MTX

April 12, 2004

I too had sun sensativity when I was on methotrexate, but I didn't

stay out of the sun, just used a stronger strength sunscreen

--- In , " renate dorsey " <renate220@b...>

wrote:

> I am just wandering if anyone has had a problem with sun

sensitivity since taking mtx. I went to watch my daughter play

softball one day last week and burnt badly. I have never had this

problem. I have always just tanned. I got large blisters around my

neck and shoulders. Is this going to be a ongoing problem?

>

> Renate

>

April 12, 2004

Renate,....

I also experienced terrible problems with sunburn when I was on MTX.

It was a never ending problem with me, until I went off the med. You

might get some really good sunscreen, and maybe try to wear a cap

that helped on my face area. I know, what we got to go through, T

--- In , " renate dorsey " <renate220@b...>

wrote:

> I am just wandering if anyone has had a problem with sun

sensitivity since taking mtx. I went to watch my daughter play

softball one day last week and burnt badly. I have never had this

problem. I have always just tanned. I got large blisters around my

neck and shoulders. Is this going to be a ongoing problem?

>

> Renate

>

April 12, 2004

Thanks

I guess I was just hopeing that it was something else. I should have known.

I love the outdoors and this is just one more thing I will have to adjust

to thanks to RA.

God bless

Renate

[ ] Re: mtx

> Renate,....

>

> I also experienced terrible problems with sunburn when I was on MTX.

> It was a never ending problem with me, until I went off the med. You

> might get some really good sunscreen, and maybe try to wear a cap

> that helped on my face area. I know, what we got to go through, T

>

> > I am just wandering if anyone has had a problem with sun

> sensitivity since taking mtx. I went to watch my daughter play

> softball one day last week and burnt badly. I have never had this

> problem. I have always just tanned. I got large blisters around my

> neck and shoulders. Is this going to be a ongoing problem?

> >

> > Renate

> >

April 12, 2004

I don't take MTX but do take Humira. I was wondering if I will have the same

problems with Humira. I use all cosmetics and lotions that contain sunscreen

now. There are so many inexpensive products now with sunscreen. Never did in

the past but I have seen the damage sun has done to my complexion. You know,

tanning in the teen years using baby oil! Yikes, that was like putting cooking

oil on and roasting!

I am doing much better with the Humira injections now. The last two were not

fun but no where near the pain that I experienced at first. It seems the

outside of my thighs, towards the bottom but still on the lower side is the

least sensitive area. The burning lasted less than a minute, whereas before it

was at least 4 minutes of burning and about 10 minutes before I could move my

leg. I'm not dreading the shot like I used to but still haven't gotten up the

nerve to do it myself. I'm working on it.

Becky

[ ] Re: mtx

> Renate,....

>

> I also experienced terrible problems with sunburn when I was on MTX.

> It was a never ending problem with me, until I went off the med. You

> might get some really good sunscreen, and maybe try to wear a cap

> that helped on my face area. I know, what we got to go through, T

>

> > I am just wandering if anyone has had a problem with sun

> sensitivity since taking mtx. I went to watch my daughter play

> softball one day last week and burnt badly. I have never had this

> problem. I have always just tanned. I got large blisters around my

> neck and shoulders. Is this going to be a ongoing problem?

> >

> > Renate

> >

April 12, 2004

Hi Becky, I'm on the Humira also, and I really haven't heard any

problems about sun sensitivity. Last summer, I was on the MTX, so I

guess we'll just find out. I use to stay outdoors quite a bit living

in the country, but in the city don't think I will right now.

Oh wow, don't I remember all that baby oil,lol

I am glad that your doing better on the humira injections, are you on

weekly, or bi-weekly? I'm on the weekly, and feeling much better. I

was having some problems with swelling a few times, but it's better.

I do give the injections myself now, but I'm not a pro that is for

sure. I sometimes will just stare at it awhile, and about ready to

go through the roof, but I just tell myself I have to do it. I find

that when I inject it slow it don't burn as much. Also, if you put a

cold ice pack on it for a few minutes before, it helps.

It just takes a little time, Becky. I didn't ever think that I could

inject myself, I'm still amazed at myself. You just hang in there,

and when you feel comfortable it will be time, hugs Tawny

> > > I am just wandering if anyone has had a problem with sun

> > sensitivity since taking mtx. I went to watch my daughter play

> > softball one day last week and burnt badly. I have never had

this

> > problem. I have always just tanned. I got large blisters around

my

> > neck and shoulders. Is this going to be a ongoing problem?

