Any thoughts on how to minimize side effects from methotrexate. Eight weeks in and last weekend was the worst. Mainly fatigue, irritability, some nausea and loss of appetite. Biggest is fatigue. I would like to continue to have some semblance of a life with the hubby and friends.
Also, best soaps and moisturizers to aid with the itching and psoriatic patches.
Any help would be appreciated. Have an awesome Sat.
Hi Michaelwesley! I don’t take MTX, so can’t help you there, but I do use prescription Betamethasone on my psoriasis, which somehow Enbrel can’t reach on my lower legs. It keeps the itching at bay, and on top of that, I sometimes use Gold Bond softening with Shea butter lotion. Other members have great advice about MTX and I’ve seen many responses about lotions that work for them.
I can recommend Balneum Cream, which contains urea (never fear, it does not smell like pee!). I keep recommending this product and although I’m in the UK, google suggests it is available in the US. Regular use of it keeps my one stubborn patch of psoriasis comfortable and actually seemed to banish another long-term area.
Are you sure your fatigue is Mtx-related? I know that Mtx can cause fatigue but as it’s never had that effect on me I have to go by what others say, most seem to report that the fatigue is most noticeable a day or two after taking it. Whereas PsA fatigue can definitely be a 7 day a week thing which may well improve once the disease is under control. Counter-intuitively, exercise can help with fatigue too, whatever physical activity you can do, as often as you can do it.
With Mtx, drinking a lot of water is essential. Rheumys so often don’t mention this. It can help prevent side effects, especially of the tiredness & headachy variety. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are no substitute apparently.
Thanks for the suggestions on moisturizers. I will seek them out. The fatigue is definitely from the methotrexate. Though it is there throughout the week, has been, it is very heightened following taking my med. Usually by the evening of and definitely the following day and then improves. Last weekend I was taking a three hour sleep in the day and that is not me. Just wondering if super b that someone recommended would help.
Hey MW, are you taking folic acid? Most of us take a hefty dose every day except MTX day. That’s supposed to help with side effects from mtx.
Super b? Is that a multi-b vitamin supplement? Doubt if it would have as much folic acid as most of us take (I take 1000 mcg, 1 mg 6 days a week, but I’ve heard of people taking as much as 5 mg). The SuperB I found at amazon has 400 mcg.
Just checked and I take one 5mg Folic Acid tablet 6 days a week. I’ve always taken 5mg tablets which I think is standard in the UK … and no Mtx side effects though that could be coincidence.
Yes. Taking fix acid daily. 1mg at this point. Had a friend recommend super b as well so headed out today to find it. Thank you for the suggestions.
LOL MW, autocorrect called it “fix acid”. That’s funny but not as funny as what my iPhone calls it: “frolic acid”. That’s what I call it now.
Haha! I did not even see that til now. I honestly spell better than I type.
What dose of Mth are you on? I started back last december and have had varying doses up to 20mg/week. I suffered badly with fatigue, usually spending evenings and most of the weekend in bed. Not sure how much was the Mth vs the PsA in general but it does get less the longer you go.
I’d also recommend drinking a lot of water especially on the day you take the meth, plus folic acid on the non-meth day.
Hey there. Sorry. I have been unable to access for a bit. I am on 15 mg weekly. Seeing some improvement with it and it does seem that the side effects are lessening. Definite improvement in rashes but little if any at all in pain level.