side effects of Methotrexate | Arthritis Information

I know you all have talked about methotrexate, but I am new to this and I just had a shot of it and start the pills. My doc put me on 12.5mg. I'm very nervous about taking drugs, but I realize I don't have any choise.
The inflamation is getting out of control. Can you tell me what side effects to expect and did you lose hair?, a little or a lot? I'm still smiling, just nervous!

Welcome to AI Catherine.

I've been on MTX for a little of three years now I guess. I take 25mg a week as well as Humira. It's been a really good medication for me and I've had very little side effects. I feel tired the day after I take it; but even that has gotten better over time. As far as hair loss I haven't had any. Dramatic hair loss is very rare.

If your doctor didn't prescrib it you might want to ask him about Folic Acid. That helps alot with the side effects if there are any.

Again, Welcome to AI.

Lovie

Hi there: I have been taking MTHX for aout 4 months - I too was scared stiff, but touch wood, the side effects have been non existent so far. Being honest I haven't felt too bad, a few more runs to the bathroom for awhile and the odd mouth sore, but the folic acid is important and my doctor just upped it to two tablets a day. As far as relief, it does take about 3/4 months to kick in but I do feel a benefit. Hope that helps. Gill MacDonaldI have a question about the folic acid. My doctor said to take it also, and that if I was taking a multivitamin with folic acid in it, that I should also take an additional 400 mcg of folic acid. I could only find 800 mcg tablets and wondered if I would be okay taking that, or if I truly needed to cut them in half (his suggestion) and get a total of 800 mcg per day. Is there any problem in taking 1200 mcg per day (the multivitamin plus 800 mcg tablet of folic acid)? I've read conflicting info on the internet, saying more than 1000 mcg a day can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, but it seems like some of the people on this site are taking more with their doctor's approval. Thanks!Been on MTX for about 9 years. Nausea and stomach aches are a problem I face sometimes. take the 800 MG of Folic acid if you get any mouth sores or other symptoms I've been on mtx for... wow, going on 5 years now. The only side effect I've had to deal with is some nausea the day after I take it sometimes. I'd maybe ask your pharmacist your question about folic acid.I'm glad to hear you say that...5 years. I'm on my 3rd with little to no side effects and Hope to continue MTX for the long term.

Hi there and Welcome

I was on metho for a year I started of really small then I was up to a full cc of metho once a week. So I started to give myself the shot because it was cheaper on my medical didnt really hurt. I came down with a really bad cold and doc told me to stop taking it so I did. Got over the cold and still felt better before I took the metho. So I tested it I didnt take it for another week and felt gtreat took it the following week and I was in so much pain. Now I am not on metho just thought I would let you know that some meds create pain and flare ups according to my doc.