Methotrexate

[Guest guest]

Wow Lynn, I've never thought to look at health for information. Thank

you, Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: " Lynn Dudenhoefer " <lynndude@...>

> The Health site has a tremendous amount of information on

Methotrexate

> and what not to mix with it, such as alcohol and other drugs.

[Guest guest]

not sure what my dose is, I weigh 228 lbs though, and my bill is 6,000 each

time.. every 6 weeks.

[ ] Re: methotrexate

> --- In , " Rambo " <rambo@t...>

> wrote (in part):

> ...I have been taking methotrexate for probably 20 years. I've been

> on a dose of 6 tablets (2.5 mg) per week for quite some time...

> ...I've been on remicade infusions for 2 years. My biggest concern

> here is the COST. My insurance is covering the cost but at almost

> $10,000 every 8 weeks I wait for the bottom to fall out...

>

> , I'm amazed that such a small dose (2.5mg) of MTX can help

> anyone. Have you ever had to take more than that amount over the

> years or had any liver complications? I've been on 25mg./1cc for

> about a year now and still need Remicade and Indocin.

> ****Editors Note- she stated she takes six pills of 2.5 mg each! ?I think

> that totals 15 mg total.

> Also, your note of $10,000.00 for every 8 week dose of Remicade made

> me wonder if it's because of the size of your dose or if there's some

> other factor involved. I'm on 400cc every 8 weeks and it only costs

> around $4000.00 a dose. I'd be interested in knowing if your dose is

> higher than 400cc.

>

> - Jim

>

>

>

>

> Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at:

> http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ -- created and edited by list member

aka(raharris@...).

>

> Also,in August 2001,list member Jack aka Cornishpro@... began

to conduct extensive research which he publishes as the " Psoriatic Arthritis

Research Newsletter " , monthly in our email and digest format. Many thanks to

Jack. Back issues of the newsletter are stored on our PA webpage as well as

the archives of the list.

>

> Don't forget that the list archives comprise a tremendous amount of

information (Over three years of messages and answers).Feel free to browse

them at your convenience.

>

> LET'S HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU LURKERS out there! If you have a comment or

question, chances are there is a person who has been around a while who can

help you out with AT LEAST an educated guess for an answer! If not,we can

steer you in the right direction with a good website to go to,

>

> Blessings and Peace,

>

> Atwood-Stack, Founder

> Alan , Web & List Editor

> Jack , Newsletter Editor

> Pat Bias, List Editor

> Ron Dotson, List Editor

> Orin, List Editor

> , List Editor

> and any others who help in any way (thank you!)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

<<...I have been taking methotrexate for probably 20 years. I've been

on a dose of 6 tablets (2.5 mg) per week for quite some time...

, I'm amazed that such a small dose (2.5mg) of MTX can help

anyone.>>

I think means that it's 6 x 2.5, so it'd be 15 mg per week. The

standard mtx tablet is 2.5 mg. I also take 6 x 2.5.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Visit my personal web site at

http://members.shaw.ca/tljohnson/

[Guest guest]

YES sorry for the confusion..............6 - 2.5 mg tablets

Nanc

[Guest guest]

Sheila I started on 7.5 mg - have been on that 6 months and just began taking

15 mg MTX. Knock on wood but no side effects. I take the mtx in the morning

with a full glass of water just before breakfast. I do get tired. As long as I'm

at work and moving around I'm fine, but as soon as I sit down on the couch at

night I have trouble keeping awake. So I just go to bed a little earlier. I also

take Naproxen (500 mg twice a day) and take that with a little milk. Stay away

from citric acid (citrus and tomatoes and pineapple) on the day you take the

mtx. they can irritate your stomach.

Let me know how you make out.

adriane

[Guest guest]

I am going on to 3 month of MTX. If it doesn't start working soon I

want to start a different DMARD. I never heard of Cyclosporin

(Neoral).

Could I get some feed back from the group???

Cheers

Shane

[Guest guest]

I didn't start at that dose, started at 5 mg at first, for 3 doses, then 7.5

I got nauseated, but my derm gave me phenergren to settle my stomach, I have

pretty bad headaches, but that could be attributed to sinuses too. I feel

for ya, you may have to go to the injectible form.

Mel

[ ] METHOTREXATE

> Has anyone else been started on 7.5mg per week as a starter dose?

