Methotrexate; a immunosuppresive

Great news Beth!! So happy to hear that! Continue to feel good.

Monica

I have been taking the MTX for 2 1/2 months now. I have noticed improvement in my joint pain and fatigue, although for the last week or so I have noted increased nausea and stomach issues. Is it possible the side effects get worse the longer you are taking it? So far the side effects are worth dealing with in exchange for the relief I have been getting. Or maybe it is just due to taking so many meds each day now.

Hugs,
Beth

Yes, they can change. Just keep a log or journal and let your doc know what's going on. I had some changes with mine as well in fact I even had my mouth start itching and feeling weird for about an hour after my shot. That is when the doc changed my dosage. Not the amount but broke it up for me. Also, if you aren't taking leucovorin or folic acid, you may want to ask your doctor for a prescription for leucovorin. you don't need a prescription for folic acid, just the leucovin and leucovin actually has folic acid in it and both help with the side effects of mtx. Not sure what else it has in it and what the difference is. From what I have read, some docs recommend just the folic acid and others prescibe the leucovorin. Glad the benefits are still outweighing the side effects. Hopefully that will still remain the case.

Monica

Hi Girls!!

I started Mtx in April at 10mgs. Beginning of June, I was still having joint pain so it was increased to 15mgs. I also was having continuing nausea throughout so my rheumy gave me a script for Prochlorperazine 10mgs 3x a day. (It is an anti-psychotic drug (HELLO??? ) and used also for nausea. I tried it a couple times and still felt nauseous and sometimes worse. I also take a bunch of other meds so who knows what is making me feel nauseous. Anyway, I see my rheumy next week and I think he will switch me to the injections so it can bypass my stomach.

I also have noticed improvement in joint pain but it is the nausea that is driving me crazy now. I did split the dosage. So I'll be happy to switch to the injections if it stops the nausea. If not, then it is onto the next drug - ugh!!

Good luck Chris, hope the injections are better for you. I never did do the pills because I had heard the injections were less nauseating and I have always had trouble with my tummy. Forgot to mention, my rheumy also prescribed Reglan for when I am really nauseas too and it comes and goes in waves. I haven't had to take it too much lately. Last year I had to take it a lot. Lately, just every now and then. It works really well though.

Good luck ladies!! On this note, I think I am going to have a glass of wine tonight!

Monica