Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Walki...
• August 11, 2016

"Roughly one year now and methotrexate has been working miracles. I started at 10 mg/week and eventually moved up to 12.5 mg/week. From the outset I was tapering off of 10 mg/day of prednisone but could not completely eliminate it until I moved the methotrexate up to 12.5 mg/week. Per doctors recommendation I'm also taking 5,000 mg of vitamin D daily and 1,000 mg of calcium daily (I don't eat much dairy). Side effects: None, except that I sometimes take a short nap after dinner on "methotrexate day" (I take it after lunch so as not to interfere with my pre-dinner martini(s)). Without methotrexate I could barely walk!"

• Anonymous
• June 19, 2010

"It definitely helps with the pain and mobility part of rheumatoid arthritis, but I am nauseous usually 2 or three days after I do the shot. I'm also tired a lot and feel weak after I take my weekly shot. Sometimes I don't take it consistently because I don't feel like being sick that week. I do enjoy it when my fingers actually bend though."

• Puz
• August 31, 2016

"I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago and am grateful that Methotrexate allows me to live a normal life, 20mg once a week, I have a flare every now and then which is managed by a steroid injection. i take 5mg Folic acid everyday to counteract side effects. I am tired on MTX day but generally have not experienced anything negative with the drug. However I take it last thing at night on the day I have to take it, and take it with Milk, I figure if there are any effects I would rather sleep through them, also I don't want to start taking a stomach acid medication so I tried it with milk and it was fine. It's worked for me."

• Kari...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2015

"I am 23 years old, I was diagnosed with RA at age 21. My pain, swelling & fatigue was so severe, I could barely walk and had to be in a wheelchair during my hospital stay. My Rheum. started me on MTX immediately along with prednisone. At one point I was also taking Enbrel (biologic), but the auto injections were so painful, it outweighed the benefit of the drug and I stopped taking it. I am now only taking prednisone during flare ups and take 25 mgs of MTX every week. The RA already makes me so tired, the added side effects of MTX are next to unbearable. The day after I take the drug, I am so fatigued, I can barely pick my head up. The nausea and vomitting is awful. It is: Would you rather not be able to walk? Or walk and be sick?"

• BooBoos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2019

"I started a low dose of Methotrexate in October and had no changes. In December my Rheum increased my dose and it was like a switch was turned on. Within a week, I felt better than I have in years. I did have a case of "thrush" not long after it was increased and a vaginal yeast infection. I have developed fissures on my tongue but I'm over that - treated - and feeling great. I do get fatigued the day after I take my dose (I take it twice a week) - but that passes quickly. I've also noticed when my doc gives me a shot, it is not as taxing as taking the pills. Lucky for me he says I can just get the shot instead if you want! Having vitamin B12 shots is also the key - I'm doing shots at home - 1/2 dose every two weeks instead of every 4. Life is good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2016

"I have been on Mtx for almost 2 yrs. I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 2 yo. I tried Plaquenil when I was about 19 and had an allergic reaction. I had a flare every 5 years or so in my adulthood and took an antibiotic that is prescribed as an off-label treatment for RA until my last flare 2 years ago when I finally gave in and decided to try the Mtx which I fought for years (I am 44). I take 17.5 mg once a week and 1 mg folic acid daily and have no side effects. It works well, but not perfectly and I do still have some pain. Right now I seem to be flaring and may have to try something more. I did try to lower my dose about 4 months ago but that was a disaster. I am glad I tried it and that it works for me."

• Dorian
• March 4, 2018

"the worst medicine in the market, it almost kill me for I developed Methotrexate induced pneumonia, and I was in the hospital for a week, and developed fibrosis of the lungs. Before you take this HORRIBLE medicine consult with your doctor for an alternative................... had I known what this medicine does to your body I would have never taken it."

• prob
• October 19, 2017

"I was diagnosed with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) at 7 years old. I have been on a number of medications including Methotrexate, the only reason being my vision. I am now 18 years old and have been using the medication for about a year now, but have used it before and have the same bad experience with it. I take the medication weekly, every Thursday. After I take the dosage I immediately feel nauseous, and it does not just last for that day. It lasts throughout the whole weekend. I am not an advocate for this drug and would not recommend it to anyone. I feel as if it is making my body deteriorate, and I'm so young..."

• DrG
• June 15, 2018

"My husband was prescribed Methotrexate in February 2016 for sudden severe RA. His symptoms improved. He also took Prednisone and NSAIDs. Early August 2016 he had started on the injectable and maximum dose of Methotrexate. At the end of August he was admitted to hospital with acute Bacteriaemia. He started Intravenous Antibiotics immediately. While on IV Antibiotics he noticed his RA symptoms had disappeared. Methotrexate was stopped immediately but continued on the Prednisone. He came home after a week . Now with Atrial Flutter that had to be ablated after a couple of weeks. The RA Dr would not give him any treatment as he had no symptoms of RA. when he visited. After about six weeks the RA symptoms returned we asked the Dr he could continue on the Antibiotics . She said no, but sent him to an Infectious disease Dr who started him on Minocycline. He is now pain free and active with no joint damage."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2011

"I have been taking this medicine since June and recently increased my dose. This medication has not worked for me at all. I continue to have pain and swelling in my wrist and fingers. The only thing that works for me is prednisone."

• daily...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2017

"I started taking Methotrexate on Saturday Sept. 2nd.. My doc wants me to start on six 2.5mg tablets once a week.Today is Day 3 Tuesday ,the 5th and I feel like rubbish. I am completely drained of all motivation and energy. My head is far from clear thinking. I still have joint pain and a lot of the side affects. I've been on Prednisone for over 3 months, Gained close to 20 lbs. Started with 60mg then 40mg now 30mg..This got rid of the pain for me but now that I'm taking Methotrexate, the pain comes and goes and my upper stomach is way off...My anxiety is through the roof too..."

• Iris
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2019

"Just yesterday got diagnosed with RA, my number factor being 975. Not sure what number is considered normal. Doctor is starting me on 3 pills of methotrexate at 2.5mg., and folic acid once a day for the rest of the week. Not a fan of taking pills. Really scared after reading some of these reviews, as my pain is not really severe, and no swelling. Apparently I've had this for awhile and never realized it."

• Emme
• June 15, 2018

"I took one dose of three 2.5 mg tablets and it almost killed me. I ran a fever had chills,diarrhea, and couldn’t breathe well. I am now taking breathing treatments and hopefully will recover without any damage to my body."

• Cat
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2018

"Started on low dose about 18 months ago and gradually increased to 5 tabs weekly along with luecovorin (Folinic acid) since folic acid didn't stop side effects. Had horrible reactions to several other meds. Joints feel better most days except for flare-ups which is when doc says to increase. 8 months ago I started having severe abdominal pain, nausea, and sudden urgent bouts of diarrhea. RA doc said it's NOT MXT. Have had two internal and two external US, lab tests, endoscopy with seven biopsies, gallbladder functions test, etc. They only found that my stomach lining is inflamed. Saw three docs plus RA doc and I still say it's the MTX! Just increased the dose by 1 tab again and I barely made it to the toilet! Now they want to try removing my gallbladder to see if it helps even low no tests showed it's that!!! Pain is on upper right side at bottom of stomach and goes down from there four inches next to belly bottom. Also the GI doc ruled out appendix, diverticulitis, etc. HELP my belly pain!"

• Jenni...
• April 2, 2015

"I'm on my 3rd month and I do believe it's helping but the pain is still there. I have noticed as the dosage has increased it takes longer to bounce back and I'm unable to cut hair as that was my profession before diagnosis. I hope in time I will be able to get back to work but I am suffering several side effects. (hair falling out, unusually dry hair, quick to have to rest unlike before and several others) I was completely bed ridden before starting the medication so needless to say I don't want to try anything else because I am scared to take the chance that it won't work at all. I know I'm just beginning and hope in time the side effects will fade."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2011

"Taking 12.5mg/week along with Prilosec due to stomach ulcers from too many NSAIDS. Works well on the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Have been bumping the dose up from 7.5 mg/week and have now run into low platelet count 85 when it should run between 150 and 400. I'm backing off of the methotrexate to see if I get a recovery of my platelet levels. Did a two month stint without methotrexate and was in massive pain (all the Vicodin in the world could not touch it). It works but hopefully I'll be able to get by on the lower dose and get a comeback in platelet levels."

