Methotrexate

July 14, 2007

No asthma here.

Tami

" J. Blake " <sarah@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info. For those who have had successful response to

this med, do any of you have a history of asthma?

J. Blake

Personal mail to:

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http://www.growingstrong.org

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July 14, 2007

I am on 20 mg. once a week... had to drop to 15 at one point. they say to

be absolutely sure you only take it exactly 7 days to the DAY.. not

earlier.. it is too hard on the system so must be exact!

On Fri, 13 Jul 2007, Tami Mulder wrote:

> 7.5 mg once a week is the starting dosage. I am now on 15 mg once a week and

will go up again (most likey) in August. The information I've been given, it's

not uncommon for someone with my severety to be taking 25mg once a week. So am

guessing that's my next dosage. But each time I go in, they draw blood to check

for any liver damage. I also take the folic acid. My Dr said it helps with

keep the nausea at bay also. So far, so good.

> Tami

>

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July 23, 2007

I started on 5 mg/week and it took about three weeks to notice

anything. I then went up to 7.5 mg, then 10 mg. The 10 mg made a

difference for about 4 weeks, then I didn't notice it helping as much.

However, after several months on MTX, my PsA is doing well, so the doc

backed me back down to 7.5 mg when she added Flexaril (for

Fibromyalgia).

I have have NO symptoms on any dose of MTX.

C.

July 23, 2007

Hi lou, it takes a few weeks for the MTX to take effective. I've

been on it since 9/06. Did your doctor also give you folic acid. It's

extremely important for women to take folic acid with MTX. At first I

experienced fatigue and nausea the first couple of days after MTX. I

was taking 1mg of folic acid. After a few months, it was increased to

2mg and that helped with the fatigue. Also, I take a benedryl about 30

mins before MTX and it helps ease the side effects. I have not taken

the folic acid in about 1 1/2 weeks and I'm very fatigued. I was

thinking it was not that big a deal but.. trust me, it's a very big

deal! I won't go without it again. Dotti

> HI. I JUST STARTED METHOTREXATE ON FRIDAY...... I

> WAS WONDERING HOW LONG IT TOOK TO BE EFFECTIVE AND WHAT KINDS OF SIDE

> EFFECTS YOU HAD. THANKS MARYLOU KAPUTA

>

August 4, 2007

DOTTI, HI. THANKS FOR THE INFO. I AM TAKING FOLIC ACID 2MG BUT I'M STILL TIRED

THE DAY I TAKE THE MTX. I DON'T REALLY HAVE ANY OTHER SIDE EFFECTS AND I NOTICE

AN IMPROVEMENT AFTER 3 DOSES SO I HAPPY WITH IT. THE ONLY OTHER SIDE EFFECT IS A

LOSS OF APPETITE BUT I NEEDED THAT TO HAPPEN ANYWAY. I'VE LOST A COUPLE OF

POUNDS IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS AND ITS A GOOD THING FOR ME. THANKS AGAIN MARYLOU

August 4, 2007

JULIE, THANKS FOR THE INFO. I'VE HAD 3 DOSES AND I AM NOTICING AN IMPROVEMENT

IN MY PA. I AM FATIGUED THE DAY I TAKE IT AND I HAVE NOTICED A LOSS OF APPETITE

WHICH FOR ME IS A GOOD THING. I'VE LOST A FEW PONDS AND I NEEDED TO DO THAT AND

MORE. THE FATIGUE I FEEL I CAN MANAGE AS LONG AS THE MED IS WORKING. THANKS

AGAIN, MARYLOU

August 5, 2007

That's good news! I wish it would take my appetite away! LOL I've

starting taking extra folic acid 2 days before and the day I take the

MTX injection, plus the benedryl about 30 mins before. It sure helps!

Hope you continue to improve!

