Methotrexate | Arthritis Information

Hi,

I was diagnosed with PA about 2 years ago. I have been on methotrexate before but was forced to stop taking it due to elevated liver enzymes. About 3 weeks ago, my doctor put me back on it, 6 tablets once a week. I am yet to see ANY relief from it and I can not remember how long it took for it to kick in last time. Is this normal? And if so, does anyone have any tips on how to relieve the pain. My left hand is horribly swollen and painful to the point where I can't get any sleep. Thanks for any info you can give me.

Hi and welcome to the forum. Are you on any other meds such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade or any of the other biologic treatments? MXT alone may not be enough to control or put you in remission. The goal should be remission not just some pain relief. Also, with injectible MXT you absorb a little more of the drug and it works more efficiently by injection.

It may take longer for the MXT to kick back in or you may need to add one of the biologics. You need to call your RD and talk with them about your drugs and what other choices you have. You're on a moderately low dose of MXT and can take as much as 25 mg. weekly. You may need to have an increase in dosage also. Talk to your RD about pain relief. They will usually give you Tramadol for pain. Keep us posted on how you're doing. Lindy

LinB2008-07-10 10:54:25hi lin,

thanks for getting back to me. I'm not on any biologics. I have asked my Rheumatologist about it numerous times and he keeps telling me that he doesn't want to put me on them because I am so young and they don't know any of the long-term side effects of it yet. From what i've heard about enbrel and humira, I would really like to try them, as remission hasn't even been a consideration of mine. I was just hoping for some relief. I will bring up these biologics next time and see if I can get anything other than a sidestep from him. Thanks again for getting back to me

One of the biologics have been approved for children, I think it's Enbrel. How old are you? I agree that everything should be tried with dmards and if they're not working then add a biologic. Some RDs start off with both meds, others are more conservative. Talk to your doctor about adding Sulfasalazine. It's a dmard. You can take 2 dmards together. I take MTX and Sulfasalazine. Single dosing of RA is how RA used to be treated. It's treated a little differently now, irregardless of age. Lindyhey lindy,

thanks for getting back to me again... i'm 22 btw. I'm gonna run that by my doctor. thanks again for all of your help

Ask your dr about pain patchess for your hands. I have them for when my hands swell 12 hrs on 12 hrs off. they do help, it takes a little time but they do work. meme
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