for a few days after the Methotrexate though.

KCAccidental

was on 17.5mg but back down to 10 because my liver numbers have been very high. Not too many side effects though, just the nausea.

my one tip is definitely don't drink even a once off! thought i'd get away with it for a wedding. big mistake!

Pumpkinseeds

KCAccidental wrote: »

was on 17.5mg but back down to 10 because my liver numbers have been very high. Not too many side effects though, just the nausea.

my one tip is definitely don't drink even a once off! thought i'd get away with it for a wedding. big mistake!

That was a timely post. I like gin and tonic and was thinking earlier today that I might allow myself 1 of the premixed cans of Gordons once a month, I guess I won't be doing that then:(:D

KCAccidental

talk to your doc first. They might be ok with you having one, but then I was warned repeatedly by rheum, derm and GP not to drink. Everyone is different though, so you never know you might be alright

Pumpkinseeds

KCAccidental wrote: »

talk to your doc first. They might be ok with you having one, but then I was warned repeatedly by rheum, derm and GP not to drink. Everyone is different though, so you never know you might be alright

None of them mentioned anything at all about not drinking. I'm just going by the information on the leaflet that comes with the Methotrexate.

KCAccidental

I know some other people have had drinks while on MTX without any adverse effects. Liver is just bit weaker when on it.

Jaysus I'd love a G&T myself!

I just remember that I was sick for two weeks after that wedding!

Pumpkinseeds

Has anyone else had an increase in headaches since being on the methotrexate? I've noticed that I have a headache a lot of the time, although that might just be stress.

jackhammer

I was on methotrexate for a couple of years. I developed a persistent cough and also some lung scarring. I didn't experience any of the other symptoms listed, but they said it affects different people differently.

I was taken off it and the coughing went, the scars remain though.