• Kvbraz
• April 9, 2017

"I was taking methotrexate 20mg PO for over a year and switched to injectable, which lasted maybe 6 months. I finally just got taken off the methotrexate after seeing my Rheumatologist last week. She immediately insisted we get me off of it after I told her my symptoms: weight loss from ~105lbs-92lbs (I'm 5ft), constant nausea, asthmatic symptoms (inhalers didn't help), consistent mouth ulcers, crippling fatigue and general feeling of unwellness. After a large work-up with my GP as she was super concerned something else was going on, I now look back and am surprised I stayed on the methotrexate that long. Ultimately, the drug did an okay job and suppressing flare ups, but I've whittled down to nothing. Starting sulfasalazine soon..."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2011

"Started taking methotrexate 24th November 4 x 2.5mg weekly. Didn't feel to bad until Sat 3rd December and felt really ill. I had the flu jab as well hopefully things will improve but I was in bed from Saturday until today and I have a taste of metal in my mouth, I can't eat and haven't enjoyed a cup of tea. I also take the folic acid. I have lost 4lb in weight since Saturday."

• Ronella...
• March 16, 2017

"I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age 29, not knowing out the blue I started having severe shoulder pain. Paying it no mind and hoping it go away, than it started in my right hand. My primary ran some blood work, and prescribe me Maloxican and tramodal. The pain, swelling and stiffness became aggressive and move to my other shoulder, hips, both hand's and wrist within 2 year's on Maloxican. I was referred to a RA specialist and was placed on Celebrex.The pain was unbearable that it had me in tears unable to walk, get dress, brush my teeth, do daily task.Now these past 2 weeks MTX has been a blessing! It's awesome other than the weight gain."

• AngB
• September 26, 2016

"I was diagnosed with JRA at 20, although I've had it since I was a very young age. I'm 44 now and I'm just beginning to take drugs for the disease, as my Drs only prescribed pain relievers. I've been on Methotrexate just short of a month. I'm very ill after I take it, and I have chest pain. Hopefully my body will get used to it and I'll be better. It's scary for me, and I keep checking the side effects."

• DNiece
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2017

"Methotrexate was effective in the beginning for me. After three years of taking 6 pills weekly I contracted Lemierre's Sydrome Disease and Necrotizing Fasciatis (two fatal) diseases. I survived and do not take any RA medication. I live a healthy meat free and low omega 6 and 9 diet. Also used several supplements to keep immune system healthy but nothing worked. "

• karke...
• October 16, 2016

Otrexup (methotrexate) "I was in remission with Arava and oral methotrexate for 7 years, but stopped taking methotrexate because I didn't think I needed it anymore and I was slightly nauseated every time I took it. It was a big mistake because my feet are a hot mess. I became totally out of remission with major shoulder/neck pain and fatigue. I recently added Otrexup, in additional taking Arava. After 2 weeks I was pain free and my energy level has returned. I am paying $179 per month for Otrexup and it's a hardship. I am planning to discuss with my doctor going back on oral methotrexate which is only $10 per month."

• Katy
• September 17, 2018

"I was put on Methotrexate over 3 years ago. The third week of injection I crashed. Confusion overall sick feeling had to take an antidote. This medication caused irritable bowel syndrome itching hives and just made me sicker. I would not recommend this medication."

• Kimmers
• October 12, 2019

"So far I have experienced great results. I double up on my folic acid the day-of and after my injection as it helps with being tired. I do experience diarrhea about 24 -48 hours after taking the shot."

• Littl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2019

"I've been taking methotrexate for a couple of years now. In the past every RA drug seemed to work but immediately affected my liver numbers. This doesn't affect my liver and works like a charm. Only issue I have now is my insurance pharmacy choice changed and the new methotrexate manufacturer and those pills don't work. I've been on for a couple of months and am slowly getting worse. Got new refill from new supplier today and take tomorrow. Well see how they do. I se my RA dr Monday so I can discuss with her."