> Does everbody on this feel like shite[nausea,headache,loss of

> appitite and depression after only two doses?

>

> -----------------------

> Moderator 2 cents: You will probably get a lot of people telling you about

the side effects you listed. They are quite common for MTX. The list Founder

recommened taking the MTX right before bedtime and take something for the

tummy. She also said take folic acid every day except the day of the MTX

since they seem to cancel each other out chemically some how...PatB

>

>

>

> Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at:

> http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ -- created and edited by list member

aka(raharris@...).

>

> Also,in August 2001,list member Jack aka Cornishpro@... began

to conduct extensive research which he publishes as the " Psoriatic Arthritis

Research Newsletter " , monthly in our email and digest format. Many thanks to

Jack. Back issues of the newsletter are stored on our PA webpage as well as

the archives of the list.

>

> Don't forget that the list archives comprise a tremendous amount of

information (Over three years of messages and answers).Feel free to browse

them at your convenience.

>

> LET'S HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU LURKERS out there! If you have a comment or

question, chances are there is a person who has been around a while who can

help you out with AT LEAST an educated guess for an answer! If not,we can

steer you in the right direction with a good website to go to,

>

> Blessings and Peace,

>

> Atwood-Stack, Founder

> Alan , Web & List Editor

> Jack , Newsletter Editor

> Pat Bias, List Editor

> Ron Dotson, List Editor

> Orin, List Editor

> , List Editor

> and any others who help in any way (thank you!)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Shane-

I have been on MTX for nearly 7 years and I it took almost 6

months to really feel the full effects. I was very discouraged at

first, but my Rheumy wanted me to hang in there for at least 4-5

mos. before we dumped the drug on the " failed " heap, and boy,

am I glad I listened! It has made a tremendous difference in my

inflammation and pain levels. I am currently taking 22.5 mg a

week in 3 doses over 24 hours, but took 30 mgs. for 3 years until

I started catching colds and URIs practically all the time. I told my

doctor that I would rather have more pain and stiffness that be

sick all the time, so we reduced the dosage and I have not been

sick near as much. I am also on Azulfidine, Vioxx, Gold

injections, and folic acid. I was on Remicade, but had a reaction

to it and had to give it up. But I am doing OK right now; not

GREAT, but OK, and I am still working full time! My Rheumy is my

partner, we work together to keep me going. I am thankful every

day that I found him.

So-maybe you shouldn't give up yet! It might still kick in, and if it

does, it really helps control the damage to your joints.

I hope for the best for you!

Rita

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/5/2003 8:32:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

ritaprasil@... writes:

> . I was on Remicade, but had a reaction

> to it and had to give it up.

HI Rita,

I am currently taking Enbrel but if eventually it doesn't kick in my rheumy

may try Remicade. I usually have bad reactions to many meds so I was

wondering what type of reaction you had. I'm afriad to try new meds all the

time. Any

information would be appreciated. Also my rheumy said for his experience he

has seen enbrel for 70% of the time and that sometime reduces pain by 50%.

Janet

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 6/5/2003 8:32:15 AM Eastern Daylight T

> wondering what type of reaction you had. I'm afriad to try new

meds all the time. Any

> information would be appreciated.

> Janet

>

> Hi Janet!

Sorry it took me so long to reply...I had a weird reaction to the

Remicade-the Doc said it was like I developed antibodies to the

drug. I started having bad muscle cramps in my back during the

infusion the first time I had a reaction, and a few hours after that I

had a DRAMATIC increase in pain, especially in my knees for

some reason. Then I ran a high fever-104 degrees. The Doc

thought it might be a one time deal, and I did not want to give up

the Remicade so I had another infusion and the reaction was

stronger that time-I was hospitalized for 3 days after that

infusion. So we had to stop the drug. Disappointing.

Rita

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/11/2003 6:34:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

ritaprasil@... writes:

> Then I ran a high fever-104 degrees. The Doc

> thought it might be a one time deal, and I did not want to give up

> the Remicade so I had another infusion and the reaction was

> stronger that time-I was hospitalized for 3 days after that

> infusion. So we had to stop the drug. Disappointing.

> Rita

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Are there any other people that had a bad

reaction to the Remicade because that might be the next step I am going to

take.

Janet

[Guest guest]

> Does anyone have any experience with elevated liver enzymes and

> methotrexate? My son Teddy just had tests done that came back

elevated

> (about 5x normal). We are skipping the shot this week and

retesting next

Hi Helen,

elevated liver enzymes is one of the most common side effects of

methotrexate and other DMARDs. It can happen anytime, even if the

child has been taking the med for a longer time. The policy is to

skip one or two doses, check the enzymes again and only restart the

med when the labs come out normal. After restarting they usually

check the bloodwork more often than before. If the enzymes go up

again, the child might need to switch to another DMARD. I know that

some doctors (at least in our hospital) except the liver enzymes to

be slightly higher than they should normally be, and they just let it

go. Some are more careful. This is a very common problem with DMARDs

so you are not alone with this.

I wish you are all well,

Soili

[Guest guest]

Helen, Sorry to hear Teddy is having trouble with this...it is not an uncommon occurance with some and Methotrexate. I too have had this to happen a couple times and it can mean going off metho for a while to allow the liver to heal it's self ( and it will) sometimes it takes a small amount of time and sometimes it can be a while off metho for the liver function to return to normal. Rest assured that with close monitoring things should go back to normal. The Liver unlike alot of our other organs can repair. Good Luck and think positive! :) Tree:):) P.S. Keep us posted on Teddy's progress:) Theresa Sappenfield JRA Veteran 35 years F.A.C.E.S. Facing Arthritis with Compassion, Encouragement and Support treesap61@... Louisville, Kentucky methotrexate Does anyone have any experience with elevated liver enzymes andmethotrexate? My son Teddy just had tests done that came back elevated(about 5x normal). We are skipping the shot this week and retesting nextweek. hh

[Guest guest]

Hi! Good luck with your shot! I inject in my stomach and Enbrel has been

okay. I have noticed some difference but not much. Lots of people have gotten

good results though so I keep hoping! ;-) Hope all goes well for you.

(Va.)

[Guest guest]

Oops, I should have said I take the injections weekly. Harv

[Guest guest]

Harv,

Are you using folic acid with the methotrexate?

Jan

[Guest guest]

Jan,

You'd mentioned folic acid in connection with Metho.

I am taking it now but I " m not sure what it is supposed to do and how it

helps?

