Methotrexate for Psoriasis User Reviews (Page 2)

• ARn
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2013

"I have been suffering with psoriasis for 4 years now, and with each year, it keeps on getting worse. The guttate psoriasis covers 80% of my body. I have tried ointments, light therapy, and now methotrexate. All treatments work for a while, but oddly enough, the psoriasis comes back with a vengeance. New spots appear. My dermatologist explained to me that it takes 3 months for methotrexate to work. It slightly cleared up my psoriasis the first month, but on the third month, my psoriasis came back even worse. I'm glad to read that this medicine has done wonders for many, but it just didn't work for me."

• Equis
• February 11, 2015

"I have an autoimmune disease and at the age of 65 developed sudden onset psoriasis on my body (arms, neck, chest, legs, ankles, scalp). Within one month of methotrexate treatment (0.05 cc once a week) the psoriasis was noticeably disappearing. I have been taking a weekly dose for six months now and have had excellent results. I am also taking folic acid and have blood testing done about every 45 days. At this point, I have had no adverse side effects and am grateful that I have relief from the psoriasis. In addition, the drug has given me moderate relief from hand and foot joint pain."

• Josie
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 30, 2017

"I've suffered with scalp psoriasis from being 8 years old, but I always managed with coal tar shampoos. When I was 29, I noticed plaque psoriasis forming on the trunk of my body, arms and legs, chest, and face! They grew larger, became intolerable, and so itchy. After many visits to the GP, I was eventually referred to a dermatologist. By this point, I was off work, severely ill, my skin was so bad I couldn't walk, and I would lie in the bath to help shed the layers of skin. Upon my visit to the dermatologist, he took one look and said I was critical. I was 99% covered and had erythrodermic psoriasis! I spent 11 days in the hospital, bandaged in ointments. I've been on MTX for 4 years now and can say it has helped me a lot (99%). Blood monitors done 3 monthly."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2011

"I have been on 15mg methotrexate for one year for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. My psoriasis was mild to moderate and is a little better but I was in a lot of pain from the arthritis and this medicine has helped me so much. I would say my pain went from a 9 to a 3 on a scale of 1-10. Only side effect is stomach upset and I am considering switching to injections."

• Snapc...
• November 21, 2017

"Sooo, I'm 26, been suffering 5 years. It started in my scalp and then spread to my ears, eyelids, elbows, knees, and little patches on my torso. Last year, to my horror, it decided to make an appearance on my penis and stayed and got worse for the whole year. At this point, I was as low as a man could be. Constantly on my mind, constantly severely depressed with it, and was annoyed with things that don't work. I was in lots of pain and self-confidence non-existent, just wishing for a life with nice skin. Three weeks ago, I was put on methotrexate. One week later, my penis was totally-and I mean totally-clear and has stayed clear."

• starg...
• July 29, 2013

"During the Christchurch earthquakes, my mother (who's had psoriasis all her life) and I broke out big time. We found a specialist and got put on this. It cleared up in a matter of 2 weeks for Mum, for me, it was 3-4 weeks. We both have had no side effects. However, now, 1 year later, after moving to Auckland, I can't find a doctor who will supply it to me. One week from being off it, and it has all come back. Just want to be a normal 20-year-old. If you have a doctor who prescribes this, don't let them go."

• Gmh
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2016

"I was on methotrexate for 3-4 years after trying every option. I started 17.5 mg when I was 19. It cleared my psoriasis perfectly! I struggled with side effects: weakness and exhaustion, loss of appetite which led to severe weight loss, and nausea. I changed to the injections at 20 mg and found a huge difference in side effects. Still not a lot of energy, but not going through my stomach was better for the nausea and appetite, so I could get healthy. I stayed on methotrexate for as long as I could before I felt it was draining me. Now I am off it for 1 year and have bad psoriasis again. I'm wondering if it's best to go back on. Both affect you in different ways, emotionally and physically."

• brook...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2015

"Started with the pill form of methotrexate at a 15 mg dosage per week. Moved to injection form and increased the dosage to 25 mg per week. Seen lots of improvement in my psoriasis. Tired the day of and the day after the injection but not concerned. Stomach a bit irritated, but a little drawback for the good benefits."

• Anonymous
• August 23, 2011

"I have had psoriasis for over 40 years, and although it's just on my elbows and legs, I have tried all the usual remedies (topicals, light therapy, etc.). I tried methotrexate this spring, and in a matter of weeks, my psoriasis began to clear up. My doctor has me go for blood work every month or so to make sure the methotrexate isn't affecting my liver. We have decided to back off of the methotrexate during the winter in order to give my body a break. But I'll be anxious to begin it again come spring!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2013

"I have had psoriasis since I can remember. Last year, after a foot injury, I developed psoriatic arthritis. Since it has spread to both feet, both knees, one hand, and my lower back, leaving me hardly able to walk at 30. I started methotrexate 4 weeks ago, and it is helping a lot. The only side effect for me is fatigue. I do 1 ml injections once a week. If you have PsA, get on methotrexate. If you can handle the needles, injections are the way to go."

• Gdad...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 9, 2016

"20 years ago, I was put on methotrexate after being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. At the time, I was riddled with pain and had great difficulty walking. Thanks to methotrexate, my pains are almost gone, and I was able to work until 65 and love walking since I retired. Only problem has been April this year when I had a severe reaction to my 'new' methotrexate tablets (my chemist changed supplier). The pharmacy at the hospital stocks my original tablets (by Orion Pharma and marked 2.5mm), so all I did was change to a pharmacy that would supply the correct tablets. Wonder how many have had the same problem or even had to come off altogether???"

• dylan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2017

"I've had psoriasis since I was 7 years old. I am now 17 and was put on methotrexate in January. My psoriasis was completely covering my back and torso to the point where I couldn't bend over, as it would cause the skin to crack, leaving me oftentimes covered in blood and under severe pain. Now, 6 months on, my psoriasis is 99% gone, with a stubborn few plaques remaining on my legs, stomach, and back, but extremely small (size of a pea!). However, the areas where the psoriasis once was are left with a darker pigment than the rest of my skin. I am hoping with continued use it shall fade over time. I've experienced no side effects of this medicine (my dermatologist said I was a good candidate as I'm younger and have a stronger immune system)."

• Mr Mac
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2016

"I have been prescribed methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis at 5 x 2.5 dosage once a week, followed by 3 days of folic acid. The day after I took it for the first time, I was disabled with vomiting, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. I felt awful but persevered. Week 2 and the same happened, but this time with a very runny nose - like a waterfall. I was vomiting so badly that yellow bile was coming out - it felt like the lining of my stomach had been shredded. I stopped taking them. I felt I was dying - a bloody awful drug."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2008

"Worked wonders for me. I suffered from psoriasis covering the insides of my hands. It was very painful. They would crack and bleed. I tried many creams and other medications. Once I started this medication, it cleared up quickly. I am now able to use my hands again."

• Razwan
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2016

"I had a good experience with methotrexate. I've been fighting with psoriasis for the last 8 years. I'm 35. I tried so many things. One of my doctors gave me methotrexate just to try on me 4 years back. 2 tablets a week. For 3 weeks. For example, if I took one tablet in the morning and one in the evening on Monday. Then the same dose on next Monday. And the last one next Monday. So after this dose, my psoriasis disappears for 6 to 7 months. I repeat this dose once a year. But the best effective treatment for me was herbal treatment from China. I stayed there for 3 weeks. They gave me herbals to boil and drink the water with a proper diet. I did this for 4 months, and my psoriasis was gone for 12 months. I was not able to continue that diet and treatment."

• Bicol...
• July 24, 2011

"I have been on methotrexate for 6 weeks now. So far, itchiness has been reduced significantly; lesions in my lower leg have dried up (light brown now); other lesions appear to be clearing up, though slowly. Side effects to me are nausea, feeling giddy, and occasional headache, though not severe. May I ask those who are on the same medication: how long did it take for all lesions to be cleared? About 70% of my body has psoriasis. Thank you."

