Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 3)

• pro...
• 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..."

• Puz...
• August 31, 2016

"I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago and am grateful that methotrexate allows me to live a normal life. I take 20 mg once a week. I have a flare every now and then, which is managed by a steroid injection. I take 5 mg of folic acid every day 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 I 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."

• mas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2014

"I have been taking methotrexate for two weeks now. Before taking this, I had pain in my hips, knees, and ankle and could not walk on the heel of one of my feet. The pain was really bad. I am now walking on my foot again with little pain and do not feel so fatigued and tired. I do feel tired and a bit dizzy for a few days after the medication but not too bad. I am only taking 3 a week at the moment, and about to take four, then five and six. Hopefully I won't have too many side effects."

• Kar...
• 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, and fatigue were so severe that I could barely walk and had to be in a wheelchair during my hospital stay. My rheumatologist started me on MTX immediately along with prednisone. At one point, I was also taking Enbrel (biologic), but the auto-injections were so painful that it outweighed the benefit of the drug, and I stopped taking it. I am now only taking prednisone during flare-ups and take 25 mg 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 that I can barely pick my head up. The nausea and vomiting are awful. It makes me think: Would you rather not be able to walk, or walk and be sick?"

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2020

"I was on this medicine. I always Google, but this one friend insisted that I didn't and just follow doctors' orders. Worst case scenario, I woke up one morning with dizziness, and it got severe. I was not lightheaded or faint, just dizziness and not able to function. I was laid up for more than 2 weeks due to dizziness. My vital signs were not off, just severe dizziness. This pill has literally caused a life-changing experience. I had to close down my registered home daycare. I'm not even able to function as I used to. Been off the medication for almost 2 years, but I still get dizziness and double vision, not able to take on any sort of employment because I just never know when a flare-up will spike. Yes, I already had other health issues: nerve damage, blood disorders, ringing in both ears, herniated disc. Doctors should be accountable for prescreening their patients. Si"

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

"Started on a low dose about 18 months ago and gradually increased to 5 tabs weekly along with leucovorin (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. Eight months ago, I started having severe abdominal pain, nausea, and sudden urgent bouts of diarrhea. RA doc said it's NOT MTX. Have had two internal and two external ultrasounds, 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 one tab again, and I barely made it to the toilet! Now they want to try removing my gallbladder to see if it helps, even though low no tests showed it's that!!! Pain is on the upper right side at the bottom of my stomach and goes down from there four inches next to my belly button. Also, the GI doc ruled out appendix, diverticulitis, etc. HELP my belly pain!"

• Dor...
• March 4, 2018

"The worst medicine in the market, it almost killed 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."

• Boo...
• 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 rheumatologist 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 I 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
• March 23, 2011

"Taking 12.5 mg/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."

• Jen...
• 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 that as the dosage has increased, it takes longer to bounce back, and I'm unable to cut hair as that was my profession before the diagnosis. I hope in time I will be able to get back to work, but I am suffering from several side effects (hair falling out, unusually dry hair, quick to have to rest unlike before, and several others). I was completely bedridden 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."

• dai...
• 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 2.5 mg 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 effects. I've been on Prednisone for over 3 months, gained close to 20 lbs. Started with 60 mg, then 40 mg, now 30 mg. 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."

• 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."

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

"I have been on MTX for almost 2 years. I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 2 years old. 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 of 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."

• 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 the hospital with acute bacteremia. He started intravenous antibiotics immediately. While on IV antibiotics, he noticed his RA symptoms had disappeared. Methotrexate was stopped immediately, but he 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 doctor 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 doctor if he could continue on the antibiotics. She said no but sent him to an infectious disease doctor who started him on minocycline. He is now pain-free and active with no joint damage."

• Kvb...
• April 9, 2017

"I was taking methotrexate 20 mg 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 ~105 lbs-92 lbs (I'm 5 ft), constant nausea, asthmatic symptoms (inhalers didn't help), consistent mouth ulcers, crippling fatigue, and a 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 in suppressing flare-ups, but I've whittled down to nothing. Starting sulfasalazine soon..."

• DNi...
• 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 Syndrome disease and necrotizing fasciitis (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. I also used several supplements to keep my immune system healthy, but nothing worked."

• kar...
• October 16, 2016

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 addition to 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."

• Ang...
• 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 doctors 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."

• Emm...
• 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."

• Ron...
• March 16, 2017

"I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 29, not knowing out of the blue I started having severe shoulder pain. Paying it no mind and hoping it would go away, then it started in my right hand. My primary care physician ran some blood work and prescribed me Meloxicam and Tramadol. The pain, swelling, and stiffness became aggressive and moved to my other shoulder, hips, both hands, and wrists within 2 years on Meloxicam. I was referred to a rheumatoid arthritis specialist and was placed on Celebrex. The pain was unbearable, it had me in tears, unable to walk, get dressed, brush my teeth, or do daily tasks. Now, these past 2 weeks, MTX has been a blessing! It's awesome, other than the weight gain."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2011

"Started taking methotrexate 24th November 4 x 2.5mg weekly. Didn't feel too 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 4 lb in weight since Saturday."

• Kat...
• 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."

• Iri...
• 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 2.5 mg, 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 a while and never realized it."

• Lit...
• 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. The 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 it for a couple of months and am slowly getting worse. Got a new refill from the new supplier today and take it tomorrow. We'll see how they do. I see my RA doctor Monday, so I can discuss this with her."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 25, 2018

"Methotrexate was given to me for my RA at 15 mg once a week by tablet. It gave me mouth ulcers, nausea, and great fatigue for one or two days. My knees swelled up more while I was on it. I see a lot of folks take it, the best thing that has helped me is eating mostly vegetables and avoiding dairy, grains, and nightshades, but everybody responds to food differently."