Re: Methotrexate, oral vs. injection?

April 12, 2008

Hi Judy,

I've been on mtx (pill form, 4 a week now although I started at 3, hope to be

back to 3 soon) for 8 years now with NO problem whatsoever from the pill. Don't

get me wrong, I was scared as hell the first time I took it, I actually sat

there looking at it for a long time, just so afraid, but I took it, was waiting

for I don't know what and nothing happened, I have absolutely no problem with it

other than a little thinning of the hair, I know some do but I think alot are

just fine on it, I have friends that take it also with no problems. Good luck.

mary in pa

[ ] Methotrexate, oral vs. injection?

I am reluctantly coming to terms with the fact that I am probably going to

begin on MTX at my next rheum. appt. (next Friday). The rheumatologist said that

if my symptoms hadn't improved when I returned in four weeks, we should

seriously consider it to prevent damage, etc. My symptoms have not improved and

there have been distressing new symptoms (trigger fingers, the snapping wrists,

some physical changes in my hands, etc.).

I'm really scared about all of these meds. The potential side effects, the

expense (we have crappy Rx coverage). But I have two boys that need me, the

youngest (age nine) is profoundly autistic and I'm his primary caregiver. I

can't afford to be slowed down or disabled. It's always been a concern who will

care for him when we're dead and gone, but now I'm terrified about whether I'll

be able to care for him in a year at this rate. (

So! My question is...some take MTX orally, some via injection. Why? What's the

benefit of one over the other? Is taking it in a shot easier on the stomach? GI

pain and nausea have been a big problem for me for the past 5+ weeks and the

couple of NSAIDs I've tried just KILL me. I already suffered from GERD and have

been on Nexium for years. Diclofenac is the only one that has offered any

relief, but I have to be really careful with when and how I take it.

Anything else anybody can offer to a methotrexate novice? Is there another

drug that should be considered or is this pretty much the standard first

response?

Thanks!

Love,

Judy

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