Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

methotextrate

does anybody know about Methotextrate <i think thats how you spell it?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1193998 tn?1265117597
Yes, very much so, or I wouldn't have stayed on it that long. :)  I used to get vicious, aggressive flares that would come on very quickly. Mtx lessened their severity and though it didn't stop me from getting them altogether, it really slowed them down enough that they were easier to bring under control. After Enbrel came along, my rheumatologist and I discussed it and decided to add it to the mtx to see if my flares would completely stop, and I'm happy to say that they have.

No two people with RA respond the same way to the same meds, though. Mtx is a good medication on its own, and the good news is that it combines well with a number of newer medications so there's a good chance some combination will work for you. The hard part is waiting the 3-6 months on each medication or combo of meds to see if it's going to work.

Mtx can have some unpleasant side effects but again, no two patients are alike so you may have very minor side effects, if any. If you do have them, they will probably fade over time. Common ones include nausea, fatigue and mouth sores. Hair thinning and sun sensitivity may also occur. I didn't have much nausea as long as I took the pills with food, and I still have my hair. However I am quite fair and pretty intolerant of sun and heat. I never leaver the house without sunscreen. I never had mouth sores, but for a few months my tongue felt a little sore and swollen, however this hasn't been a problem since.

You'll be given a companion prescription of folic acid, which is taken 24 hours after you take the mtx. The folic acid will help relieve side effects. Some doctors give you a 5 mg tablet that you take once a week; other doctors prescript 1 mg a day. I take the 5mg weekly, plus an extra, over the counter supplement along with my multivitamin/mineral tablet. On mtx day, though, I don't take anything containing folic acid. The reason for this is that mtx and folic acid compete for the same chemical receptors in the body, so taking them together makes them both work less well.

Mtx has been around for a very, very long time and it's effects and side effects are well known and documented. Your bloodwork will be carefully monitored and if anything starts to look out of whack, you can stop with no harm done.

I hope this helps!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
did it help you?
Helpful - 0
1193998 tn?1265117597
Yes, I've been on mtx for over 20 years. Can I answer any questions about it for you? :)

I took it orally for a long time but now take it by a simple, sub-cutaneous injection. A couple years ago I added the biologic, Enbrel. The combo has worked pretty well for me. I also take the NSAID, Mobic (generic, meloxicam).
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Arthritis Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches