Low dose naltrexone

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out with your question! To clarify, you have been prescribed both the low dose naltrexone and the injectable methotrexate?

I have not taken the low dose naltexone, although I must say I am intrigued by the findings of some studies that show it can regulate the immune system and also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Here's one such study that showed promising results: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962576. If you do end up trying it, please update us, as I'm sure our community would be interested to hear what you think about this new treatment.

I have not taken injectable methotrexate either, but I have taken the oral version of the drug. Many of our community members have shared that they tolerated the injectable version better than the oral methotrexate. My rheumatologist did not recommend the injectable form for me, as I had such severe side effects from the oral that he instead put me on Arava. Here is an article on methotrexate: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/methotrexate.

If you have not done so already, I encourage to discuss the concerns you have about your doctor's recommendations with him/her. It's possible there may be other treatment options that you would find more preferable.

I wish you all the best and hope you find something that works well for you,
Tamara (Site Moderator)

Thanks for your reply. I haven't tried the methotrexate. My doc gave me three samples of the 10 mg once a week injectable with an Rx for more plus a Rx for folic acid. Instead of just trying it to see what happens, I decided to research it instead. I didn't like what I found with the possible side effects and the efficacy percentages. It seems like it's a gateway drug to other Rx that are even scarier in my opinion. I don't feel like being a Guinea pig.

Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist but big pharma makes tons of money off us poor people suffering with such terrible afflictions. Just look at the level of advertisement. It's ridiculous. I just don't trust them.

That's why I was asking about the LDN. It seems to be a better fit for our illness with less side effects and cost but treats both disease progression and pain. Win, win.

I don't even know if my doc would be open to trying it. I got all the samples on Thursday and their office is closed on Fridays. I'll just try my chances with her on Monday.

I do understand your concern about the side effects, as I was unable to tolerate them myself. I also understand your distrust of pharmaceutical companies, as I too get frustrated every time I hear about the rising cost of prescriptions and the enormous profits being made. I'm very curious to hear if your doctor is willing to try the LDN. Do keep us updated! All the best, Tamara (Site Moderator)

Original poster (or anyone who has tried it) - any update on this low dose nNltrexone option? I've read up on it as well, and it seems like a drug that works well, is much less toxic, and costs a lot less, so I'm assuming the drug companies don't want us to know about it. It would be great if more people could post if they actually have any experience taking LDN?