> > >

> > > Renate

> > >

April 13, 2004

it does say not to spend prolonged time in the sun, sorry kjathy in il

April 13, 2004

I was out in the sun today and no reaction, just a little color of pink, like

normal. Guess it's okay with the Humira. I'm on bi-weekly injections but I

have noticed the last 3-4 days I have more pain before the next injection. I

think I need the weekly but I'll wait a little while and see how it goes. I'm

just so excited about it not hurting so much! One of these days I'm going to

try the injection myself. I have to learn sooner or later, just prefer it to be

later! LOL!

Becky

[ ] Re: mtx

Hi Becky, I'm on the Humira also, and I really haven't heard any

problems about sun sensitivity. Last summer, I was on the MTX, so I

guess we'll just find out. I use to stay outdoors quite a bit living

in the country, but in the city don't think I will right now.

Oh wow, don't I remember all that baby oil,lol

I am glad that your doing better on the humira injections, are you on

weekly, or bi-weekly? I'm on the weekly, and feeling much better. I

was having some problems with swelling a few times, but it's better.

I do give the injections myself now, but I'm not a pro that is for

sure. I sometimes will just stare at it awhile, and about ready to

go through the roof, but I just tell myself I have to do it. I find

that when I inject it slow it don't burn as much. Also, if you put a

cold ice pack on it for a few minutes before, it helps.

It just takes a little time, Becky. I didn't ever think that I could

inject myself, I'm still amazed at myself. You just hang in there,

and when you feel comfortable it will be time, hugs Tawny

> > > I am just wandering if anyone has had a problem with sun

> > sensitivity since taking mtx. I went to watch my daughter play

> > softball one day last week and burnt badly. I have never had

this

> > problem. I have always just tanned. I got large blisters around

my

> > neck and shoulders. Is this going to be a ongoing problem?

> > >

> > > Renate

> > >

April 14, 2004

I have noticed that the sun isn't bothering me either, so that is

good news. I have heard the Humira works better with MTX. If they

can't take the MTX, usually the weekly injections help more. When I

go on MTX my liver enzymes go high, so that is not for me. I didn't

feel much difference until I started the weekly. Today is my day for

the Humira injection,(eek) we got to do what we have to do. I would

rather do it later too, hugs Tawny

> > > > I am just wandering if anyone has had a problem with sun

> > > sensitivity since taking mtx. I went to watch my daughter

play

> > > softball one day last week and burnt badly. I have never

had

> this

> > > problem. I have always just tanned. I got large blisters

around

> my

> > > neck and shoulders. Is this going to be a ongoing problem?

> > > >

> > > > Renate

> > > >

April 29, 2004

, I was on MTX for about 8 weeks before I started to notice a significant

difference. You've only be on it for 3 weeks, so there is still an excellent

chance that it will soon kick in and give you some relief. Regarding the need

for a liver biopsy down the road, there seems to be a difference of opinion

among rheumatologists. Some believe that a liver biopsy is needed only if your

monthly bloodwork starts to come back with changed liver test results, while

others believe that a liver biopsy is appropriate after a certain amount of MTX

has been taken. If MTX doesn't work for you, you will be off MTX before a

biopsy becomes an issue, so for the moment, I wouldn't be too concerned about

it.

Hope MTX works for you and SOON,

Kathy F.

July 14, 2004

Colleen, it's strange that the pharmacist never heard of that before,

but, to her credit, she's trying to be careful.

Not to try to confuse things, but are you sure it's 0.04 cc MTX and not

0.4 cc MTX once per week?

I envy you and your freedom! Six more years for me until I'm on my own.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] MTX

> I ordered the methotrexate from my local Costco ( cheapest I can find)

but they didn't have my prescription. They ordered the injectable drug

from my telephone call, I purchase a lot of drugs from Costco. I went up

last night with my prescription for methoterxate, they had 3 bottles of

injectable ready for me but the pharmacist freaked out about the

instructions. .04 cc's of methotrexate in a glass of orange juice once

weekly. The Pharmacist refused to put the doctors instructions on the

prescription, if I wanted it then, she would only put " As directed " On

the label. I said ok, as long as she gave me a copy of the prescription.

I injection MTX .04 cc , didn't take it in orange juice because I have a

problem with auto immune colitis, but my new Rheumy said it would be

fine if I drank it with orange juice. I thought the whole thing was

funny,LOL!! The pharamanist (s) was going to call my doctor the next

day. Thanks , I double checked the dosage and it's .04cc once a

week. I think he said he would raise the dosage at my next visit if my

bloodwork was ok.

