help with MTX | Arthritis Information

Hi, I was wondering if anybody could give some information on Methotrexate 5mg. I just had 2 doses so far. But I think some is going wrong. It don't make me sick what it does I think is causes really bad joint and muscle pain. I have a hard time lifting my arms up and my hands hurt very bad. Also I am losing the strength in arms and legs. Would the MTX do that. Has anyone had this problem. I would like some infro. if you have it. I was thinking of asking my doctor but when I do ask him about pills he says. I really don't thinks so. Also it feels like I have tendonitis thru my whole body. No Matter what I take for pain nothing even touches it. Joan Angel,

I never had those side effects while I was using methotrexate. Mostly nausea and head aches that eventually went away. Especially with this serious disease and these serious drugs, always know what to look for. With every prescription comes the paper with all the drug information includind side effects and cautions. Read and reread this paper. Keep the possible side effects fresh in your memory so you know what to watch for. Keep in mind that most ra drugs, methotrexate included, suppress the immune system and therefore it is very important to never leave a possible infection of any kind to the chance of fixing itself. The ra by itself leaves us more succeptible to infections and diseases. Always, always when you feel that something is even a little bit wrong with your body, call your doctor and if he/she can't see you right away, go to urgent care. With this disease and drugs, it is so smart to be safe than sorry. Keep in mind that methotrexate is used to treat cancer and is given in very high doses for cancer treatment and most serious side effects are in the treatment of cancer with high doses. Always be aware of your body's messages and don't be afraid to go to urgent care.

WARNING: Methotrexate has rarely caused serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. Therefore, this medication should be used only to treat cancer or severe cases of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate has caused birth defects and fetal death. Women must avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. Pregnant women who have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis must not use methotrexate. (See also Precautions) If you have kidney problems or excess body water (ascites, pleural effusion), you must be closely monitored and your dose may be adjusted or stopped by your doctor. Methotrexate (usually at high dosages) has rarely caused severe (sometimes fatal) bone marrow suppression (decreasing your body's ability to fight infections) and stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., bleeding) when used at the same time as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ketoprofen). Therefore, NSAIDs should not be used with high-dose methotrexate. Caution is advised if you also take aspirin. NSAIDs/aspirin may be used with low-dose methotrexate such as for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis if directed by your doctor. If you are using low-dose aspirin (81-325 mg per day) for heart attack or stroke prevention, continue to take it unless directed otherwise. Consult your doctor regarding safe use of these drugs (e.g., close monitoring by your doctor, maintaining stable doses of NSAIDs). In rare instances, this drug may also cause liver problems when it is used for long periods of time. If you are using methotrexate long-term, a liver biopsy is usually recommended. Methotrexate use has rarely resulted in serious (sometimes fatal) lung problems, lung infections (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia), skin reactions, diarrhea and mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis). (See also Side Effects.) Lumps (tumors/abnormal growths) may very infrequently appear during methotrexate use. If this occurs, the drug must be stopped and treatment may be needed. Consult your doctor immediately if new lumps/growths occur. When used to treat tumors, methotrexate sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat or muscle weakness. Although rare, this medication when used with radiation treatment may increase the risk of tissue and bone damage. Discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment plan with your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, persistent sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools, skin rash, enlarged glands/lymph nodes, dark urine, bone pain, unusual pain and discoloration of the skin. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, chest pain, dry cough, trouble breathing, calf pain/swelling, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, seizures. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Thank you levlarry for all the infro. Joanbump for any newbieswhen in doubt always give your doctor a call or ask your pharmacist

what dose of MTX are you on? are you also taking folic acid to help with side effects

Joan,

I didn't experience any side effects until I reach 12.5 mg dosage. I started at 5 mg as well and increased by one pill every two weeks until I was at 15 mg. I felt worsening pain when I was on it. I blamed the MTX, but my RD said he felt my RA was progressing. Sometimes I feel like my RA pain is tendon pain.

I think Joonie has said she feels muscle and joint pain when on MTX Angel- you may want to PM her.

Hope you feel better!

[QUOTE=kweenb]Joan,

I didn't experience any side effects until I reach 12.5 mg dosage. I started at 5 mg as well and increased by one pill every two weeks until I was at 15 mg. I felt worsening pain when I was on it. I blamed the MTX, but my RD said he felt my RA was progressing. Sometimes I feel like my RA pain is tendon pain.
[/QUOTE]

I think You are right. I told the doctor that i swear all my muscles and tendons are pulled. Such bad pain all over and thats what he told me it's your RA getting bad he said your joints are very hot. He put my predisone up to 40mg. and I take 5mg once a week of mtx. And I feel a little better. But I know just how you feel. Joan

Actually it helped me some with my tendenitis issues and pain. It does take a while for it to start working. Sory to here you are flaring. The prednisone should help some.
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