Methotrexate
I take mine every Monday it makes me feel crummy!
Hi there
, we're sorry to hear that you're having this experience! Does it make you feel crummy for just a couple of days after you take it or all the time? If you haven't already, we strongly encourage you to bring this up with your Rheumatologist so you can work together to see what's going on and what changes can be made to help. Many people taking Methotrexate also take Folic Acid, to help with the common side effects. Keep us updated with how you're doing. Gently, Ashley (Team Member) I find that metherotrexate was making me feel crummy too. I spoke to my rheumatologist who upped my dose of folic acid to be taken 3 times a week, I get sightly nauseous but it is not quite so bad now. Of course it might not be so for you however I do agree that you need to speak to your rheumatologist, they will help you find the right path for you.
If I had methotrexate injections instead of taking it orally, how often would I need to get the injections?
Hi
, Like the oral version, methotrexate injections are often given on a weekly basis. However, you would need to check with your rheumatologist to find out what a methotrexate injection schedule would look like for you. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Wishing you all the best,
Tamara (site moderator)It's the same for me injection or oral, as a matter of fact I do it one way for awhile then when side effect come I change. Rheumatologist has no problem with my routine. As anything you have to try most auto-immune meds for a least a month to either overcome side effects and see if it is helping. As a note this is just how I see my RA. Ever one responds and advances in these diseases different. Make info sharing best to read listen and learn as much as you can as thing come up. Best wishes
I have been taking 15mg methotrexate since February with one folic acid per week.
My arthritis was diagnosed when it started in my legs and feet. Since taking the meds my legs have improved although the disease has got really bad in my hands and wrists.
The methotrexate has changed my whole person. I am grumpy and lethargic and nauseous for the first few days after taking the meds.
Get no joy out of anything or anybody.
Explained this to my RA nurse when I had my phone consult and after talking to the consultant they have decided to up my methotrexate by 5mg and my folic acid I now have to take every day bar the meth day.
Just had my first increased dose yesterday so took things easy. Hoping that this will stop the pain and nausea and alter my temperament for the sake of my poor husband who has to put up with meHi Tamara
I am still continuing to improve. Stiffness in the morning isn't lasting quite as long and the pain is easing. The nausea is all but gone and I feel more like tackling stuff that I couldn't get motivated to do a month ago. Thank you for your encouragement xHi
, Thanks so much for the update! That is great to hear. I hope that symptoms continue to improve. This disease does involve ups and downs, and I hope that your "up" continues after the "down" that you have endured.
Rooting for you,
Tamara
I've had my methotrexate script filled and waiting for me to start for 3 weeks. I'm so afraid I'll feel sick that I keep avoiding starting. Should I expect to feel sick for a few days? If so, maybe start on a weekend? It's only 2.5mg pills take 5 weekly with folic acid. Then I guess it takes months for it to start to work? This just sucks.... 🙁 Anyone able to share kind of what to expect? thanks
Hi
. I am glad you've had no side effects until now. Are you taking folic acid with your methotrexate? Methotrexate depletes folic acid and that can make you fatigued and nauseous. If you are not taking it, you might want to ask you doctor for the proper dosage. If you are taking it, maybe you need to ask about increasing the dose. You doctor can order a blood test to check your levels. Thanks for chiming in here. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I’ve been taking methotrexate, 8 tablets of 2.5mg each once a week, for almost a year. The only side affect I’ve had is slight hair loss. My rheumatologist upped my folic acid from one a day to 2 a day. Hair loss has slowed down since then. Luckily I have thick hair so it isn’t noticeable. I was also scared to start this medication but it has helped so much! I’ve only had one flare during this year and a week of prednisone helped that.Not everyone has terrible side affects from this med. I hope you find the med that works for you!
