I am not new to psoriac arthritis - just new to finally admitting I have to treat it...just nervous about the meds. Any helpful information about Methotrexate???
Hello,
I have taken Methotrexate for the last 25 years. I did stop taking it when I was on Enbrel about 10 years ago but I have returned to it since then. I am not sure it really makes a difference for me but I have not had any bad side effects. I have been on meds for Psoriatic Arthritis since 1978. Make sure you take Folic Acid with Methotrexate and do not drink alcohol with it.
I just started it 6 weeks ago. I read probably all the same stuff as you but I wanted my life back too. I have had no side effects either. Remember they have to put all possible warnings so they are not sued. The most concern my Rheumy had was that it would cause me diahrea (which it didn't).
Thank You for the positive responses. I have been putting this off for months. I tried Humira and I was so worried about the side effects I finally tried it and felt horrible for a few weeks...like I had the flu. I know being nervous about the side effects only makes it worse. Not that I drink alot of alcohol, but we do drink socially...sounds like alcohol is very limited. My symptoms are really just my hands...a few psoriais patches and fatigue...
I think that Methotrexate can be very taxing on your liver and that is why they do not want you to drink. Are you taking the Humira and the Methotrexate together?
hello i take 8 a wk no side effects for me just dont work for me. going to talk to the dr when i go back. been on them for over a yr....they work for some people...
good luck,
lynn
Hi Ann I have been takin MTX almost continously for 4 years. I responded to it in 4 weeks. My pain went from 110% to 25 % or less. I was on Narcotics am and pm and went to taking the occaisional capsule. I started out on tablets but quickly switched to injectable as I had developed mouth sores. I did suffer with flu like symptoms that lasted for quite some time. I used to take gravol 15 minutes prior to the MTX. Injecting helped with that too but it was at least 4 months before I could say I was tolerating it well. I am currently on Humira , MTX and naproxen. I do have the odd glass of wine. So far my liver is tolerating every thing well. MTX really keeps my SED rate down and humira helps to control everything else. You must take folic acid along with your MTX but not on MTX day. I take 5mg daily. my motto is "Fear the disease not the meds" I am glad you have made this decision to take meds. I have had 2 total knee replacements because of this disease I did not have the chance to take any meds in advance of my joints deteriorating. They just went with little warning. I applaude your decision.
Hi Ann,
I went kicking and screaming into using MTX--terrified of the drug and the SE. I've been on it for almost a year now, and have had no major problems. I experience fatigue now and then, but who knows if that's from the MTX or from the PsA, itself?
The good thing about MTX is that we have about 40 years of experience and research with using this drug to treat arthritis, so we pretty much know what to expect. The current wisdom seems to be that it most likely is not as toxic as once believed. I am reassured by that.
A couple of years ago, I spoke with a woman who had PsA, and she told me she had put off going on MTX for many years, but felt so much better once she made the decision to try it. The sad part of the story is she told me this from her wheelchair. I remember her saying, "Don't wait too long, like I did." When I am questioning the wisdom of treating this illness, I think about her, and am grateful to have the drugs.
I am on week 8 of MTX after resisting it for 18 months because of the side effects. Ironically, I haven’t had any side effects whatsoever…
Wow, this helps me A LOT! I have a perscription for MTX laying here and have refused to have it filled because of fear of side effects. I thought my hair would fall out and the mouth sore thing would happen, and I do love a glass of wine after teaching a room full of kids Art all day. I decided the wine would win over the MTX..lol, not logical I know.
Things are progressing so fast though, I know I have to bite the bullet. Thanks so much for this group, this question Ann, and everyone's advice on their experiences.
Shawn
Shhh… But I still drink wine! Not as much but a glass or so in the evening seems fine. My liver function tests are fine so my rheumatologist said that a few glasses spread over a week would be ok. Bonus!