Dotti

October 12, 2007

, I took my Methotrexate Intramuscularly and I never had any side

effects. My husband gave me the shots once a week, but many in our group gave

their own shots. Be sure you take Folic acid to avoid any mouth ulcers. The

inracuscular injection by-passes the stomach...so it doesn't give as many side

effects. Hope this will help with your symptoms. Best regards, Connie

************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

October 12, 2007

>

> Hi all,

>

> Wondered if anyone has any experiance with methotrexate IM. Have had

it

> >Hi , I used to take methotrexate. It was originally developed

as a chemo-drug for cancer.Those symptoms you talk about usually last

for about 12-72 hours. It works like chemo, in that it distracts your

immune system into attacking the drug rather than your own body. It

managed to put my arthritis into remission for 15 yrs. I never used

the IM just the pills. But, I understand that the IM method will help

with the stomach distress. I hope that helps a little. Rhea

October 15, 2007

You will still need regular liver and kidney workups with the

injections....more in the beginning (6-8 weeks) to see how your body is

reacting, leveling

off to every 6 months or so. The only advantage with injections is to

control nausea. Not all people who take the pill will have nausea at these low

doses for arthritis. Most of the nausea that comes with the pill will get

better

as your body gets used to the Methotrexate. There is a good article on

Methotrexate and other drugs used for ReA and AS. This link is for Rheumatoid

Arthritis, so ignore the definition of RA at the top of the page. Most of the

same drugs listed are given for the different spondy diseases....with the

exception of gold salts. Gold salts do not seem to help in any of the spondy

diseases.

_s Hopkins Arthritis Provides Treatment Information for Rheumatoid

Arthritis_

(http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheum_trea\

t.html#metho)

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October 15, 2007

Does the Mtx when it is given by injection still affect the liver the same way?

I am asking

because my former rheumatologist discontinued it for me because my liver enzymes

shot

way up. I now have a new rheumatologist who has suggested I try it again. I've

always just

taken the pills, so I was wondering if the shots are easier on the liver.

October 17, 2007

>

> Hi all,

>

> Wondered if anyone has any experiance with methotrexate IM. Have had it

> orally for about 10 wks and every time i try to increase the dose it

> make me feels really bad, headache, sick, shoulder pain etc. Hospital

> is suggesting i have it IM as this will reduce side effects, but i'm

> not convinced, what have any of you found. I am also taking

> sulfazalazine, and a plethera of pain meds, still in pain and finding

> most tasks difficult, but just got to get on with it, two young

> children and work keep me busy. Thanks for listening.

>

> God bless

>

> (England)

>

Hi,

I re-started Methotrexate about 6 weeks ago. I, of course read the

material that came with it and missed a couple of things, obviously.

The nausea and my shoulder pain really increased too. But the thing I

was unaware of is that it is available and a shot. This has never been

offered to me. I am wondering if I should bring this up to my Rheum.

Dr. I would appreciate any ideas.

November 10, 2007

Amy, I have been on MTX for a couple years and I wish I had been put

on it much sooner! I have had no side effects other than a little

listlessness and just a little " feeling green around the gills " with

it. Sometimes I have a tiny little mouth ulcer but it never

develops anywhere near a mouth ulcer you get with " stomatitis " . I

take 20 mg a week and 1 mg of folic acid daily. I have blood work

every 3 months and see the rheumy every 3 months. I was scared to

death at first but the great folks on this board encouraged me to

calm down, not worry and give it a try. I did and I am so glad I

did. I don't know what I would be doing now if I hadn't started it.

Like others have said, everyone reacts to it differently. I have a

cousin who has rheumatoid arthritis and she cannot take it...because

of lung problems it causes her. I haven't had the first lung

problem or any other problem so far. Good luck and try not to be

afraid...you won't know if it will help you until you try and it

sure beats the joint damage you get without anything!

Sharon

November 11, 2007

Hello.

I'm currently taking Methotrexate myself. I've been on it for about 6 weeks

now, had my blood tested for the first time as well. I started at 6 pills

(2.5mg, 15mg total) once a week and have just been changed to 5 pills (2.5mg,

25mg total) twice a week. So far, I don't find it to be a bad medication. As

it builds up in my system, I am starting to notice little things here and there

that I wasn't able to do as easy before I was on the methotrexate. I don't wake

up as stiff in the mornings, I'm able to get off and on the floor to play with

my puppy easier, and I'm able to walk at festivals, museums and the grocery

store longer without as much pain. And as far as side effects go, the only one

that I've noticed so far is a little bit of nausea on the day that I take it,

which seems to pass pretty quickly. I'm glad to be on it, and I hope that it

will eventually work for me as well as I've heard some of the other list members

say that it works for them.