• laure...
• July 22, 2013

"I am just diagnosed with psoriasis in May 2013, and I am on my 3rd week of methotrexate, and so far, it cleared the psoriasis on my neck and under my breast. It stops the wetness and flakes, and the ones on my arm and tummy are lesser in flakes. I just hope that my dermatologist will allow me to continue the medicine, but it depends on the lab results on my liver."

• sanju
• April 1, 2009

"I have been a victim of psoriasis for the last seven years. I came to know about this drug from a skin specialist in the year 2004. Prior to this, I was covered up to 75%, but when I took this, it vanished after taking a mere 30 mg. It recurred in the year 2005. Since then, I have been taking it frequently, as I did not find any other alternative to fight this skin disorder. As far as my personal experience is concerned, I didn't have any side effects."

• oneta
• March 30, 2013

"My mother broke out, seemed like overnight, with red bumps that quickly turned into dry patches. The dermatologist knew right away what it was. We have been on the methotrexate for 6 weeks, and the flaking is totally gone and is healing. The dose was 2 Friday mornings, 2 Friday evenings, and 2 Saturday mornings. The only side effect was appetite and being very tired for 2 days."

• wildk...
• February 4, 2010

"I have had psoriasis for over 10 years, and for the first 5 years, it was very mild, but in 2005, it quickly got worse and covered 70% of my body in various spots such as my entire scalp, under my breasts, on my elbows and knees, in my pelvic area, and a few other random spots. I was prescribed (5) 25 mg pills (1x wk) of methotrexate after trying every cream imaginable and the photo light therapy. The medication made me extremely sick to my stomach. After seeing some improvement, my dermatologist recommended I try the tanning bed along with the medication. Within 6 months, my psoriasis was completely gone. 4 years after being off the medicines, it has come back. It is worse than before, and I am taking the medicines and am getting sick a lot. Hope it works again."

• Sherry
• January 21, 2009

"I've been on this medicine for about 3 weeks. I have psoriasis on my hands and feet. I can walk again and do normal things without my hands cracking and bleeding. So far, I haven't had any side effects that are related to this medication."

• Craig
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 2, 2024

"Have been taking Methotrexate for plaque psoriasis (up to 75% skin coverage) for 46 years (I am 75 now). Dosage has been 25mg once weekly. Had two liver biopsies earlier in my treatment, both good. For the last 30 or so years, I have just relied on liver function blood tests - all good so far. I was lucky, I guess, that I never experienced gut issues or hair loss. I am mostly 100% clear. Infrequently, I find a small patch on the scalp area, but MTX has been a godsend for quality of life improvement."

• Flaky
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2017

"I have had psoriasis for some number of years, since my 50s started, and prior to that nothing more than a dry elbow. I tried all the usual stuff, and I mean all of the junk I could waste money on. I broke down and went to the derm doc and went with steroid cream and blue light with very little change. So I quit the derm doc for a few years and then became desperate as my psoriasis went totally off the charts, and I started the methotrexate med, or as I call it, chemo pills. So far the itching seems to have let up a fair amount, and I'm only on week one. The side effects are not at all like I had feared. I'm terrified of new medicines as so many meds seem to be on the lawsuit. I have noticed a loss of energy, but nothing drastic, and aside from that no problems."

• Anonymous
• June 20, 2008

"I have had psoriasis for 12 years. While it has not helped the stubborn patches on my scalp and groin, it has been very helpful for my joints. However, I am taking 15 mg once a week and after 5 days my hands and feet ache again. I feel very old sometimes. As we know, it's trial and error. This is worth the risks so that I can shop, play Frisbee, and simply act my age."

• wrighth
• August 7, 2015

"I started methotrexate in September 2014 as my body was 75% covered with psoriasis, and I had tried every topical/light treatment going. The drug worked wonders, and I couldn't believe how my skin was clearing up. By Jan/Feb, I'm actually wearing dresses without tights and short sleeves (especially at work, which I'd never done before). The only downside was that the day after I took methotrexate, I felt so tired. I've ended up having days off work because of it. I decided to come off it in about May 2015 and am now waiting to try a new drug, Adalimumab (spelling!?) and my skin has come back worse from methotrexate. I'm in so much pain, and I'm covered in guttate :("