> Thanks for the funny email Dixie!!

> I think I am soo lucky, I'm divorced, raised 4 children, have 3

grandchildren and I sleep ALOT!!. I don't have to answer to anyone, I

get burst of energy and do something around the house or work in my

garden. I honestly do not feel guilty if I take a nap, or come home from

work and sleep 36 hours at a time if I'm flaring.

> I honestly thank God daily that I'm alone. My former husband,

boyfriends, and even some friends expected me to be a " party animal " .

Fun all the time with energy to share. That was me at one time, but I

feel good if I finish a week at work and I have comfort in my home. My

life has changed drastically, but that doesn't mean it was bad. I am ok

with my life and I appricate life, Life is Good!!! It's all a matter of

attitude!! Thanks for all of your support!! You guys are my solid

ground!

> Colleen

July 26, 2004

I have been using MTX, at first alone, now with Enbrel, for about 3 years.

The only side effects I have had are sores in the corners of my mouth, which

went away after we lowered the MTX dosage. I take it by injection because

it is easier on the system and I also have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, so I

don't want to take anything by mouth unless there is no other choice.

The side effects or risks of MTX, as others have said, need to be balanced

against the possible gains. I personally had horrible side effects from

Celebrex-gave me congestive heart failure-type symptoms. It is a personal

decision, but one that we need to make in conjunction with our medical team.

MTX has the advantage of being used for many years, with lots of research

behind it, and doctors know much more about its effects than the newer

biologics. That is one thing that makes me keep taking it, because there is

long term science behind it. But to Billie and all, I say, follow your best

instincts after listening to your doc and asking a lot of questions.

Wishing all my PA group friends a pain-free and restful week

D

September 16, 2004

I just found out i spelled it wrong the correct spelling is

methotrexate. I take 10 mgs a week thanks again for any

information you have

> I was wondering what exactly methetraxite can do to the lungs. I

> never had a chest xray before i started it and have heard comments

> that it can cause problems with the lungs any information would be

> helpful

>

> Thank YOu

> Angie Long

January 28, 2005

-

I have taken MTX and plaquenil-no mistake there- but mtx once a week -not every

day. I still take mtx but with remicade. I am not a doctor so really can't

comment on why your doc did what she did. My doctor is Chinese and has some

accent - and I love her. She was an Arthritis Insight Arthritis Warrior of the

Month. I don't take plaquenil now but that is because the remicade worked.

Plaquenil did not effect my eyes and I was on it for over 10 years. I went to an

eye doctor for regular check ups- I am surprised your eye doctor has not

communicated with your rheumatologist. I am posting to the whole group too

because someone here might be in a better position to comment. Maybe you could

find a doctor you feel more comfortable with in Flint or Detroit. Hang in there.

Hugs,

-------------- Original message from <nanday_blue@...>:

--------------

Hi ,

I read you talking to others about the Methotrexate. I was on it about two

months back but only for about two months. I was on that and plaquenil.

Well the Doctor did not tell me the right way to take it. I took it once a day

instead of once a week!!!!! I am now looking for another Rhuemy since she

refuses to confess that she did not take the time to tell me how to take it

correctly. My husband was in the room when she told me how to take it! She

also has an accent and speaks very fast. I took it as I understood it and how

my husband understood it on the label (my husband is a member of mensa and he is

an engineer so he is not ignorant). We know what we hear and what we read.

My question to you is, should I have been taking something else with that mtx?

I won't hold you to an answer. My name is by the way I read and sometimes

comment on both the sjogrens and the RA sites. I have fibro of course,sjogren's

syndrome, perhaps RA, and whatever else the Rheumy decides or doesn't decide on

that visit. (I am not happy with her can you tell, and am shopping for

another,) Also do you think that I had any liver damage from the mess up with

the mtx??? I don't need liver problems also.

BTW my ent who did my sjogren's biopsy on my lower lip, took the salivary glands

and tested them said he has read so many of the tests results, said that he said

consider my test positive and my Rhuemy (who does not have as much experience I

may add) said I cannot say it is conclusive. She says with Rhuematic diseases

nothing is conclusive,

My last appt last week she said all your blood tests are normal now so nothing

is wrong with you. Yet I still have to take this mtx??? with Plaquenil and I am

having the side effects with my eyes already. AGH.

Thanks for your time!!!!

God bless and try to be well!!!

Nan in Michigan

__________________________________________________

January 28, 2005