Good luck,

Engle

November 11, 2007

My rheumy has been wanting me to start Methotrexate for the last year and I have

been fighting it - but 3 weeks ago he insisted and I started on 10/28. I had

heard so many negative things about this medication, I think I was a little

scared. I take 7.5 mg of methotrexate along with folic acid, once a week and

have had no adverse reaction at all. (the folic acid I take every day). My pain

has lessened TREMENDOUSLY. In 3 weeks I am able to move my left shoulder, which

had been very difficult to do before. Of course, remember, everyone reacts

differently. The only down side is that you can't have alcohol with this drug

and with the holidays coming up, that might be hard to do (I like a beer now and

then). But you gotta do what you gotta do!!!

Hope it works for you!

Terri

tblb1995 <tblb1995@...> wrote:

just found out that in two weeks that my Rhuemy doc is starting me on

this. I don't have any info on it yet so I thought I would ask you all

for you advice/thoughts on it and if any of you have tried it and what

your results were. Thanks!

__________________________________________________

November 11, 2007

<<I would ask you all for you advice/thoughts on it and if any of you have tried

it and what your results were. Thanks!>>

Hi. I actually have an anecdote to share that happened to me this week

concerning the mxt. I took it for, I guess, 2 months or so before I

started Remicade, and I did not notice much change at all. At the time

I was really really bad, though, with my sed rate over 100. After the

Remicade I got a lot better and the rheumy told me to keep taking the

mxt because they work together. I take 10 mxt every Wednesday, and I

can really start to tell on Monday night that Wednesday needs to hurry

up and get here. This week was crazy busy and I spaced my Wed. dose and

was in a lot of pain and attributed it to the weather and my busy

schedule. On Friday, my daughter asked me if i had taken my Wednesday

pills. I said, " of course " then I thought about it...SHOOT! I forgot!

So, I know it is helping. I know some people just need that and nothing

else. I think they have to start you on that alone first, though. Good

luck! I hope you feel better. BTW, I have taken it for 1 1/2 years now

and my liver has been perfect.

Peace,Tammie

November 12, 2007

Hello. I have been taking methotrexate for 15 years now. I really have not had

any bad side effects. Sometimes I get mouth sores but they are not too bad. I

have my blood checked every 3 months and have had 2 liver biopsys and so far

everything has come out ok. My artritis is so bad that the benefits of the

methotrexate far outway the risks. I could not live without the MTX. I am now

30 yrs old and feel pretty good. I went off the MTX for about a year when I was

trying to get pregnant and it was a horrible year pain wise. I gave up try to

concieve and adopted two beautiful children. Yes there are sacrifices, but they

are worth it.

Good Luck,

November 12, 2007

Terri - thanks for your report! I wish I had been able to stay on

MTX (it affected my liver numbers too much.) It is an old and well-

researched drug with relatively few, easily controlled, side

effects. I hope it continues to work great for you. sherry z

--- In , Terri Boelhauf

<< My rheumy has been wanting me to start Methotrexate for the last

year and I have been fighting it - but 3 weeks ago he insisted and I

started on 10/28. I had heard so many negative things about this

medication, I think I was a little scared. I take 7.5 mg of

methotrexate along with folic acid, once a week and have had no

adverse reaction at all. (the folic acid I take every day). My pain

has lessened TREMENDOUSLY. >>

November 12, 2007

My experience was life changing with it... along with Remicaid was

incredible. However my liver felt otherwise.... my liver enzymes went up a

few times and didn't go back down so I had a liver biopsy, and it came back

with fatty liver disease, one step away from the type of damage cirrosis

causes (per my doc) that was 3 yrs ago and I haven't been tested since, but

my doc took me off any kinds of medication that affects the liver

permanently. So that limits my treatment incredibly, but I manage somehow

=))

February 20, 2008

This is what the doc wanted me to take.........

YUK...........I said NO cuz I saw how it made

many people sick........nasty med ! ! Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

February 20, 2008

This is what the doc wanted me to take.........

