Hi Everyone,
I was on line about a week ago trying to decide whether to add Methotrexate or Arava along with my Enbrel. Thanks to those of you who responded. Decided to add the Methotrexate and started on Wednesday night (15 mg/week). I've read all the side effects and have actually taken Methotrexate alone about 12 years ago. So far have had a few waves of light nausea, passing in a few moments, somewhat like a remember when I was pregnant. I'm hoping this will wear off in a few weeks? Even if it doesn't, at this point, I'm just hoping the Methotrexate will get me out of this flare. I also am having to give up taking Aleve as I've read this doesn't agree with Methotrexate -- will switch toTylenol. I haven't felt so absorbed with me health in years. Have to remember by favorite saying..."This, too, shall pass."
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
You may find that your queasy side effect will stop after a while or you may be like some who have to switch to the injectible. At 20 mgs. I never have problems any more because I split the dose during the day. It helps so much. My RD also started me on a low dose for two weeks, gradually upping the dose to the 20 mg. If you continue to have trouble, ask the RD about going to a lower dose and building up. Be patient with this drug. It took several months for me to get some relief but others improve sooner, so you may be lucky. I also read that we should avoid Aleve but not only does my RD not agree, he gave me a scrip for naproxen, which is a stronger version of Aleve. I believe there are others here who also take Aleve type meds along with MTX. If Tylenol doesn't help (it doesn't do squat for me) ask about going back on Aleve. Good luck and hang in there. I hope it works well for you.
Sharon.....thanks for the update. I was actually just thinking about you and wondering what you decided. Hope the MTX works well for you and you're feeling better very soon.Thank you both for replying. I have another question.....Is it true that you should cut out all alcohol? I've managed to stay away from anti-depressants and sleeping pills when fighting the down times of RA, but we usually have a drink at night. When discussing Arava with Nurse Pract., she said you can have "low amounts of alcohol" and I'm hoping it's the same for Methotrexate. I'll ask when I go back in for blood tests. In the meantime, I thought I could possibly have a glass of wine once a week. Can't believe I'm asking this question, when all I want is for this med to work!! Take care and let's hope 2008 leads us back to better health!! Sharon
Some dr.s say you can have a little alcohol, others say none at all. I'm not a big drinker, but I've have a beer or a glass of wine every now and then and haven't had any problems. I don't drink on a weekly basis though. Not even a monthylu basis.
Ive found the nausea is far less than at the beginning. I take the MTX at 4 pm on Friday.. and dont lie down til about 8 so any nausea is minor.
As far as alcohol. I absolutely do NOT drink anything alcoholic. Yes I miss it, but if I cant take MTX I am just miserable. I had elevated liver enzymes and had to go off MTX for about 2 months and boy I NEVER want to do that again.
Hi Sharon and co!
All the info I've read this last month - pamphlets, books, online - about MTX says no alcohol OR a minimum of 5-10 units per week (1 unit= 1 small glass of vino collapso)- so Becky won't be boozing any day soon!
Sharon - I'll be really interested to know how you get on with MTX as Becky starts her injections of it very soon. Good luck with it - thinking of you!
Dee and Becky
Dee,
Sorry your young one has to deal with Jr. RA. I don't know much about it, but hopefully with the new drugs and with no damage, she'll be able to totally keep it under control. I was 25 when diagnosed (now 64); luckily I had an agresssive doctor (for the times) and was in total remission for seven years when my kids were babies. Up until about 10 years ago, had little to no visible damage. I really don't know the answer as to how alcohol affects the liver...but I know too much alcohol has an adverse reaction. Since Methotrexate has been known to raise the liver enzymes, I think the doctors just don't want to put any added stress on the liver by drinking alcohol. (I'll ask the doctor on my next visit.) Thanks for caring and I'll be thinking of Becky and hoping for a quick response to the med.
Sharon
My RD said a small amount of wine is OK (what is a small amount anyway?) but to be safe I avoid it altogether. I never cared much for alcohol in any form, but there have been times when I would like to have a glass of sangria (my husband makes the best!) and get a little buzz to relax. I won't take the chance of hurting my liver, it's just not worth it to me, so no alcohol of any kind, ever. (sigh)[QUOTE=Sharo]Thank you both for replying. I have another question.....Is it true that you should cut out all alcohol? I've managed to stay away from anti-depressants and sleeping pills when fighting the down times of RA, but we usually have a drink at night. When discussing Arava with Nurse Pract., she said you can have "low amounts of alcohol" and I'm hoping it's the same for Methotrexate. I'll ask when I go back in for blood tests. In the meantime, I thought I could possibly have a glass of wine once a week. Can't believe I'm asking this question, when all I want is for this med to work!! Take care and let's hope 2008 leads us back to better health!! Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I have been on methotrexate now on and off for 14 years. I have been told 1 drink now and then won't hurt although I don't drink at all due to the effect that it has on the liver. The alcohol can effect the liver and when you take mtx then that will effect as well. When the liver enzymes go up then you have to completely withdraw from the mtx until the count returns to normal, which is not a good option. Make sure you don't go in the sun either when you are on mtx. It can increase the risk of skin cancers as well as it may not make you feel very well. Good luck with the meds. Hope it works for you!
Take care
[/QUOTE] My rheumy checks my liver levels all the time and he has told me as long as I don't consume any alcohol within 48 hours of taking the mtx, and I don't have a lot, than it should be ok. He actually told me that my liver levels were low last time, he called me "wine deficient" so a drink every now and then won't hurt me. I told him I was gonna celebrate low liver levels and have a party!!
Celena,
Thanks for responding. Getting ready to take 3rd dose of Methotrexate tomorrow. It's always good to hear what someone elses' doctor says. I haven't discussed having a drink while taking Methotrexate with my doctor yet, as when I was in we were talking about adding Arava. He then said that alcohol in low amounts was okay. (At the time, I wasn't thinking about alcohol.) We had out-of -town company for three nights this weekend, and I only had one glass of wine when we went out to dinner (3 days after taking Methotrexate). I have to admit it wasn't fun drinking diet coke while others had a drink at night. HOWEVER, IT'S A SMALL PRICE TO PAY IF THE MED JUST WORKS! Hopefully, I'll see a little difference soon. Thanks again....Sharon
Thats right Sharon - as boring as it can be, you can always use the excuse of being the designated driver too. That's what I typically use. Some days I don't feel like having a drink, so I use it then too. Something else I do is to write down thoughts or questions that I have before the appt. Then tuck it in my pocket. When I get there, I pull it out and have it sitting there for him. That way I don't forget to ask. I always remember when I get to the car and thata gets annoying! And you're welcome!!