I hear about the stomach lining being affected by the methotrexate and I was wondering how will I know. Will I feel it or is there test to take from my doctor. Lately I've been feeling really nauseas and mentioned it to my doctor and all he said was that it was from the methotrexate. I read on another board that he can prescribe anti nausea pills. Are they safe to take? I'm on folic acid and methotrexate now. When I was on methotrexate, it affected the lining of my stomach, I knew this because of nausea and vomiting. I don't see why anti-nausea pills would be unsafe, but it would probably be best to ask your doctor. Good luck!
I've heard of something that sort of coats your stomach there by preventing future problems. Does anyone know anything about something like that? I'd be curious to know myself. I take 25mg of MTX...and lots of Advil as well; that's got to be just as bad long term. I haven't noticed any problems so far; but there seems to be increasing concern amoung all of us.
I'll be watching this post for suggestions as well.
Good Question Aeriol....Welcome to AI. Hope you'll stick around.
WELCOME to AI Aeriol,
I am glad to see that you joined out little group...WE do have some very nice people on this board, not to mention EXTREMELY CARING.
I take Previcid because of all the medications I have to take and not just for RA either...It has helped me out substancially...I hope I never have to stop taking them. My mother also had a Hiatal Hernia, which can turn into esophageal cancer if left untreated and that can be genetically passed down, so my oncologist said he wanted me to be on a acid reducer like Previcid. The problem with taking such highly toxic medications, that we seem destine to always have to take, is that they can and do harm your stomach linings in high doses or because of long term use and never knowing the damage is happening...I definitely would ask your doctors if it would be beneficial for you, to take something like Prilocec (OTC) or maybe he/she could write you a prescription for different type of acid reducer... It never hurts to ask.
Once again, Welcome aboard and we hope that you enjoy your stay with us at AI.
Toni
I use to take a lot of Ibuprofen and gave myself a good case of Gastritis. That is inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is very important to take many medications with food, especially Ibuprofen. Yes, there are meds that you can take to prevent nausea but that would be covering up the problem. There are meds that can protect the lining of the stomach and your physician can prescribe them. Gastritis left untreated can turn into bleeding and "Ulcers". You sure dont want that!
Lesle
I too have gastritis from taking insaids. I now take previcid. My gs assurred me previcid is a fairly benign medicine although it can inhibit Vit B absorption. I take a B complex daily as well.
I also went through a period where pain relievers gave me nausea. I was prescribed promethazine, which worked well. As soon as I started Previcid, stomach problems became the least of my worries, although I still feel some knawing pain with an empty stomach.
Jodi
AeirolI have had gastritis since taking all these RA meds... and what you need to do is see a GI doc and get an upper scope done to check for this and ulcers too... its easy and quick. Its also called an EGD.
I was on Prilosec and switched to Nexium... and found that it really is better. Our poor tummies have to endure all of these meds! It makes me wonder how long our systems can take it all.
Also... try the injectable MTX... I did it for years. I still think it upset my stomach anyway... but its supposed to be easier on the stomach. I have also had to take nausea pills...and they are great. Some do taste funny but they do help.