YUK...........I said NO cuz I saw how it made

many people sick........nasty med ! ! Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

February 20, 2008

Our insurance man is on this drug, and he is very sick...we share the same rheumatologist! Thank you for this...love you......Lea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````

Methotrexate

From a silent sister:

METHOTREXATE (WYETH)

IMPORTANT NOTE:This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

METHOTREXATE - ORAL:(meth-oh-TREX-ate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):Rheumatrex

WARNING:Methotrexate has rarely caused serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. Therefore, this medication should be used only to treat cancer or severe diseases caused by an overactive immune system (e.g., psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis). Methotrexate has caused birth defects and death in unborn babies. Women must avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. Pregnant women who have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis must not use methotrexate. (See also Precautions) If you have kidney problems or excess body water (ascites, pleural effusion), you must be closely monitored and your dose may be adjusted or stopped by your doctor. Methotrexate (usually at high dosages) has rarely caused severe (sometimes fatal) bone marrow suppression (decreasing your body's ability to fight infections) and stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., bleeding) when used at the same time as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ketoprofen). Therefore, NSAIDs should not be used with high-dose methotrexate. Caution is advised if you also take aspirin. NSAIDs/aspirin may be used with low-dose methotrexate such as for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis if directed by your doctor. If you are using low-dose aspirin (81-325 mg per day) for heart attack or stroke prevention, continue to take it unless directed otherwise. Consult your doctor regarding safe use of these drugs (e.g., close monitoring by your doctor, maintaining stable doses of NSAIDs). In rare instances, this drug may also cause liver problems when it is used for long periods of time. If you are using methotrexate long-term, a liver biopsy is usually recommended. Methotrexate use has rarely resulted in serious (sometimes fatal) lung problems, lung infections (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia), skin reactions, diarrhea and mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis). (See also Side Effects.) Lumps (tumors/abnormal growths) may very infrequently appear during methotrexate use. If this occurs, the drug must be stopped and treatment may be needed. Consult your doctor immediately if new lumps/growths occur. When used to treat tumors, methotrexate sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat or muscle weakness. Although rare, this medication when used with radiation treatment may increase the risk of tissue and bone damage. Discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment plan with your doctor.

USES:Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. This medication works by interfering with cell growth and by suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.

OTHER USES:This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This medication has also been used to treat other disorders such as lupus and psoriatic arthritis.

HOW TO USE:This is a potent medication. The dose and how often you take this drug is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. There are many different dosing schedules for this medicine (especially for cancer treatment). Therefore, it is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take it by mouth exactly as directed. For managing psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, take this medication exactly as directed, usually once a week. It may take up to several months of continued use before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and minimize some of the side effects. This medication may come with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

METHOTREXATE (WYETH) SIDE EFFECTS:See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, persistent sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools, skin rash, enlarged glands/lymph nodes, dark urine, bone pain, unusual pain and discoloration of the skin. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, chest pain, dry cough, trouble breathing, calf pain/swelling, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, seizures. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

METHOTREXATE (WYETH) PRECAUTIONS:Before taking methotrexate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver disease, severe kidney disease, severe lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), alcohol use, suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal diseases (e.g., peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis), kidney disease, any active infection (including chickenpox or recent exposure to it), folic acid deficiency. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Methotrexate must not be used during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Pregnancy must be avoided, therefore males and females must use reliable form(s) of birth control during and for at least 3 months following the end of methotrexate treatment. Methotrexate passes into breast milk. Due to the risk to the infant, do not breast-feed while using this medication.

METHOTREXATE (WYETH) DRUG INTERACTIONS:Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. See also Warnings about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin use. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: acitretin, asparaginase, live vaccines, pyrimethamine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting methotrexate. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other cancer treatments potentially toxic to the kidney (e.g., cisplatin), digoxin, leflunomide, other drugs potentially toxic to the liver (e.g., azathioprine, sulfasalazine, retinoids such as isotretinoin), penicillins, phenytoin, probenecid, procarbazine, sulfa medications, theophylline. Certain antibiotics (e.g., chloramphenicol, sulfa, tetracyclines) may interfere with methotrexate blood tests (increase methotrexate blood levels due to protein-binding displacement). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you are using any of these types of antibiotics.

OVERDOSE:If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, and bloody stools.

NOTES:Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., CBC, liver and kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:It is important to use each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:Store this medication at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT:Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

February 20, 2008