Liz

~~~~~~

" Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think

freely, to risk life, and to be needed. " **Storm on**

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EMAIL: juliette@... **ICQ 49746198** MSN-LizKP1952@...

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[Guest guest]

I was told that the folic acid helps prevent mouth sores/ulcers.

I was originallytold to take it 6 days pers week - not on the day i take the

mtx - and after the first couple of months I was developing sore spots on my

tongue and lips the day after I'd taken the mtx, before I took the folic

acid in the evening.

I've since been told it is ok to take folic acid 7 days pers week, and have

inreased the dose. I was taking 0.5mg, am now taking 1.5 mg and the dose

can be increased up to 5mg.

I've never had a full-on sore or ulcer from the mtx, have only been on it 6

months, so I can't swear by the folic acid, but it seems to working for me,

it is commonly prescribed, its cheap and it doesn't seem to have side

effects.

Jan

[Guest guest]

Will, I have taken low dose Methotrexate. I was on it for about 6

months. For the most part, it wasn't too difficult. After I had been

on it for about 2 cycles, I had a little nausea which appeared a

couple of days after dosage. It was manageable. After about 4

cycles I experienced vertigo and motion-sickness. My allergist

prescribed folic acid then, which cleared up that problem.

Methotrexate acts by binding with the body's natural folic acid and

when that is depleted you are more likely to have symptoms. The

Methotrexate worked well for me. I have been off of it for about 2

months now. Your wife will be unable to donate blood while she is on

Methotrexate as blood donation is contraindicated. After she is off

it again for 2 months she can donate blood once more (if that is her

habit).

> Is there anyone out there that has taken lose dose oral

methotrexate? My wife is suppose to start on this in the near future

and we were wondering if anyone had experienced the negative side

effects at lower levels.

>

> -Will

[Guest guest]

Hi Will

What is methotrexate prescribed for?

Marcus

" LaForest " <wlaforest@...> wrote:

>Is there anyone out there that has taken lose dose oral methotrexate?  My wife

is suppose to start on this in the near future and we were wondering if anyone

had experienced the negative side effects at lower levels.

>

>    -Will

>

[Guest guest]

My wife, like Carol, has both Samter's Triad and CSS. Methotrexate is an

antimetabolites typically used (in much higher doses) to treat cancer

patients. I think the hope is that it will help supress eosinophil

production and allow my wife to come off of her permenet predinose use (or

at least lower it). Gisele imformed us that it works by binding to folic

acid in the body so you need to make sure and take supplements to avoid side

effects. She said she had success with it.

-Will

RE: methotrexate

Hi Will

What is methotrexate prescribed for?

Marcus

" LaForest " <wlaforest@...> wrote:

>Is there anyone out there that has taken lose dose oral methotrexate? My

wife is suppose to start on this in the near future and we were wondering if

anyone had experienced the negative side effects at lower levels.

>

> -Will

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The MTX itself does not have dye in it, as it is the injectable, but from

what I understand, the MTX injectable needs to be mixed with something (a

vehicle) to be taken orally, that has a dye in it. There may be a vehicle that

has

no dye in it though. MTX also comes is pill form. They are 2.5 mg pills, so

in Holly's case she would take 5 pills all on Fridays. The answer to your

other question is that oral MTX is taken weekly same as the injectable.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Never heard of MTX suspension.When was 2 he took injectible in 4 oz

juice.After 4 months and nothing I demanded sub-q injections and WOW.Either way

it's still just 1x weekly.

You probably aren't ready to hear about shots,but the absorbtion rate taken

oraly is very eratic,your child may only absorb a very small amount of the dose

where with shots if the rheumy prescribes a certain dose they absorb it all

and get the full benefit.It also causes much less GI effects.

has done so well for so long that we got him permission to go from

shots to pills.He did 3 weeks of pills with terrible tummy aches to now over 5

months of GERD meds to heal his stomache.

They make a topical cream called Emla,it comes in name brand or you can get a

generic.Leave it on for 1-2 hours and it numbs the skin.With little ones it's

all in their heads no matter what,fear of needles. used to freak out

over the yellow stuff.Come shot time wanted to know if it was clear or yellow.We

bought a 15'x36 " pool and it rules.At almost 6 and almost 3 yrs of shots he

doesn't want Emla and it doesn't bother him at all.He says they feel good and

just watches cartoons while I do it.He is almost ready to push the plunger

himself.

Much more then you asked but just wait, their are others that will agree.I

hope I didn't overwhelm you to soon.Just trying to spare youre baby from the

wait and see game.

Love,hugs and prayers

Becki and 5 systemic

[Guest guest]

Hi all! Can someone tell me if the mtx oral suspension has dye in it

or not? And can you tell me whether or not it's typically weekly like

the injections or is it daily?

Thanks

[Guest guest]

Thanks.. You were very helpful.... I may just skip the hoopla and ask

for the injectable to start with. :-( Have to do something big. We

are off to check out the elbow. I'm sure it's arthritis there too.

Feels larger than the other elbow and is warmer. <sigh>

I'll let you know how today goes..

MIchelle - giving them all hell today!! LOL

> Hi ,

> Never heard of MTX suspension.When was 2 he took injectible in

4 oz

> juice.After 4 months and nothing I demanded sub-q injections and

WOW.Either way

> it's still just 1x weekly.

> You probably aren't ready to hear about shots,but the absorbtion

rate taken

> oraly is very eratic,your child may only absorb a very small amount

of the dose

> where with shots if the rheumy prescribes a certain dose they absorb

it all

> and get the full benefit.It also causes much less GI effects.

> has done so well for so long that we got him permission to go

from

> shots to pills.He did 3 weeks of pills with terrible tummy aches to

now over 5

> months of GERD meds to heal his stomache.

> They make a topical cream called Emla,it comes in name brand or you

can get a

> generic.Leave it on for 1-2 hours and it numbs the skin.With little

ones it's

> all in their heads no matter what,fear of needles. used to

freak out

> over the yellow stuff.Come shot time wanted to know if it was clear

or yellow.We

> bought a 15'x36 " pool and it rules.At almost 6 and almost 3 yrs of

shots he

> doesn't want Emla and it doesn't bother him at all.He says they feel

good and

> just watches cartoons while I do it.He is almost ready to push the

plunger

> himself.

> Much more then you asked but just wait, their are others that will

agree.I

> hope I didn't overwhelm you to soon.Just trying to spare youre baby

from the

> wait and see game.

> Love,hugs and prayers

> Becki and 5 systemic

>

>

>