I started MTX 5 weeks ago. I have been on Enbrel now for 6 months, but my inflammation is still pretty bad so we decided to add in the MTX. I, too, put it off as long as possible due to the side effects. After 4 weeks, my inflammation/pain is actually worse in my ankle and knee. I unfortunately did have some bad side effects. I now take the day off work after I take it because I am pretty worn out, nauseous, and extremely swollen. It's really weird but I puff up like crazy the next day, even my eyelids. I also have the mouth sores. I go back to the Rheumy in 2 weeks, so I will see what we are going to do. I was hoping after a few weeks the side effects would ease up, but so far they haven't. Hate to be the one with the negative comment. Hopefully your experience will be better. Good Luck :)
Thank you all for replying...OMG I feel so much better about at least giving MTX a try. My PsA started out very mild, but has progressed the last few years. I am now concerned about joint damage to my hands and now my knees are starting. I guess when I think about it...I live with the joint pain and fatigue everyday...I think I have just learned to accept it. I know I have to start something, I was only 37 when my joints started to become inflamed. It took almost 8 years for a dx. I just get so frustrated...whats worse the PsA or the side effects of all the meds. I have 3 kids and my husband and I like to socialize and travel (mostly for our kids sporting events!). My kids are very involved in sports...they need me to be healthy. I just dont want to give up any days to this disease (or the meds). My doc did put it into perspective - she said just read the warnings on Motrin, which I took everyday...So after reading all your comments I am going to try it. Going in with a positive attitude - grateful there are meds to help us. If its not for me I will just keep trying...(glad I can still enjoy an occasional wine or cosmo!!) Hoping it works with no side effects...will keep you informed...thanks again!
I had a whorable reaction to this med in the sun! Bad blisters so be safe in the sun! 
I can live with a glass or two in the evening, and not die of liver failure. Thanx for being honest with us..lol.
GwynnethP said:
Shhh... But I still drink wine! Not as much but a glass or so in the evening seems fine. My liver function tests are fine so my rheumatologist said that a few glasses spread over a week would be ok. Bonus!
I couldn't take MTX by the pill. I took it by injection. So if you stay nausiated all the time ask if you can take it by injection. There shouldn't be a problem. See taking it that way it goes straight into your blood stream and bypasses your stomach.
I just wanted to let everyone know how I did...I did wimp out and delayed it a week...but finally took my first dose 3 days ago. I have to say it was really fine. I felt a little nauseau...nothing that stopped me from doing my normal activities...maybe a little tired (but I never sleep well, so I am tired a lot...and PsA causes extreme fatigue for me) and a slight headache. All lasting for 2 days...nothing that kept me from doing my normal activities. I may want to move my med day so I feel good for the weekend - we all work too hard to not be able to enjoy the weekends. I am hoping this is how each dose is - if it is I think I can tolerate it if the results are helping with the pain and fatigue from PsA. Does anyone know if the side effects will increase as time goes on? I have had PsA and not treated it for a long time...so I don't remember what it feels like to feel good again - but if methotrexate can do that I will keep trying.
I've been on mtx for about 9 months. I've had no effects, either good or bad. I was, perhaps, a bit tired for the first little while, but who knows, that might have been my imagination. My rheumy says most people tolerate it really well.
As far as I know, side effects (if you get them) lessen as time goes on and your body becomes accustomed to the drug.
Good luck with this, Ann!
Seenie
I am a little confused. There seems to be different opinions on folic acid. Do most docs recc taking it the day of the methotrexate. My doc just said take it everyday. A few people on here have said they were told not the day of. Just wondering why? Have an appt Friday. Plan on asking. Also do most docs continue increasing methotrexate. I am on 10mg a week. Hoping that it does something and I don’t have to increase and have more possible side effects. Sounds like most people are taking than 10 mg to achieve relief. I really just have my pain in my hands. Occasional feet. Occasional knees. But what pushed me to start meds was just the constant fatigue. Taking my 2nd methotrexate dose tomorrow. Praying it works and no side effects. From all I have read on here it is so important to start meds early.
Hi Ann - Folic acid is needed by your body for healthy cell growth and division. Methotrexate helps PsA by interfering with this process. Most people are told not to take folic acid on the same day as methotrexate as it could interfere with methotrexate's effectiveness. Your doctor will start you off on a low dose of methotrexate and then gradually increase it to what seems to be an effective and tolerable dose for you. I started on 7.5 and now am at 15 mg. Your doctor should also be monitoring your liver function while on methotrexate. Good luck!
Ann said:
I am a little confused. There seems to be different opinions on folic acid. Do most docs recc taking it the day of the methotrexate. My doc just said take it everyday. A few people on here have said they were told not the day of. Just wondering why? Have an appt Friday. Plan on asking. Also do most docs continue increasing methotrexate. I am on 10mg a week. Hoping that it does something and I don't have to increase and have more possible side effects. Sounds like most people are taking than 10 mg to achieve relief. I really just have my pain in my hands. Occasional feet. Occasional knees. But what pushed me to start meds was just the constant fatigue. Taking my 2nd methotrexate dose tomorrow. Praying it works and no side effects. From all I have read on here it is so important to start meds early.